THE CORAL RING. 
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have servants to do every thing that is necessary 
about the house, so that there is no occasion for 
my making any display of housewifely excellence ; 
and I wait on mamma, if she has a headache, and 
hand papa his slippers and newspaper, and find 
uncle John’s spectacles for him twenty times a 
day, (no small matter that,) and then-” 
“ But after all, what is the object and purpose 
of your life ? ” 
“ Why — I haven’t any. I don’t see how I can 
have any — that is, as I am made. Now, you 
know, I’ve none of the fussing, baby-tending, 
herb-tea-making recommendations of aunt Sally, 
and divers others of the class commonly called 
useful. Indeed, to tell the truth, I think useful 
persons are commonly rather fussy and stupid. 
They are just like the boneset, and hoarhound, and 
catnip, very necessary to be raised in a garden, 
but not in the least ornamental.” 
“ And you charming young ladies, who philoso¬ 
phize in kid slippers and French dresses, are tulips 
and roses, very charming, and delightful, and sweet, 
but fit for nothing on earth but parlor ornaments.” 
“ Well, parlor ornaments are good, in their 
way,” said the young lady, coloring, and looking 
a little vexed. 
“ So you give up the point, then,” said the 
gentleman, “that you girls are good for—just to 
amuse yourselves, amuse others, look pretty, and 
be agreeable.” 
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