If she is happier than your fine lady, whose dainty hands cannot bear the soil of these common things, why?
Ponder this subject, Delia.

It concerns you deeply.
It is the happiest state in life that we all strive to gain; but you may lay it up in your heart as immutable truth, that happiness never comes to any one, except through a useful employment of all the powers which God has given to us.

The idle are the most miserable--and none are more miserable in their ever-recurring ennuied hours, than your fashionable idlers.

We see them only in their holiday attire, tricked out for show, and radiant in reflected smiles.

Alas! If we could go back with them to their homes, and sit beside them, unseen, in their lonely hours, would not pity fill our hearts?
My dear young friend! Turn your feet aside from this way--it is the path that leads to unutterable wretchedness." The earnestness of my manner added force to what I said, and constrained at least a momentary conviction.
"You speak strongly, Doctor," she said, with the air of one who could not look aside from an unpleasant truth.
"Not too strongly, Delia.