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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Barbadoes Girl, by Mrs. Hofland
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Barbadoes Girl
+       A Tale for Young People
+
+Author: Mrs. Hofland
+
+Release Date: June 30, 2007 [EBook #21975]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BARBADOES GIRL ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Anne Storer and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+(This file was made using scans of public domain works in
+the International Children's Digital Library.)
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+                      THE
+
+                BARBADOES GIRL.
+
+            A Tale for Young People.
+
+
+                BY MRS. HOFLAND.
+
+                   AUTHOR OF
+
+THE CLERGYMAN'S WIDOW; THE SISTERS; BLIND FARMER;
+   AFFECTIONATE BROTHERS; ELLEN THE TEACHER;
+      GOOD GRANDMOTHER; MERCHANT'S WIDOW;
+               ETC., ETC., ETC.
+
+              *       *       *
+
+The indulgence of passion makes bitter work for repentance, and produces a
+feeble old age.                                                 BACON.
+
+As violent contrary winds endanger a ship, so it is with turbulent emotions
+in the mind; whereas such as are favourable awaken the understanding, keep
+in motion the will, and make the whole man more vigorous.       ADDISON.
+
+              *       *       *
+
+          _A NEW EDITION, REVISED._
+
+                   BOSTON:
+             CHASE AND NICHOLS,
+            43 WASHINGTON STREET.
+                    1863.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THE BARBADOES GIRL.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+As Mr. Harewood was one evening sitting with his wife and children, he told
+them that he expected soon to receive among them the daughter of a friend,
+who had lately died in the West Indies.
+
+Mr. Harewood's family consisted of his wife, two sons, and a daughter: the
+eldest, named Edmund, was about twelve years of age; Charles, the second,
+was scarcely ten; and Ellen, the daughter, had just passed her eighth
+birthday: they were all sensible, affectionate children, but a little
+different in disposition, the eldest being grave and studious, the second
+lively and active, and as he was nearer to Ellen's age, she was often
+inclined to romp with him, when she should have minded her book; but she
+was so fond of her mamma, and was educated with such a proper sense of the
+duty and obedience she owed her, that a word or a look never failed to
+restrain the exuberance of her spirits.
+
+Children are alike naturally curious and fond of society; the moment,
+therefore, Mr. Harewood mentioned their expected guest, every one had
+some question to ask respecting her; but as Ellen's was uttered with most
+mildness and modesty, she was first answered; and her brother Charles,
+taking this hint, listened quietly to the following conversation, not
+joining in it, till he felt that he had a right to do so, from having
+practised a forbearance that cost him some effort.
+
+_Ellen._--Pray, papa, what is this little girl's name, and how old is she?
+
+_Father._--She is called Matilda Sophia Hanson: her father was a man of
+good fortune, and she is an only child; I believe, however, his affairs are
+in an unsettled state, as her mother is under the necessity of remaining
+some time in the country, in order to settle them. It is at her earnest
+request that I have been prevailed upon to accept the charge of her
+daughter. I believe she is about a year younger than you; but as the growth
+of people in warm countries is more rapid than in this, I expect to see her
+quite as tall and forward as you, Ellen.
+
+_Ellen._--But, dear papa, how will she get here from a place on the other
+side of the globe? I mean, who will bring her? for I know, of course, that
+she must come in a ship.
+
+_Father._--She will be attended by a negro servant, who has always waited
+upon her; and who will return after she is safely landed, I suppose.
+
+_Ellen._--Poor thing! how she will cry when she leaves her own dear mamma,
+when she is to cross the wide sea! and then again, when she parts with her
+good nurse; I dare say she will kiss her very fondly, though she is a
+black.
+
+_Charles._--Oh, she will forget her sorrow when she sees so many things
+that are quite new to her. I'm afraid she'll think Ellen, and us boys, very
+silly, ignorant creatures, compared to her, who has seen so much of the
+world: upon my word, we must be all upon our good behaviour.
+
+_Father._--I hope you will behave well, not merely from conscious
+inferiority, but because you would be both impolite and unkind, if you
+omitted any thing in your power that could render a stranger happy, who is
+so entirely thrown upon our protection--one, too, who has lost a fond
+father, and is parted from a tender mother.
+
+_Edmund._--But, papa, as Miss Hanson is coming to England for education,
+and is yet very young, surely Charles must be wrong in supposing that she
+is wiser, or, I ought to say, better informed, than we are, since it is
+utterly improbable that she should have had the benefit of such
+instructions as we have enjoyed.
+
+_Father._--True, my dear; but yet she will, of course, be acquainted with
+many things to which you are necessarily entire strangers, although I must
+remark that Charles's expression, "she has seen much of the world," is not
+proper; for it is only applied to people who have mixed much with
+society--not to those whose travels have shown them only land and water.
+However, coming from a distant country, a society very different from ours,
+and people to whom you are strangers, she cannot fail to possess many ideas
+and much knowledge which are unknown to you; I therefore hope her residence
+with us for a time will prove mutually advantageous; but if the advantage
+should prove to be on your side, I trust you will never abuse it by
+laughing, or in any way insulting and teazing your visitant; such conduct
+would ensure most serious displeasure.
+
+_Mother._--It would prove them not only very ignorant, and deficient in the
+education which even savages give their children, but prove that they were
+devoid of that spirit of courtesy which is recommended in the Scriptures,
+and which every Christian child will nourish in his heart and display in
+his manners: the same holy apostle, who inculcated the highest doctrines of
+his Divine Master, says also--"Be affable, be courteous, bearing one with
+another."
