Curiosities & wonders > Tales of the castle, or, Stories of instruction and delight

TALES OF THE CASTLE.
soon became one of the most unfortunate child¬
ren in Paris. Her natural tendency to goodness
each day declined, and her character was more
and more depraved. Fond of flattery, she
was unhappy when not praised, full of whim,
sies, and without any one fixed inclination, de¬
voted to her dolls and playthings, and coveting
every thing she saw, she was equally deficient
in justice and moderation.
To add to her misfortunes, she had not a good
state of health. She eat too much, and not of
proper and wholesome food, but of cheesecakes,
tarts, and confectionary; the consequence was,
she was continually afflicted with the heart-burn
and headach. Her mamma, too, laced her ex¬
ceedingly tight, and she, herself, was very much
pleased to be thought fine shaped and slender;
which ridiculous vanity made her bear without
murmuring, to be screwed up till she could
scarcely breathe.
Instead of growing stronger as she grew up,
her health was every day on the decline; the
physician said there was no danger in her case,
and that it was only necessary to procure her as
much amusement as possible. Maria according¬
ly had a multitude of toys, playthings, and
presents; every wish was anticipated, and all
her fantasies were indulged.