There was no member of it in whom I regretted this sad want of principle so much as Miss Murray herself; not only because she had taken a fancy to me, but because there was so much of what was pleasant and prepossessing in herself, that, in spite of her failings, I really liked her--when she did not rouse my indignation, or ruffle my temper by _too_ great a display of her faults.

These, however, I would fain persuade myself were rather the effect of her education than her disposition: she had never been perfectly taught the distinction between right and wrong; she had, like her brothers and sisters, been suffered, from infancy, to tyrannize over nurses, governesses, and servants; she had not been taught to moderate her desires, to control her temper or bridle her will, or to sacrifice her own pleasure for the good of others.

Her temper being naturally good, she was never violent or morose, but from constant indulgence, and habitual scorn of reason, she was often testy and capricious; her mind had never been cultivated: her intellect, at best, was somewhat shallow; she possessed considerable vivacity, some quickness of perception, and some talent for music and the acquisition of languages, but till fifteen she had troubled herself to acquire nothing;--then the love of display had roused her faculties, and induced her to apply herself, but only to the more showy accomplishments.
And when I came it was the same: everything was neglected but French, German, music, singing, dancing, fancy-work, and a little drawing--such drawing as might produce the greatest show with the smallest labour, and the principal parts of which were generally done by me.

For music and singing, besides my occasional instructions, she had the attendance of the best master the country afforded; and in these accomplishments, as well as in dancing, she certainly attained great proficiency.

To music, indeed, she devoted too much of her time, as, governess though I was, I frequently told her; but her mother thought that if _she_ liked it, she _could_ not give too much time to the acquisition of so attractive an art.