+
+The children for a few moments looked very serious, and each appeared to be
+inwardly making some kind of promise or resolution to themselves respecting
+the expected stranger: at length, Ellen, looking up, said to her mamma,
+with great earnestness--"Indeed, mamma, I will love Miss Hanson as much as
+if she were my sister, if she will permit me to do it."
+
+"You had better say, Ellen, that you will be as kind to her as if she were
+your sister; for until we know more of her, it is not possible for us to
+promise so much; nor is it advisable to give our hearts at first sight,
+even to those who have yet stronger claims upon our good will and friendly
+services."
+
+Mr. Harewood added his approbation of this sentiment, for he knew it was
+one that could not be repeated too often to young people, who are ever apt
+to take up either partialities or prejudices too strongly, and whose
+judgment has ever occasion for the attempering lessons of experience.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+At length the long-wished-for day arrived, and the young foreigner made her
+appearance in the family of Mr. Harewood. She was a fine, handsome-looking
+girl, and though younger in fact, was taller and older-looking than Ellen,
+but was not nearly so well shaped, as indolence, and the habit of being
+carried about instead of walking, had occasioned her to stoop, and to move
+as if her limbs were too weak to support her.
+
+The kindness and politeness with which she was received in the family of
+Mr. Harewood, did not appear to affect the Barbadoes girl in any other
+way than to increase that self-importance which was evidently her
+characteristic; and even the mild, affectionate Ellen, who had predisposed
+her heart to love her very dearly, shrunk from the proud and haughty
+expression which frequently animated her features, and was surprised to
+hear her name her mamma with as much indifference as if she were a common
+acquaintance; for Ellen did not know that the indulgence of bad passions
+hardens the heart, and renders it insensible to those sweet and tender ties
+which are felt by the good and amiable, and which constitute their highest
+happiness.
+
+In a very short time, it became apparent that passion and peevishness were
+also the traits of this unfortunate child, who had been indulged in the
+free exercise of a railing tongue, and even of a clawing hand, towards
+the numerous negro dependants that swarmed in her father's mansion, over
+whom she had exercised all the despotic sovereignty of a queen, with the
+capriciousness of a petted child, and thereby obtained a habit of tyranny
+over all whom she deemed her inferiors, as appeared from the style in which
+she now conducted herself constantly towards the menials of Mr. Harewood's
+family, and not unfrequently towards the superiors.
+
+For a few days Mr. Harewood bore with this conduct, and only opposed
+it with gentleness and persuasion; but as it became evident that this
+gentleness emboldened the mistaken child to proceed to greater rudeness, he
+commenced a new style of treatment, and the English education of Matilda,
+so far as concerned that most important part of all education, the
+management of the temper, in the following manner:
+
+On the family being seated at the dinner-table, Miss Hanson called out, in
+a loud and angry tone, "Give me some beer!"
+
+Mr. Harewood had previously instructed the servant who waited upon them how
+to act, in case he was thus addressed; and in consequence of his master's
+commands, the man took no notice whatever of this claim upon his attention.
+
+"Give me some beer!" cried she again, in so fierce a manner that the boys
+started, and poor Ellen blushed very deeply, not only from the sense of
+shame which she felt for the vulgarity of the young lady's manners, but
+from a kind of terror, on hearing such a shrill and threatening voice.
+
+The servant still took no notice of her words, though he did not do it with
+an air of defiance, but rather as if it were not addressed to him.
+
+The little angry child muttered, loud enough to be heard--"What a fool the
+wretch is!" but as nobody answered what was in fact addressed to no one,
+she was at length compelled to look for redress to Mrs. Harewood, whom,
+regarding with a mixture of rage and scorn, she now addressed--"Pray,
+ma'am, why don't _you_ tell the man to give me some beer? I suppose he'll
+understand _you_, though he seems a fool, and deaf."
+
+"My children are accustomed to say--'Please, Thomas, give me some beer;'
+or, 'I'll thank you for a little beer;' and the loud rude manner in which
+you spoke, probably astonished and confused him. As, however, I certainly
+understand you, I will endeavour to relieve you.--Pray, Thomas, be so kind
+as to give Miss Hanson some beer," said Mrs. Harewood.
+
+Thomas instantly offered it; but the little girl cried out in a rage--"I
+won't have it--no! that I won't, from that man: I'll have my own negro to
+wait--that I will!--Must I say _please_ to a servant? must a nasty man in
+a livery be _kind_ to me?--no! no! no! Zebby, Zebby, I say, come here!"
+
+The poor black woman, hearing the loud tones of her young lady, to which
+she had been pretty well used, instantly ran into the room, before Mr.
+Harewood had time to prevent it, and very humbly cried out--"What does
+Missy please wanty?"
+
+"Some beer, you black beetle!"
+
+"Is, Missy," said the poor woman, with a sigh, reaching the beer from
+Thomas with a trembling hand, as if she expected the glass to be thrown
+in her face.
+
+Charles had with great difficulty refrained from laughter on the outset of
+this scene; but indignation now suffused his countenance. The young vixen
+was an acute observer, and, had she not been cruelly neglected, might have
+been a sensible child. It instantly struck her, that his features disputed
+her right; and, determined not to endure this from any one, she instantly
+threw the beer in the face of poor Zebby, saying--"There's that for _you_,
+madam."
+
+It was not in the forbearance of the children to repress their feelings;
+even Edmund exclaimed--"What a brute!"
