Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-08-31

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compIished should always be regulated by cir
cumstances. Let no argument, however, be IN
ferred from.this, against liberal education
By no means. Such an one is not in the least
inconsistent with the strictest rules Of industry
and economy; but when ludiciously exerted,
rather calculated to harmonic with, and adj
vance them both; inasmuch as it gives bor-
rowed clearness to the calculations of industry
and increases the zest for the enjoyment of that
| happiness, which, as necessary consequence,
| results from moderate devotion of time and
energy to the duties of domestic economy.
| AS illustrative Of the foregoing positions, the
history of the "Lilies of the Vale" as they were
| Familiarity called by the surrounding neighbours
may be advantageously employed:-Maria, FL
len and Charlotte were nearly OF the same age
they SCREW, budded and blossomed, as 1t were
almost upon the same stem; influenced only by
the mudfc a,ons of parental control and exam
pie. The parents of these young ladies, were
amiable in disposition, but differed widely in
their ideas of "matters and things" Those Of
Maria and Ellen were iudicious discip inarians.
They took great pains in leading, or regulating
and controlling the unfolding faculties and dis
| positions OF their children: and were especially
careful never to suffer an obscene word, an in
delicate allusion, or harsh expression to reach
their ears.-Those Of Charlotte were the re-
yerse-they were opposed to every thing like
discipline, they did not like 10 burthen the open
| ing powers ofther young cherub, nor could they
| bear to resta ain the hayward freaks Ola dispo-
sition not yet formed-she was allowed to move
and think and act unrestrained and irresponSi-
bic as the passing breeze. Thus were these
beautiful and interesting girls permitted 10
grow up to the age at which it became necessa-
nv TO fix them at school.-Malia and Ellen were
then placed under the care Of a lady who had
acquired much celebrity as judicious govern
ess, an, equal fame as an intelligent and indie
fatieabe instructress. Charlotte was commit
ted 10 the care of one of great personal worth,
whose doctrines in relation to discipline cor
responded, in some degree, with those Of the
parents Of theyoung ward. Thus circumstan-
ced, they commenced and progressed in their
school career.
Maria was continued at school until she had
acquired thorough knowledge of the useful
branches generally taught, and had made con-
siderable proficiency in the fashionable or &C.
complshed ones-ahe was then taken home &
entered upon course of domestic economy,
which she continued to pursue with alacrity &
zeal, occasionally revising and practising upon
her school exercises.
Ellen at The request of her parents, was per-
plted hastily to run over the useful branches,
with view of entering upon and spending the
balance of her time al school, in perlecting her
sefin Music, Dancing, French, sc. sc, of all
ofwhich she became perfect mistress-and on
her return home continued to devote her time
and attention exclusively to them.
! Charlotte was permitted 10 run, unrestricted,
| -. <t,ao hn,n
and there plucking Flower, and ever and anon
gathering a thorn, destined to be placed In the
pillows of those with whom nature had, and
time might connect her-and thus continued
until she had acquired smattering of every
thing, without knowledge OF any thing, calcu-
| lated to improve the heart or inform the mind;
and was taken home as unsystematsed in dis
position and as unrestrained in feeling as when
sent to school.
At home, Maria continued 10 pursue the
"even tenor of her way in the performance
of all the domestic duties and social virtues
that devolved upon her, and at The age Of twen-
ty-two was happily united to man of hand
some fortune and sterling worth. with whom
she now lives and moves, at the head Of an
amiable young family, in the undisturbed en-
joyment of health, happiness, and prosperity.
Ellen, almost a CnliQ III inc useful dCCOlI-
| plshments of the female character, danced and
lirted about in the fashionable circle for a few
years, and at The age of twenty-seven, fell in
love with dandy fortune hunter, to whom she
was united, and with whom she hirted about
until her little all had flown on the wings of
dissipation, leaving haplcss and helpless pair
to lament their fallen stars, and depore their
loss She is now an actress, and he soldier
i'll the regions of the West
Charlotte, unrestrained in infancy and unre-
stricted in school, in mature years gave loose
to the natural bent and current of her DISPOSE
ton, which became violent and impetuous. And
now, after having permitted her waywardness
TO break off too advantageous matrimonial en-
gagements, she "movesup and down the earth"
in state of "singIe blessedness," still retain
ing much beauty Of feature and of person; but
stunned by all her former acquaintance, on
account of the recklessness OF her temper, rem
dered even more than naturally SO by the gra-
dual wearing away of her paternal inheritance
and her complete incapacity to turn hand TO
any thing like industry
To contend that the difference in education
led 10 the difference in the fate Of these ladies,
would be, perhaps, conendng for too much;
but the fact is certainly not improbable-and
as there is doubt upon which to hang the pre-
sumption of its correctness, their history may