went beyond me, and demanded if I had any objection to giving
prayers. I joyfully embraced the proposal, and in this manner the
night was passed in a most comfortable way, till at last the
company began to think of returning. The ladies seemed very
unwilling to part with my daughters; for whom they had conceived
a particular affection, and joined in a request to have the
pleasure of their company home. The 'Squire seconded the
proposal, and my wife added her entreaties: the girls too looked
upon me as if they wished to go. In this perplexity I made two or
three excuses, which my daughters as readily removed; so that at
last I was obliged to give a peremptory refusal; for which we had
nothing but sullen looks and short answers the whole day ensuing.



CHAPTER 10

The family endeavours to cope with their betters. The miseries of
the poor when they attempt to appear above their circumstances


I now began to find that all my long and painful lectures upon
temperance, simplicity, and contentment, were entirely
disregarded. The distinctions lately paid us by our betters
awaked that pride which I had laid asleep, but not removed. Our
windows again, as formerly, were filled with washes for the neck
and face. The sun was dreaded as an enemy to the skin without
doors, and the fire as a spoiler of the complexion within. My
wife observed, that rising too early. would hurt her daughters'
eyes, that working after dinner would redden their noses, and she