+
+Ellen involuntarily started up, and hid her face in her mother's lap, while
+Charles most good-naturedly offered his handkerchief to the aggrieved
+Zebby, kindly condoling with her on her misfortune.
+
+Mr. Harewood now, for the first time, spoke.--"Zebby," said he, in a calm
+but stern tone, "it is my strict command, that so long as you reside under
+my roof, you never give that young lady any thing again, nor hold any
+conversation with her: if you disobey my commands, I shall be under the
+necessity of discharging you."
+
+The young lady checked herself, and for a moment looked alarmed; but
+recovering, she said--"She is not _yours_, and you sha'n't discharge her:
+she is my _own_ slave, and I will do what I please with her; poor papa
+bought her for me, as soon as I was born, and I'll use her as I please."
+
+"But you know your mamma told you, that as soon as she arrived in England
+she would be _free_, and might either return or remain, as _she_ pleased.
+Now it so happens that she is much pleased with my family, and having a
+sincere regard for your mother, she this morning requested Mrs. Harewood
+to engage her in any service she could undertake: convinced that she was
+worthy our protection, we have done this, and therefore all _your_ claims
+upon her are over."
+
+The little girl, bursting into a passionate flood of tears, ran out of the
+room.
+
+Poor Zebby, courtesying, said--"Sir, me hopes you will have much pity on
+Missy--she was spoily all her life, by poor massa--her mamma good, very
+good; and when Missy pinch Zebby, and pricky with pin, then good mississ
+she be angry; but massa say only--'Poo! poo! she be child--naughty tricks
+wear off in time.' He be warm man himself."
+
+The poor negro's defence affected the little circle, and Mr. Harewood
+observing it, said--"You perceive, my dear children, that this child is
+in fact far more an object of compassion than blame, for she has been
+permitted to indulge every bad propensity of her nature, and their growth
+has destroyed that which was good; of course, her life has been unhappy in
+itself, yet punishment has not produced amendment. Poor thing! how many of
+the sweetest pleasures of existence are unknown to her! She is a stranger
+to the satisfaction of obliging others, and to the consciousness of
+overcoming herself, which, I trust, you all know to be an inestimable
+blessing. I truly pity her; but I am compelled to treat her as if I blamed
+her only; I am obliged to be harsh, in order that I may be useful, and give
+pain to produce ease."
+
+In about an hour, finding that no one approached, and feeling the want of
+the dinner her shameful rudeness and petulance had interrupted, and which
+she had but just begun, Matilda came down stairs, with the air of a person
+who is struggling to hide, by effrontery, the chagrin she is conscious of
+deserving: no person took any notice of her entrance, and all appearance
+of the good meal she wanted was removed. There was a certain something in
+the usually-smiling faces of the heads of the mansion that acted as a
+repellent to her, and she sat for some time silent; but at length she spoke
+to Ellen, who, from her gentle meekness, was ever easy of access, and whom,
+intending to mortify, she accosted thus--"Nelly, did you eat my chicken?"
+
+Charles burst into a loud laugh, as Ellen, who had never heard herself thus
+addressed, for a moment looked rather foolish; on which he answered for
+her, with a somewhat provoking sauciness of countenance--"No, Matty, she
+did not eat your chicken."
+
+"My name is not Matty--it is Matilda Sophia, and you are a great booby for
+calling me so; but Nelly, or Nell, is short for Ellen, and by one of those
+names I shall call her, whenever I choose, if it be only to vex _you_."
+
+"Perhaps, too, you will choose to prick her, and pinch her, Miss Matilda
+Sophia Hanson?" answered Charles, sneeringly, drawing out her name as long
+and as pompously as it was possible.
+
+"Fie, Charles!" said Edmund; "I am sure you act as if you had forgotten all
+that papa told us about Miss Hanson."
+
+Charles, after a moment's thought, acknowledged that he was wrong, very,
+very wrong.
+
+Matilda was much struck with this; she was well aware that, under the
+same circumstances, she should have said much more than he had, and she was
+curious as to what had been said of her, which could have produced this
+effect on a boy generally so vivacious and warm-tempered as Charles. After
+cogitating upon it some time, she at length concluded that Mr. Harewood had
+endeavoured to impress on the minds of his family the consequence she
+possessed, as an only child and a great heiress; and although he had
+appeared so lately to act under a very different impression, yet it was
+very possible that he had only done so because he was out of temper
+himself, and, now his mind was become tranquil again, he had repented of
+his conduct, and been anxious to prevent his children from following his
+example in this respect.
+
+The more Matilda thought of this, the more fully she fixed it in her mind
+as an article of belief; but yet there was something in the calm, firm
+tones of Mr. Harewood, when he spoke to her, and in his present open, yet
+unbending countenance, when he happened to cast his eyes towards her, which
+rendered her unsatisfied with the answer she thus gave her own internal
+inquiries; and although she had been exceedingly angry with him, for
+presuming to speak to her, she yet felt as if his esteem, and indeed his
+forgiveness, were necessary for her happiness; and her pride, thus
+strengthened, contended with her fears and consciousness of guilt and
+folly; and while she resolved inwardly to keep up her dignity with the
+young ones, she yet, from time to time, cast an anxious eye towards her
+new monitor.
+
+In a short time, to Matilda's great relief, Mr. Harewood stepped into
+the library to get a book; and the children, in the hope that, when he
+returned, he would kindly indulge them, either by reading to them, or
+relating occasionally such anecdotes or observations as the work he read
+might furnish him with, left their seats, and pressed round the place
+where their parents were sitting.
