'You two are instances of the way in which people wish for the advantages they have not, and undervalue those they have,' said Lady Merton, smiling.
'Advantages!' repeated Helen.
'Why, do not you think it an advantage to have sisters?' said Anne; 'I wish you would give some of them to me if you do not.'
'Indeed,' said Helen warmly, 'I do value my sisters very much; I am sure I am very fond of them.'
'As long as they give you no trouble,' said Lady Merton.
'Well,' said Helen, 'I see you may well think me a very poor selfish creature, but I really do mean to try to improve. I will offer to undertake Dora's music; Lizzie does not understand that, and it is often troublesome to Mamma to find time to hear her practise, and I think I should pay more attention to it than Kate does sometimes. I think Dora will play very well, and I should like her to play duets with me.'
'I am glad you can endure one of your sisters,' said Anne, laughing rather maliciously.
'Pray say no more of that, Anne,' said Helen; 'it was only my foolish indolence that made me make such a speech.'
As Helen finished speaking, Elizabeth came into the room, looking rather weary, but very blithe. 'I have been having a most delightful talk about the Consecration with the girls,' said she, 'hearing what they saw, and what they thought of it. Mary Watson took her master's children up the hill to see the church-yard consecrated, and the eldest little boy—that fine black-eyed fellow, you know, Helen—said he never could play at ball there again, now the Bishop had read the prayers there. I do really hope that girl will be of great use to those little things; her mistress says no girl ever kept them in such good order before.'
'I was going to compliment you on the good behaviour of your children at St. Austin's, Lizzie,' said Lady Merton; 'I thought I never saw a more well conducted party.'