'At any rate,' cried Rupert vigorously, 'do not make it appear as if I were the only individual with a tolerable opinion of my own advantages—when Helen looks like the picture of offended dignity if you presume to say a syllable contrary to some of her opinions, or in disparagement of dear Dykelands; and Kate thinks herself the most lovely creature upon earth, and the only useful person in the house; and Harriet believes no one her equal in the art of fascination; and Mrs. Woodbourne thinks no children come within a mile of hers in beauty and excellence; and Lizzie—'
'I am sure few people are more humble-minded than Lizzie,' interrupted Anne indignantly.
'What, when she would take no one's advice but her own, if it were to save her life?' said Rupert.
'But she thinks everyone better than herself, and makes no parade either of her talents or of her usefulness,' said Anne.
'Still she has a pretty high opinion of her own judgement,' said Rupert.
'Well she may,' said Anne.
'When it leads her to go to Mechanics' Institutes,' said Rupert; 'that is the reason Anne respects her so much.'
'I advise you to throw no stones at her, Sir,' said Sir Edward; 'it would be well if some people of my acquaintance were as upright in acknowledging deficiencies in themselves, as she is.'
'Besides, I cannot see that Helen is conceited,' said Anne; 'if she was, she would not be made unhappy by other people's criticisms.'
'Helen wants a just estimate of herself,' said Lady Merton; 'she cares more for what people say of what she does, than whether it is good in itself.'