Mary Wollstonecraft

“ They stopped at a small shop, Mrs. Mason always sought out such; for, said she, I may help those who perhaps want assistance; bargains I never seek, for I wish every one to receive the just value for their goods.
In the shop which they chanced to enter, they did not find the kind of pocket-book that they had previously fixed on, and therefore wished precipitately to leave it; but were detained by their more considerate friend. While they had been turning over the trinkets, the countenance of the woman who served them caught her eye, and she observed her eager manner of recommending the books. ”

“ I could not manage the shop, or buy what was proper to keep up the credit of it, so business has been continually falling off; yet, if his debts were paid, he would now be here, and we should have money in our pockets. And what renders it more provoking, the people who owe us most are very rich. It is true, they live in such a very high style, and keep such a number of horses and servants, that they are often in want of money; and when they have it, they mostly have some freak in their heads, and do not think of paying poor trades-people. ”

“ They then boast of their sensibility—when, alas! neglecting the foundation of all virtue, justice, they have occasioned exquisite distress; led a poor wretch into vice; heaped misery on helpless infancy, and drawn tears from the aged widow. ”