Many years ago there lived in one of the New England States, a fine
family, composed of father, mother, and six children. The children were
all good, and kind, and industrious, except one. Kate never would do as
she was bid. She was in every sense, a disobedient child. She gave her
parents much pain and trouble. She was what is called a vain girl. You
all know what a vain girl is. A vain girl, is one who attends more to
her dress and toilet, than to her books. Kate's father was going to New
York some time before Christmas--he told the girls, that if they were
good, kind and obedient while he was gone, he would bring them each a
pretty Album. They all promised to do just as their mother should wish.
The father went to New York and returned. The day after his return they
reminded him of his promise. He went to his desk and said, "Here they
are, but you want me to paint some flowers in them, well Ellen what do
you wish?" Ellen said, "a lily Pa, if you please." Julia chose a tulip,
and Lizzie a rose. Kate was silent, and her father asked her--"Well Kate
what shall I paint for you?" She hesitated, but finally said, "I would
prefer a portrait of myself." "Very well Kate," said her father, but at
the same time a sneer might have been seen on his curled lip. A few
evenings after, when there was a large party in the parlor--the father
gave each of the girls their Albums. Every one was pleased except Kate,
who burst into tears, and tossing the book on the floor, left the room.
The Album was picked up and there was a portrait of Kate just as she had
desired, but beneath it was written, "The flower most admired by Kate."
It was a severe lesson--but let all vain girls profit by it.
[Illustration: Lizzie and Fashion.]