+
+Matilda did not like to be left alone, nor did she feel as if she had a
+right to be held as a child among the rest: again her pride and her
+repentance had a great struggle, and she knew not to which she should give
+the preference, for her heart swelled alike with pride and sorrow; she
+moved towards the same place, and sought, in the bustle of the moment, to
+divert the painful feeling which oppressed her.
+
+In a few moments, Mr. Harewood was heard to shut the library-door; and as,
+of course, he might be expected to re-enter very soon, and would now be
+much nearer to her than he had been, and would certainly adopt some more
+decided kind of conduct and language towards her, Matilda became again
+extremely desirous of knowing what he really had said about her, and she
+two or three times essayed to speak; but a little remaining modesty, which
+was nearly all the good which her unhappy education had left her, prevented
+her, until she found that she had no time beyond the present instant left
+for satisfying her curiosity on so important a point, when, in a
+considerable flutter of spirits, she whispered to Ellen, but in a voice
+sufficiently articulate to be heard by others--"Pray what did your papa say
+of me?"
+
+"That you were very much to be pitied."
+
+"Pitied! Pray what am I to be pitied for?"
+
+Ellen blushed very deeply: she could not answer a question which called
+down confusion on the head of her who asked it--one, too, whom she was
+inclined to love, and whose petulance towards herself, however unprovoked,
+she had already forgiven. She looked wistfully in the face of her mamma,
+who replied for her--"We all think you are much to be pitied, because you
+are evidently a poor, little, forlorn, ignorant child, without friends, and
+under the dominion of a cruel enemy, that renders you so frightful, it is
+scarcely possible for even the most humane people to treat you with
+kindness, or even endure you."
+
+Matilda involuntarily started up, and examined herself in the
+looking-glass.--"If I had happened to be your _own_ daughter, ma'am," she
+said, crying again, "you would not have thought me ugly; but because I come
+from Barbadoes, you don't like me; and it is cruel and wicked to treat me
+so. But I will go back--I will--I will."
+
+"I wish most sincerely you had never come, for it is painful to me to
+witness the folly and sin you are guilty of; but, since you are here, I
+will endeavour to bear with you, until I have found a good school to send
+you to. If you would give yourself time to consider, you would know that
+the enemy I spoke of is your own temper, which would render even perfect
+beauty hideous; you know very well that I received you with the greatest
+kindness, and that you have outraged that kindness. But I can forgive you,
+because I see that you are a silly child, who fancies herself of
+importance; whereas children, however they may be situated, are poor
+dependent creatures."
+
+Matilda answered only by a scornful toss of her head, and uttering the
+word--"Dependent!"
+
+"Edmund," said Mrs. Harewood, taking no notice of her insolent look, "you
+are a strong healthy boy, forward in your education, capable of reflection,
+and decidedly superior, not only in age, but wisdom, to any other in
+the room; answer me candidly, as if you were speaking to a boy like
+yourself--Do you feel it possible so to conduct yourself, that, if you
+were left alone in the world, you could be happy and independent?"
+
+"My dear mamma," said Edmund, "you must be laughing at me; a pretty figure
+I should cut, if I were to set up for a man, without any one to advise me
+how to act, to tell me when I was wrong, and to manage every thing for me!
+how could I do right without my papa, or some proper guardian? and how
+could I be happy without you, mamma?"
+
+As Edmund spoke, he threw his arms round his mother; and the others
+followed his example, saying--"No, no, we could do nothing without you
+and dear papa; pray do stay with us, and make us good."
+
+As they spoke, the tears were in their eyes, and Matilda was affected: she
+remembered the tenderness of her own mother, and how often she had turned
+a deaf ear to her expostulations. She was convinced that these children, at
+this very time, enjoyed a sweeter pleasure than she had ever experienced
+from the gratification of her desires, and she even longed to confess her
+folly, and gain her share of Mrs. Harewood's caresses; but pride still
+struggled in her heart; and though her reason was convinced of the truth,
+that children are indeed dependent on their friends for all that renders
+life valuable, yet her temper still got the better, and she resolutely held
+her tongue, though she ceased to look haughty and ill-humoured.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+This interesting display of natural feelings was interrupted by the hasty
+re-entrance of Mr. Harewood, followed by Betty, the housemaid, who, in
+entering the door in a hurry, had fallen down a step, and hurt her
+forehead, and was now brought forward by her good master, to claim the
+assistance of her kind and skilful mistress.
+
+The children were full of concern and condolence with Betty, and with great
+tenderness shrunk when they saw their mamma bathe her forehead with
+vinegar, as they knew it must smart exceedingly: and Ellen could not help
+saying--"How good Betty is! she never says oh!"
+
+"No, Miss," said Betty, "I know your mamma does it for my good; and though
+she gives me some pain, yet she saves me from a great deal more."
+
+In a few minutes, Betty declared the smarting was quite gone; and the
+children were so glad, that Matilda began to think, though they were
+foolish, yet they were certainly happy, and she wished she could feel
+as happy as they did.
+
+When Betty was gone, the tea came in, and Mrs. Harewood ordered a large
+plate of toast, as she recollected Matilda's scanty dinner. Thomas once
+handed it all round, and Mr. Harewood then said--"Set it down; when the
+children want it, they will ask you for it."
+
+All the children remembered poor Matilda's wants, and in order that she
+might have plenty, without any more being ordered, or any thing in
+reference to the past being mentioned, with true delicacy of feeling,
+forbore to eat any more, so that Matilda could not repeat their words in
+asking, which she now determined to do. She was very hungry, and the toast
+looked very tempting, as it stood before the fire.
