Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/228

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222
FRANCES BEAUMONT.

upon her thus early—she had acquired the experience of life in a few weeks.

Brought up only to the exercise of graceful accomplishment, accustomed to attendance and indulgence, she had suddenly found the necessity of exertion. She had learnt not only to do every-thing for herself—but much for others—While the desertion of so many former friends had given her a harsh lesson of self-dependance, she had yet met some unexpected kindness—and hope is so easily encouraged in youth. Her shyness, for that she found impossible to conquer, seemed only natural, in one so young and lovely, and the sweetness inseparable from her temper secured universal civility.

Their small store of luggage was soon placed in the cart, and a comfortable seat, as she hoped, formed for her mother—but here an unexpected difficulty arose. Mrs. Beaumont turned angrily away, declaring "that it was quite impossible for her to ride in a cart."

Fanny did not endeavour to convince, she only endeavoured to persuade.