CHAPTER XXVIII.

SELF-WILLED BENEVOLENCE.

DURING their ride, Mrs. O'Shane referred to an early acquaintance of hers, who resided in the town whither they were going, Mrs. Keen, whom she had not met for many years.

"Mrs. Keen!" said Eliza, "then I hope we shall learn from you her true character; for we heard a description of her the other day which I should be very sorry to believe of a lady who is said to be actively benevolent. As the gentleman who told us is sadly addicted to satire, I could not confide in his report."

"What did he say of her?"

"He said she was the greatest anomaly he had ever met with; that she was benevolently selfish, and idly busy, and contrived to make every body uncomfortable even in her efforts to promote their enjoyment; that she was so fond of public engagements, as to appear, not so much to take office for the sake of the institution, as to promote the instution for the sake of the office; that the same motive led her to undertake far more than she could possibly accomplish, and it seemed one of her prime pleasures to talk of her overwhelming engagements, to those who would readily

have relieved her if she had asked them; but she wished it to be said she did every thing, though it was impossible, amidst so much, she could do any thing well. What she did not undertake, she must direct; and unless all were arranged on what she considered the most perfect plan, she would have nothing to do with it. She was requested to join in establishing a school for poor girls, and she proposed they should be provided with a uniform dress. This the rest of the ladies objected to, on account of want of funds and other reasons; but she said, without it the children could not possibly look neat,-she should have no pleasure in looking at them, nor would they do credit to the managers when any one visited the school; therefore she would not unite; preferring, as our friend said, in his own style, that the children should not be taught to read their Bibles at all, than that they should read them in red, green, and yellow gowns. He also said, that the societies she patronised engrossed all merit, for she never seemed to perceive the importance of those not connected with herself. I dare say, however, this is a very exaggerated picture, for he acknowledged, after all, she did a great deal of good."

“It is, I hope, exaggerated; yet, from what I remember, and have since heard of her character, I fear there is too much truth in it. I spent some weeks with her many years since, and she then certainly marred my enjoyment by her self-willed courtesy. She was constantly proposing some mal-a-propos pleasure: if I were just got into the spirit of some interesting book, it was

the very time to take a walk; if I proposed to walk, it was generally better to ride; and if I expressed a wish to see one particular place or prospect, and it was not in accordance with her previous plan, there was always some insurmountable obstacle to our going. On one memorable occasion, a party was made to spend a day by the sea-side, and we were all enjoying ourselves according to our several tastes: Mrs. Keen, however, proposed a row, chiefly with a view to my gratification, but I assured her, that as I suffered on the water, both from timidity and illness, it would be no pleasure to me, yet it would make me uncomfortable if the rest of the party gave it up on my account. She thought, however, that all my objections were fancies, and that I should be delighted if I went. Finding I could not be permitted to remain, unless all the party gave up the excursion, I determined to run every risk, and accompany them; but they were soon obliged to bring me back in a state of insensibility, and the pleasure of the day was at an end. But I should like to call on her, and I hope you will accompany me, that you may judge for yourself." This was agreed on; and when they were introduced to Mrs. K., a gentleman was with her, strongly urging her to join a committee now reduced to a very small number, and aid in endeavouring to revive a valuable institution, which, from mismanagement, had long been in a declining state; but all his arguments were unavailing.

"The remaining committee," she said, "were persons of no consideration whatever, and there were so many

prejudices existing against the society, that it was no credit to have one's name connected with it."

The gentleman urged, that the only inquiry for benevolence to make was, whether there was good to be done, and whether our services were required; both which points he thought he had demonstrated to her satisfaction. He could not, however, prevail on her to sacrifice self.

During their ride home, they were conversing on the various unsuspected forms in which this subtle iniquity creeps in and mars or prevents usefulness. Mrs. O'Shane observed, that she had heard it especially remarked of Mr. D'Arcy, as a peculiar excellence, that after he had taken the greatest pains in establishing an institution, he shrunk from any prominent station in it, and was always willing the credit should be taken by any body, so that the good were done.

“Yes,” said Mrs. Cecil, “and it is owing to this real disinterestedness of motive that he escapes envy more than any other philanthropist I have ever known; to which, also, his strict attention to courtesy of manners, and constant regard to the feelings of others in little things, which many distinguished people neglect, very greatly contributes. He exhibits that rare and beautiful feature of Christian charity, which seeketh not her own ;' and most studiously avoids interfering with the just claims or the pride of others. He has not the least particle of the monopolizing benevolence of your friend Mrs. Keen, but is quite anxious to get the assistance of every one in his plans, knowing that it is the best way really

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to promote them, and also to benefit those who can be prevailed on to give their aid. He is rarely heard to censure the idle, but does all he can to persuade them to become active."

When they arrived home, Mrs. Cecil said, she hoped her brother had secured an uninterrupted day, and had been able to make great progress in his pamphlet, “ on a general scheme for employing the labouring poor of Ireland?"

"Quite the reverse, my dear Lucy; I have had nothing but interruptions, which will, however, I hope, result in some good."

"What will you say if I can set Frederick's dreaming philanthropist' at work in good earnest? This gentleman," continued Mr. D., turning to Mrs. O'Shane, "is a man of very amiable temper and warm feelings, but more fond of speculation than of practice. He has devised schemes enough in his closet to reform the world, but has never put one in operation to` improve the small town where he resides. He cannot sufficiently overcome his love of ease and literary leisure to take the trouble of doing good himself, though he is pleased to see it done by others."

"I wonder, papa," said Frederick, "how you could bear his long interruption, and many others, so patiently. Nothing vexes me more than being continually called away when I am bent upon study."

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At your age I felt the same, but I have since learnt that the arrangement of our own time, and even the time of our own duties, must sometimes give way to the