Of the daughters, Mary and Julia, we have not so much to observe.
They were both very beautiful; and, as we have already said, highly
accomplished. Both, too, were above the middle height and sizes, and
remarkable for the singular elegance and symmetry of their figures.
Mary, the eldest, was a dark beauty, with a neck and bosom like snow,
and hair black as the raven's wing; whilst Julia, on the contrary, was
fair, and if possible, more exquisitely rounded than her sister. Her
eyes, of a blue gray, were remarkable for an expression of peculiar
depth and softness, whilst Mary's dark brown were full at once of a
mellow and penetrating light. In other respects they resembled each
other very much, both being about the same height and size, and
altogether of a similar bearing and figure. Mary's complexion was
evidently inherited from her mother, who was, at the opening of
our narrative, a black-haired, handsome woman, with a good deal of
determination about her mouth and brow, but with a singularly benevolent
expression when she smiled. She, too, had received a good, plain
education, and was one of those naturally well-mannered women who,
whilst they are borne forward into greater respectability by the current
of prosperity, can assume, without effort, the improved tone of better
society to which they are raised.

There were few women in her sphere of life, or indeed in any sphere
of life, who dispensed more good to the poor and distressed than Mrs.
Purcel; and in all her kindness and charities she was most cordially
aided and supported by her admirable daughters. Within a wide circle
around her dwelling, sickness and destitution, or unexpected calamity,
were ever certain to be cheered by the benevolent hand of herself or
her daughters. The latter, indeed, had latterly relieved her, in a great
degree, if not altogether, of all her distant and outdoor charities, so