|
Many years ago there lived in one of the New England States, a
fine family,
composed of father, mother, and six children. The children were all
good, and
kind, and industrious, except one. Kate never would do as she was bid.
She was
in every sense, a disobedient child. She gave her parents much pain and
trouble. She was what is called a vain girl. You all know what a vain
girl is.
A vain girl, is one who attends more to her
dress and
toilet, than to her books. Kate's father was going to New
York some time before Christmas—he told the
girls, that if they were good, kind and obedient while he was gone, he
would
bring them each a pretty Album. They all promised to do just as their
mother
should wish. The father went to New York
and returned. The day after his return they reminded him of his
promise. He
went to his desk and said, "Here they are, but you want me to paint
some
flowers in them, well Ellen what do you wish?" Ellen said, "a lily Pa, if you please." Julia chose a tulip,
and
Lizzie a rose. Kate was silent, and her father asked her—"Well Kate
what shall I paint for you?" She hesitated, but finally said, "I
would prefer a portrait of myself." "Very well Kate," said her
father, but at the same time a sneer might have been seen on his curled
lip. A
few evenings after, when there was a large party in the parlor—the
father gave each of the girls their Albums. Every one was pleased
except Kate,
who burst into tears, and tossing the book on the floor, left the room.
The
Album was picked up and there was a portrait of Kate just as she had
desired,
but beneath it was written, "The flower most admired by Kate."
It was a severe lesson—but let all vain girls profit by it.
|