+
+Matilda looked at the toast, and then at the footman; her cheek glowed, her
+eye was subdued, but her tongue did not move. Thomas, however, handed her
+the toast, and she then articulately said--"Thank you."
+
+This was heard, but no notice was taken; they knew that much false shame
+attends the first efforts to subdue pride and passion, and they feared lest
+even approbation should be misconstrued.
+
+In order to divert the general attention, Mrs. Harewood said--"I forgot to
+ask Betty what made her run in such a hurry as to occasion her accident,
+for I gave her leave to go out, and stay till nine o'clock, and it is only
+seven now, I believe."
+
+"I believe, madam," said Thomas, very respectfully, "she came home in
+haste, because her sister has twins; and as you promised her some caudle,
+she came to tell the cook to make it, and likewise to get some little
+matter of clothing, from her own clothes, for the baby that is
+unprovided."
+
+"Poor woman!" said Mrs. Harewood; "we must all help; this little stranger
+has a claim on us."
+
+Ellen clapped her hands--"Oh, mamma, may I make it a nightcap?"
+
+"Yes, my dear; I will get some old linen, and cut out a few things, after
+tea."
+
+"I will give you a crown, my dear," said Mr. Harewood; "as I cannot assist
+in sewing, I must help to buy needles and thread."
+
+"And I will give you a shilling, mamma," said Edmund, "if you please."
+
+"Oh dear," said Charles, "I am very sorry, but I have only fourpence,
+because I spent all my money on my new kite; but if that will do any good,
+mamma----"
+
+"It will do good, Charles, and I will not grieve you by refusing it,
+because I see you are sorry that you have no more, which will teach you
+another time to be provident, and then you will not be under the necessity
+of giving your last farthing, or refusing to be charitable, when such a
+case occurs again."
+
+Ellen handed Charles's fourpence to her mamma; and as she did so, she put a
+sixpence between the pence, so as not to be seen by Matilda, lest it should
+seem like a reproach to her; and as she slipped the whole into her mother's
+hand, she said--"I hope, mamma, you will be so good as to let Miss Hanson
+make a little cap for the baby?"
+
+"I don't like to sew," said Matilda, rising; "at least not such things as
+these: I think a bit of calico to wrap the pickaninnies in is the best, and
+I'll give that to buy some with."
+
+As she spoke she threw half-a-guinea on the table, with the air of one
+desirous of exhibiting both generosity and wealth, and looked round with an
+eye that asked for admiration.
+
+No notice was taken. Mrs. Harewood opening her own purse, took out
+half-a-crown, and then counted all that she had got. In doing it, Ellen
+perceived not her sixpence, and she then, with modesty, but without any
+shame, said--"I believe my sixpence must have slipped down."
+
+"I did not know you gave me one, child."
+
+"Yes, but she did, for I saw her," said Mr. Harewood, "though she was not
+aware that I did. She gave it in silence, not from affectation, but a kind
+motive towards one who could not appreciate it; but we will say no more on
+this point. Ellen, you have gratified your father: I see in your conduct
+the germ of a gentlewoman, and, what is infinitely more precious, of a
+Christian."
+
+Ellen sprung to her father's arms, and in his affectionate kiss found a
+rich reward.
+
+For a moment, Matilda thought to herself, what a piece of work is here
+about sixpence, while they take no notice at all of a bright golden
+half-guinea! but still her understanding combated this thought, for she
+knew that all the present company saw beyond the surface, and estimated
+the gift according to the spirit of the donor.
+
+Betty now came in, and Mrs. Harewood gave her the money, telling her to buy
+some frocks with it. Observing the servant eye the half-guinea, she
+said--"_That_ was the gift of Miss Hanson; she is very rich, it seems, and
+gives out of her abundance. I am sure you will be grateful to _her_; but if
+your fellow-servants, Betty, should spare, out of the little time they
+have, enough to assist you in the making of these things, they will be the
+best friends you meet with; for labour is much greater charity than money."
+
+Betty replied, that she was much obliged to all her friends, both above and
+below, and especially to poor Zebby, who had offered, with her lady's
+leave, to sit up all night with her sister.
+
+"She has not only my leave, but my approbation, especially as your accident
+has rendered you unable. Tell Zebby I will spare her for a week, on this
+truly charitable occasion."
+
+With many thanks, Betty withdrew, and Ellen was soon, like her mamma, busy
+with her needle. Mr. Harewood, drawing a celestial globe towards him, began
+to give his sons some instruction, which interested them exceedingly; all
+were employed, all happy, but Matilda, whose uneasiness was in fact
+considerably augmented by the idea of Zebby leaving the house; for though
+she used her ill, she had a regard for her, the extent of which she was not
+aware of till now that her heart was a little softened, and her judgment
+enlightened, by the transactions of the day.
+
+After fidgeting about for some time, she at length took up a needle and
+threaded it, and then drawing more timidly towards Mrs. Harewood, she
+said--"I don't mind if I do sew a little bit."
+
+Eager to seize upon any good symptom, Mrs. Harewood gave her a little cap,
+carefully doubled down, saying--"You see this is double; in these
+countries, the babies, or pickaninnies, as you call them, must be kept
+warm."
+
+"I called that woman's twins pickaninnies, because I thought she was
+poor--a kind of servant; we do not call white children so--only little
+negroes."
