Cecilia was of an active, ambitious, enterprising disposition; more eager in the pursuit than happy in the enjoyment of her wishes.  Leonora was of a contented, unaspiring, temperate character, not easily roused to action, but indefatigable when once excited.  Leonora was proud, Cecilia was vain.  Her vanity made her more dependent upon the approbation of others, and therefore more anxious to please, than Leonora; but that very vanity made her, at the same time, more apt to offend.  In short, Leonora was the most anxious to avoid what was wrong, Cecilia the most ambitious to do what was right.  Few of their companions loved, but many were led by Cecilia, for she was often successful; many loved Leonora, but none were ever governed by her, for she was too indolent to govern.

On the first day of May, about six o’clock in the evening, a great bell rang, to summon this little society into a hall, where the prize was to be decided.  A number of small tables were placed in a circle in the middle of the hall; seats for the young competitors were raised one above another, in a semicircle, some yards distant from the table; and the judges’ chairs, under canopies of lilacs and luburnums, forming another semicircle, closed the amphitheatre.  Every one put their writings, their drawings, their works of various kinds, upon the tables appropriated for each.  How unsteady were the last steps to these tables!  How each little hand trembled as it laid down its claims!  Till this moment every one thought herself secure of success, but now each felt an equal certainty of being excelled; and the heart which a few minutes before exulted with hope, now palpitated with fear.

The works were examined, the preference adjudged; and the prize was declared to be the happy Cecilia’s.  Mrs. Villars came forward smiling, with the bracelet in her hand.  Cecilia was behind her companions, on the highest row; all the others gave way, and she was on the floor in an instant.  Mrs. Villars clasped the bracelet on her arm; the clasp was heard through the whole hall, and a universal smile of congratulation followed.  Mrs. Villars kissed Cecilia’s little hand; and “now,” said she, “go and rejoice with your companions; the remainder of the day is yours.”

Oh! you whose hearts are elated with success, whose bosoms beat high with joy, in the moment of triumph, command yourselves; let that triumph be moderate, that it may be lasting.  Consider that, though you are good, you may be better, and though wise, you may be weak.

As soon as Mrs. Villars had given her the bracelet, all Cecilia’s little companions crowded round her, and they all left the hall in an instant.  She was full of spirits and vanity—­she ran on, running down the flight of steps which led to the garden.  In her violent haste, Cecilia threw down the little Louisa.  Louisa had a china mandarin in her hand, which her mother had sent her that very morning; it was all broke to pieces by the fall.