But she makes it a rule, she says, to remember nothing
that will vex her.
Is not my memory (said she once) given me for my benefit, and shall I
make it my torment? No, Harriet, I will leave that to be done by you
wise ones, and see what you will get by it.
Why this, Charlotte, replied I, the wise ones may have a chance to get by
it--They will, very probably, by remembering past mistakes, avoid many
inconveniencies into which forgetfulness will run you lively ones.
Well, well, returned she, we are not all of us born to equal honour.
Some of us are to be set up for warnings, some for examples: and the
first are generally of greater use to the world than the other.
Now, Charlotte, said I, do you destroy the force of your own argument.
Can the person who is singled out for the warning, be near so happy, as
she that is set up for the example?
You are right as far as I know, Harriet: but I obey the present impulse,
and try to find an excuse afterwards for what that puts me upon: and all
the difference is this, as to the reward, I have a joy: you a comfort:
but comfort is a poor word; and I can't bear it.
So Biddy, in 'The Tender Husband,' would have said, Charlotte. But poor
as the word is with you and her, give me comfort rather than joy, if they
must be separated. But I see not but that a woman of my Charlotte's
happy turn may have both.
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