This thought was exceedingly painful.

It was evident to her, that it was not their changed circumstances that kept him away--for had he not visited Mary Jones?
Uncle Joseph came in a few evenings afterwards, and during his visit the following conversation took place.
"Mr.Armand visits Mary Jones, I am told," Adeline remarked, as an opportunity for saying so occurred.
"He does?
Well, she is a good girl--one in a thousand," replied Uncle Joseph.
"She is only a watchmaker's daughter," said Emily, with an ill-concealed sneer.
"And you are only a merchant's daughter.

Pray, what is the difference ?" "Why, a good deal of difference!" "Well state it." "Mr.Jones is nothing but a mechanic." "Well ?" "Who thinks of associating with mechanics ?" "There may be some who refuse to do so; but upon what grounds do they assume a superiority ?" "Because they are really above them." "But in what respect ?" "They are better and more esteemed in society." "As to their being better, that is only an assumption.

But I see I must bring the matter right home.

Would you be really any worse, were your father a mechanic ?" "The question is not a fair one.