Lydia.
I like to work sometimes, Mamma.
Mamma.
It is very proper you should. Never, especially, my dear girl, be above working for the poor, and doing them every service in your power: little girls have seldom much money, their very cloaths are given them; the only thing they have of their own is their time: if they give up some of their play-hours to work for a poor neighbour, they strengthen good dispositions and habits in themselves, and do, perhaps, the only act of charity in their power. You had no apron to give the little girl, so I let you work at this, that you might have the pleasure of making it by that mean your own present; and I hope, that during the whole of your life, you will find it one of your greatest pleasures to do good and kind actions. Miss Stark would, I think, be ashamed of talking so, if she ever read her bible, or considered who has laboured so much for the poor.
Lydia.
Miss Stark’s Mamma gives her a great deal of money, and I believe she often gives some of it away.
Mamma.
I do not know that she wants good nature; but she puts herself to no inconvenience by giving away money, when she can go and get more of her Mamma the first time she wants a toy; and she would show much more real charity, if she wore less finery, or spent a little less time in diversion, for the sake of being serviceable to the poor sometimes. Charity, my dear, means love to our neighbour; and we are most sure that love is sincere when we part with something we like, or give ourselves some trouble to serve them.
Lydia.
Then, Mamma, instead of going into the garden this afternoon, I will finish the apron; at present I am very tired, and must go and take a run.