+
+"They are all the same with us, and will be so with you, I hope, by and by;
+indeed they always were with sensible good people. But, Matilda, what long
+stitches you are taking! I shall have all your work to pick out again."
+
+"I believe I cannot sew, indeed."
+
+"So it appears; nor can you play a tune, nor read a French lesson, nor
+write, nor draw: poor little girl! you have a great deal to learn: but,
+however, keep up your spirits; if you are diligent and tractable, you will
+conquer all your difficulties; humility and industry will enable you to
+learn every thing."
+
+"How very strange it is," said Matilda to herself, "that these people
+appear to pity me, instead of envying me, as they used to do in Barbadoes,
+and as I thought they would do here! besides, they are not angry with me,
+even when they find fault with me, and they seem to wish me to be good for
+the sake of being happy."
+
+These thoughts somewhat soothed the perturbed bosom of the poor child until
+the hour of rest, when the remembrance of the good-tempered negro's
+destination rose to her mind, and she lamented her absence, and blamed her
+exceedingly for leaving _her_ to go after a woman she had never seen in her
+life: but the next day, it was apparent that the lesson she had received
+was not lost upon her; she appeared ashamed of her ignorance, and willing
+to learn; and as all her young friends were very willing to instruct her,
+in whatever they had the power, she soon began to make some progress in her
+education; she was a child of good capacity, and, when roused to exertion,
+unusually quick; and being at an age when the mind expands quickly, it was
+no wonder that she soon gave evident marks of improvement. It was observed,
+that as her mind became enlightened, her manners were softened, and her
+petulance less obtrusive, though she was seen to suffer daily from the
+habitual violence of her temper, and the disposition to insolence, which
+unchecked power is so apt to foster in young minds.
+
+Mrs. Harewood found the care of Matilda greatly increase her task of
+managing her family, as one naughty child frequently makes another, by
+raising up a spirit of contention and ill-humour; and Charles was so
+frequently led into sallies of passion, or tempted to ridicule the fault in
+his new companion, that his parents often lamented that they had accepted
+such a burdensome charge: but when they saw any symptoms of improvement in
+her, they were ever happy to foster the good seed; and in the consciousness
+that they were not only raising up a human mind to virtue and happiness,
+but preparing an immortal soul for heaven, they thought little of their own
+trouble, and were even truly thankful that she had been intrusted to their
+careful examination and affectionate discipline.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+At the end of the week, Zebby came home, according to appointment; and
+having paid her respects to her excellent lady, she ran up stairs, and
+entered the apartment where the two young ladies were getting the tasks
+assigned them by Mrs. Harewood. When Matilda first beheld her she had a
+great inclination to embrace her, for her heart bounded towards the only
+creature she had been acquainted with from her cradle; but she suddenly
+checked herself, and pretended to continue her reading; but Ellen spoke to
+her kindly, though she told her that she was so situated, as not to be able
+to chat at present.
+
+Zebby comprehended this, and would have withdrawn; but not to have a single
+word from her, whom in her heart, she still considered as her young
+mistress, the faithful creature could not endure; after waiting some
+minutes in vain, she dropped a second humble courtesy, and said--"How you
+do, Missy? me very glad see you larn booky, but me hopes you spare one
+look, one wordy, for poor Zebby; me go away one long weeky, to nurse white
+man baby, pretty as you, Missy."
+
+"Yes," said Matilda, reproachingly, "you went away and left me very
+willingly, though it was to wait on a person you never saw before."
+
+"Ah, Missy! you no lovee me, and poor white woman lovee me much. You makee
+beer spit in my face--she givee me tea-gruel out of her own cup. You callee
+me black beetle--she callee me good girly, good nursy, good every ting."
+
+Matilda gave a deep sigh; she well remembered that it was on the very day
+of her outrage that Zebby had quitted her, and in her altered sense of
+justice, she could not help seeing the truth of the poor negro's statement;
+she looked up, with an ingenuous sense of error depicted on her
+countenance, and said--"I am sorry, Zebby, that I used you so ill, but I
+will never do it again."
+
+The poor African was absolutely astonished, for never had the voice of
+concession been heard from the lips of Matilda before, even to her own
+parents; and the idea of her humility and kindness in this acknowledgment
+so deeply affected the faithful creature, that, after gazing at her in
+admiration for a moment, she burst into tears, and then clasping her hands,
+she exclaimed, in a broken manner--"Oh, tankee God! tankee God! pretty
+Missy be good girly at last! her lovee her good mamma--her pity poor
+negro--her go up stair when her die. Oh, me be so glad! great God lovee my
+dear Missy now!"
+
+Matilda felt the tears suffuse her own eyes, as the kind heart of her late
+faithful slave thus gave vent to its natural and devout emotions; and she
+gave her hand to Zebby, who kissed it twenty times. Ellen was so delighted
+with this proof of good disposition in Matilda, and with the honest
+effusions of the poor negro, that she could not forbear gratifying her own
+affectionate little heart, by running to tell her dear mamma, who truly
+rejoiced in every proof of Matilda's amendment, and doubted not but it
+would prove the forerunner of virtue, in a child who appeared convinced of
+her faults, and desirous of improving herself.
+
+It was now near Christmas, and Mrs. Harewood was inquiring for a
+boarding-school where she could place Miss Hanson. She would have
+preferred to keep her at home, and have a governess, who might attend to
+the instructions necessary both for her and Ellen; but the bad temper and
+insolent airs of Matilda had prevented this, as Mrs. Harewood could not
+bear the idea of subjecting an amiable young person, whom she designed for
+that situation, to be tormented with such a girl. She knew that, in
+schools, two faults seldom fail to be cured: these are impertinence, or
+insolence, and affectation--one rendering a person disagreeable, the other
+ridiculous; and every member in the community of which a school consists,
+is ready to assist the ruler in punishing the one, and laughing at the
+other.
