I do really believe that it is the false name of jealousy that prevents many an early struggle against the real vice of envy.  I have heard young women even boast of the jealousy of their disposition, insinuating that it was to be considered as a proof of warm feelings and an affectionate heart.  Perhaps genuine jealousy may deserve to be so considered:  the anxious watching over even imaginary diminution of affection or esteem in those we love and respect, the vigilance to detect the slightest external manifestation of any diminution in their tenderness and regard, though proving a deficiency in that noble faith which is the surest safeguard and the firmest foundation of love and friendship, may, in some cases, be an evidence of affection and warmth in the disposition and the heart.  So close, however, is the connection between envy and jealousy, that the latter in one moment may change into the former.  The most watchful circumspection, therefore, is required, lest that which is, even in its best form, a weakness and an instrument of misery to ourselves and others, should still further degenerate into a meanness and a vice;—­as, for instance, when you fear that the person you love may be induced, by seeing the excellences of another, to withdraw from you some of the time, admiration, and affection you wish to be exclusively bestowed upon yourself.  In this case, there is a strong temptation to display the failings of the dreaded rival, or, at the best, to feel no regret at their chance display.  Under such circumstances, even the excusable jealousy of affection passes over into the vice of envy.  The connection between them is, indeed, dangerously close; but it is easy to trace the boundary line, if we are inclined to do so.  Jealousy is contented with the affection and admiration of those it loves and respects; envy is in despair, if those whom it despises bestow the least portion of attention or admiration on those whom perhaps she despises still more.  Jealousy inquires only into the feelings of the few valued ones; envy makes no distinction in her cravings for universal preference.  The very attentions and admiration which were considered valueless, nay, troublesome, as long as they were bestowed on herself, become of exceeding importance when they are transferred to another.  Envy would make use of any means whatever to win back the friend or the admirer whose transferred attentions were affording pleasure to another.  The power of inflicting pain and disappointment on one whose superiority is envied, bestows on the object of former indifference, or even contempt, a new and powerful attraction.  This is very wicked, very mean, you will say, and shrink back in horror from the supposition of any resemblance to such characters as those I have just described.  Alas! your indignation may be honest, but it is without foundation.  Already those earlier symptoms are constantly appearing, which, if not sternly checked, must in time grow into hopeless deformity of character.