Sarah. I think that Mary Ann is right in this respect. I am sure I would not go if I did not think her predictions would come to pass.
Mary Ann. Certainly; I could not suppose you would spend your time and money to hear an old woman tell you things you did not believe.
Eveline. Well, I am sure I do not see any harm in having a little fun once in a while.
Sophronia. No; and I think it is very unkind in Mary Ann to spoil all our pleasures with her whims. She is always preaching to us about giving up our own way for the comfort of others, and I think she ought to give up now, and go with us.
Sarah. Now, really, Sophronia, I think you are the one that is unkind. If Mary Ann is wrong, it is better to convince her of it kindly, and I am sure she will acknowledge it.
Mary Ann. I hope I should be willing to give up a mere whim for the pleasure of those I love so well. But this is not a whim; it is a serious conviction of duty.
Sophronia. Well, I thought you always pretended to be very obliging.
Mary Ann. I have no right to be obliging at the expense of what I deem duty. Our own inclinations we should often sacrifice, our prejudices always, but our sense of duty never.
Eveline. I think, girls, we have done wrong to urge Mary Ann to go, after she had told us her reasons.
Sophronia. Well, then, don't spend any more time in urging her to go, against her will. You know the old proverb "The least said is soonest mended."