+
+One morning, when Matilda got out of bed, she went to look whether the
+morning was fine, and the moment she got to the window, eagerly cried out,
+in great surprise--"Ellen, Ellen! get up this moment, and come to the
+window; the whole world is covered with white! and see, there are thousands
+and thousands of little white feathers coming from the skies, as if the
+angels were emptying feather-beds upon the earth."
+
+"It snows," said Ellen, calmly; "I recollect my papa told us you had never
+seen it snow."
+
+"What is snow?"
+
+"We will ask Edmund; he can tell you much better than I can."
+
+The surprising appearance thus witnessed, induced Matilda to hasten down
+stairs, where Edmund was writing his Latin exercise.--"Do pray tell me,"
+she cried, "what snow is, and why I never saw it before?"
+
+"Snow," said Edmund, "is nothing but drops of rain, which, in passing
+through the cold air, become congealed or frozen. If you take this pretty
+light substance into your warm hand, it will melt and become a rain-drop
+again."
+
+As Edmund spoke, he opened the window a very little way, caught some snow,
+and showed her the effect he spoke of.
+
+"But why did I never see this in Barbadoes?"
+
+"Because Barbadoes lies nearer to the sun than England, and is much warmer,
+even in winter; therefore the rain-drops never pass through that region of
+cold air which freezes them in northern climates. If you were to go farther
+north, you would find still more snow and ice, the same I saw you looking
+at yesterday. I will lend you a little book, where you will see a
+description of a palace of ice, and of whole mountains of snow, called
+Glaciers; and, if you please, I will show you that part of the globe, or
+earth, in which those effects begin to take place. But, my dear Ellen, pray
+lend Matilda your tippet, for she looks as much frozen as the snow; she
+must take great care of herself in this cold climate."
+
+Ellen threw the pinafore she was going to put on over the neck of the
+shuddering Matilda, and then ran nimbly before them towards the globe, on
+which Edmund was going to lecture, neither of them looking in Matilda's
+face; but Charles, who just then happened to enter, perceived that silent
+tears were coursing each other down her cheek. His compassion was moved; he
+apprehended that the cold, which he felt himself to be severe, had made her
+ill, and he inquired what was the matter with her, in a tone of real
+commiseration.
+
+"I am so--so very ignorant," said Matilda, sobbing.
+
+"Oh, that's it!" cried Charles, gaily; "then you and I may shake hands, for
+I am ignorant too."
+
+"Oh no, European children know every thing, but I am little better than a
+negro; I find what your mamma said was very true--I know nothing at all."
+
+"Dear Matilda, how can you say so?" said Edmund; "though you have not read
+as much as we have, yet you have seen a great deal more than any of us,
+and you are the youngest of the company, you know. Consider, you have
+crossed the Atlantic Ocean, seen groves of orange-trees and spices grow,
+and the whole process of sugar-making. You know the inside of a ship as
+well as a house, and we never saw any thing better than a sloop, or sailed
+any where but on the Thames."
+
+"Besides," said Charles, "you have seen monkeys and parrots, and many other
+creatures, in their own country, and many curious fish on your voyage. Oh,
+you understand natural history much better than we do."
+
+"And if you understand nothing at all," added Ellen, kindly pressing her
+hand, "mamma says it is only _wilful_ ignorance that is blameable."
+
+Matilda wept still more while the children thus tried to comfort her. This
+distressed them all; but they rejoiced to see their parents enter the room,
+persuaded that they would be able to comfort her better, and Ellen
+instantly besought their attention to the subject by relating as much of
+the foregoing conversation as was necessary.
+
+"No, no, it is not exactly _that_ I am crying for," said Matilda,
+interrupting her; "it is because I have been so very naughty, and you are
+all so--so--so----"
+
+"So what, my dear?" said Mr. Harewood, drawing her towards him, and placing
+her by his side, in the same manner he was accustomed to let Ellen stand,
+when she was much in his favour.
+
+The action, however kindly meant, for a time redoubled her tears; and the
+children, understanding their mamma's look, withdrew to the room where they
+usually breakfasted, without the least symptom of discontent, although they
+perceived their mamma fill a cup of tea for Matilda at her own table.
+
+When they were gone, and the little girl had somewhat recovered, Mr.
+Harewood whispered her--"Did you mean to say, my dear, that my children
+were so clever, or so proud, or so what?"
+
+"Oh, sir, they are so _good_! that was what I wanted to say; for there was
+Edmund who always looked so grave, and was poring over his books, he talked
+to me quite kindly, and never made the least game of me, for all I must
+look like a fool in his eyes, who has seen the snow all his life. And then
+Charles, who is so full of fun and nonsense, and who I always thought could
+not abide me, he spoke to me as if he was sorry for me, and made it out
+that we were both ignorant alike; and when I remembered how I had looked at
+them, and behaved to them, I felt as if my heart would break. Ellen is
+always so good, that I did not think so much of her kindness, but nobody
+knows----"
+
+Again the repentant girl wept, and at length with difficulty
+proceeded--"Nobody knows how dearly I love her, and _you_ too."
