“And I trust she will ever remain the child she is, in these matters,” said Uncle Joseph, with emphasis.  “It is the duty of every one, sister, to do all that he can to set aside the false ideas of distinction prevailing in the social world, and to build up on a broader and truer foundation, a right estimate of men and things.  Florence, I have observed, discriminates according to the quality of the person’s mind into whose society she is thrown, and estimates accordingly.  But you, and Emily, and Adeline, judge of people according to their rank in society—­that is according to the position to which wealth alone has raised them.  In this way, and in no other, can you be thrown so into association with ’all kinds of people,’ as to be really affected by them.  For, the result of my observation is, that in any circle where a mere external sign is the passport to association, ‘all sorts of people,’ the good, the bad, and the indifferent, are mingled.  It is not a very hard thing for a bad man to get rich, sister; but for a man of evil principles to rise above them, is very hard, indeed; and is an occurrence that too rarely happens.  The consequence is, that they who are rich, are not always the ones whom we should most desire to mingle with.”

“I don’t see that there is any use in our talking about these things, brother,” replied Mrs. Ludlow.  “You know that you and I never did agree in matters of this kind.  As I have often told you, I think you incline to be rather low in your social views.”

“How can that be a low view which regards the quality of another, and estimates him accordingly?” was the reply.

“I don’t pretend to argue with you, on these subjects, brother; so you will oblige me by dropping them,” said Mrs. Ludlow, coloring, and speaking in an offended tone.

“Well, well, never mind,” Uncle Joseph replied, soothingly.  “We will drop them.”

Then turning to Emily, he continued—­

“And so your minds are made up not to go to Saratoga?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“Well, where do you intend spending the summer months?”

“I hardly know yet.  But, if I have my say, we will take a trip in one of the steamers.  A flying visit to London would be delightful.”

“What does your father say to that?”

“Why, he won’t listen to it.  But I’ll do my best to bring him round—­and so will Adeline.  As for Florence, I believe I will ask father to let her go to Saratoga with the Joneses.”

“I shall have no very decided objections,” was the quiet reply of Florence.  A half angry and reproving glance from her mother, warned her to be more discreet in the declaration of her sentiments.

“A young lady should never attempt to influence her father,” said Uncle Joseph.  “She should trust to his judgment in all matters, and be willing to deny herself any pleasure to which he objected.  If your father will not listen to your proposition to go to London, be sure that he has some good reason for it.”