"We ought not to make the girl suffer for the follies of her parent, to be
sure. You can say what you please to them about it, and then the matter can
be left with her. She will be glad to escape the drudgery of school, I dare
say."

"I think not. She has an ardent desire for knowledge; and the strongest
inducement I can set before her to come to the city is the means it
furnishes for gratifying that desire."

"There are other gratifications furnished by the city which she will soon
learn to prize more highly. Let her once be at home here, and be introduced
to society, and her desire for book-knowledge will not trouble her much. I
know more about women than you do, perhaps."

Mr. Clifton was silent. The last remark of his wife made a deep impression
upon his mind. Certain it was that his knowledge of woman was rather more
extensive and of a different character from that which he had expected to
acquire, when he lived amid the green fields of the country, ere the stain
of worldliness was upon his soul.

"I like Susan," said Mrs. Clifton. "I think she will prove quite
attractive. I have never seen a girl from the country who appeared so well.
She has a quick sense of propriety, and will give me very little trouble to
fit her for society."

"I am glad you like her," said. Mr. Clifton. "Her residence with us will
make our home more cheerful; and, with your example before her, her manners
will soon become those of a finished lady."