"I could not forbear calling here," continued the deceiver, who felt that his artful words were beginning to make an impression, "to congratulate you, as I do with all my heart, upon your late conduct, so noble and wise."
"When—where?" asked the wondering Nelly.
"I speak of your triumph over Miss Folly—over that weak, silly, frivolous creature who has, unhappily, so much power over the minds of ignorant girls. Wise were you, Nelly, most wise, not to exchange your beautiful Content for false pearls or prating Parade. You have a soul above froth and frippery, you despise both flattery and Folly, no one will catch you blowing bubbles of Fancy to furnish a most empty dwelling!"
Nelly began to understand how it was that Dick had found Pride such a pleasant companion.
"Yes," continued the deceiver, leaning through the open window, on the sill of which he rested his arms, "you scorn that poor wretched Parade, that screams 'Ain't I fine?' to each passer-by, as if seeking to attract vulgar notice. Independent of others, you can stand by yourself; you have won Content, you prize it, you deserve it; but has it never struck your mind, Nelly, how difficult it may prove for you to keep it?"
"No," replied Nelly, caressing her bird; "I shall never give my favourite away."
"But your favourite may take wing and depart. Do you expect Content to remain in this small cottage, with all the free air to soar in?"
Nelly looked uneasy and anxious, and pressed her bird closer to her heart.
"It is the nature of birds to mount aloft. Trust me, Nelly, Content will not linger long here while he has unrestrained use of his wings."
"I could not bear to lose him!" cried Nelly.