"Are you willing to have it known that you work for money, Ethel? Suppose that Abby or some other schoolmate should come in, and find you engaged in this business?"
"They need not know that I work for money," said Ethel, a little taken aback by this consideration.
Mrs. Fletcher shook her head. "That will never do, my daughter. You must not do any thing that you are ashamed of having people know. It leads to evils and mortifications without end."
"Would you be mortified to have them know it, mother?" asked Ethel.
"No, my dear. There is nothing disgraceful in earning money when we stand in need of it."
"Then I am sure I don't care," said Ethel. "I would rather earn money than run in debt as Abby does, for every little thing she wants."
"Don't be always drawing comparisons between yourself and Abby, Ethel," said her mother. "I would rather see you more humble in your own eyes. 'Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.'"
"But about the pictures," said Ethel, too much occupied with her scheme to give much heed to her mother's reproof, "Will you tell Mr. Beckford that you are willing?"
"I must consult your father, my dear. I shall make no objections if he has none."
Ethel looked a little disappointed. She wanted the bargain closed at once, and was very much afraid Mr. Beckford would employ some one else. But she knew there was no appeal from her mother's decision, and summoned what patience she could to await her father's return.