+
+She received the kindest assurances from both Mr. and Mrs. Harewood of
+their affection, and that they fully believed she would conquer her bad
+temper, now she saw how much it was not only her duty, but happiness to do
+so; and Mr. Harewood assured her that he had no doubt, but in the course of
+a few years, he should see her as sensible, good, and well-informed, as his
+own children.
+
+"And then I shall not be an object of pity, sir?"
+
+"No, you will be one of affection and esteem."
+
+"Oh, I doubt that must never, _never_ be!"
+
+"Never despair; though you have many battles with yourself, yet never
+relinquish the hope of final conquest, and be assured you will find every
+victory easier than the last. When you find pride rising in your heart,
+think on your ignorance, and it will make you humble; and when you are
+inclined to be angry with those around you, remember what you have this day
+confessed respecting their kindness, and it will make you bear with the
+present vexation; and if at any time you are discomfited in any pursuit,
+either of virtue or knowledge, recollect what I now say, that, with many
+faults, yet you have some merit, and may therefore reasonably hope to
+attain more."
+
+"Have I indeed?" said the now-humbled girl.
+
+"Yes, you have an inquiring mind, which is one great step towards the
+attainment of knowledge, and you are sincere and open-hearted, which
+enables your friends to see what is the real bent of your disposition, and
+to give you the advice really necessary; and I hope, with this groundwork
+of good, you will be a very different girl when your mother again sees
+you."
+
+Mr. Harewood left Matilda quieted, but deeply impressed by what he had
+said.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+From this time, Matilda felt as if her heart was lightened of a heavy load,
+and she looked up to Mr. and Mrs. Harewood as friends, whom it was her duty
+to obey and her privilege to love; and to the children, as brothers, whose
+pleasures were as dear to her as her own; and the warmth and openness of
+her temper naturally led her to display more than usual friendship,
+wherever she professed it at all. Happily, with all her faults, she was
+neither mean, artful, nor deceitful; so that the worst part of her
+disposition lay open to the observation of those good friends, who, like
+skilful physicians, only wounded to cure her.
+
+The errors of Matilda were those which never fail to attach to extreme
+indulgence--pride, impetuosity, haughtiness, insolence, and idleness.
+Accustomed to consider all around her as born for her use and amusement,
+she commanded where she should have entreated, and resisted where she ought
+to have obeyed; but when she found that her wealth, power, and consequence
+were unknown, or utterly disregarded, and that she could only be esteemed
+for her good qualities, even her self-love tended to cure her of her
+idleness; and instead of drawling out--"Zebby, bring me this," "You fool,
+fetch me the other," she administered to her own wants, and obtained her
+wishes at so much less expense than she had once thought possible, that
+even her own convenience taught her the wisdom of waiting upon herself.
+She imputed the change, which could not fail to be remarked, to the
+climate--and unquestionably it is more easy and pleasant to be active in
+a cold country, than a hot one; but her friends were well aware that the
+change in her mind was greater than that of her country, and they forwarded
+this happy effect, by rendering the studies in which she engaged as
+delightful to her as possible, in order that, by prosecuting them, she
+might become less liable to rest her happiness on the vain pomp, useless
+show, and tyrannical power, which were wont to delight her.
+
+As, however, all bad habits are slowly eradicated, and it by no means
+follows that even the error we have lamented and acknowledged should be so
+torn from the heart that no traces remain, so it would happen, from time to
+time, that Matilda would fly into violent passions with the servants around
+her, as with her young companions; and even when these were suppressed, she
+was apt to give herself airs of importance, and descant on the privileges
+she enjoyed in her own country, where she was fanned when she was hot, by
+slaves upon their knees, and borne about in a stately palanquin; where the
+most exquisite fruits were continually presented to court her palate, and
+the most costly dresses that money could procure purchased to please her;
+where every slave trembled at her anger, or rejoiced in her smile; and
+where she would one day return to reign as absolute as an empress.
+
+"Well," said Ellen, one night, as this conversation took place in the
+play-room, "I must own I should like to live at Barbadoes for one thing--I
+should like to set all the slaves at liberty, and dress their little
+children, and make all happy; as to all the other _good_ things and _grand_
+things, I really think we have quite sufficient of them at home; for I
+suppose there are no more books nor charities in your country than ours,
+Matilda; and surely there can be no greater pleasure in this world, than
+reading the 'Parent's Assistant,' and giving clothes and food to poor
+children when they are really hungry and starving?"
+
+"Certainly not," cried Charles; "depend upon it, Ellen, England is the
+finest land in the world; and though I should like to see oranges and
+pine-apples grow, I confess, and the poor slaves at their merry meeting,
+all dancing away, with their woolly heads and white teeth, as happy as
+princes, yet, depend upon it, there is nothing else half so beautiful as
+with us. England is unquestionably the most beautiful, excellent, rich,
+delightful country upon the globe."
+
+As Charles spoke, he fixed his eyes upon Edmund; for although the ardour of
+his spirits rendered him a great dealer in positive assertions, he was yet
+so conscious of his inferiority in knowledge to his eldest brother, that he
+seldom felt satisfied with them, unless they were stamped by his brother's
+approbation.
+
+Edmund, in answer to his appealing eye, said--"I am as well convinced as
+you can be, Charles, that England combines more advantages than any other
+country, and that we either have in ourselves, or obtain from other
+countries, whatever is most worthy of possession; and the two good things
+which Ellen considers the greatest pleasures of existence, are undoubtedly
+to be had here in perfection; but I must own I should like to see Barbadoes
+prodigiously, for a property which none of you have yet mentioned."
+
+"What, have not _I_ mentioned it?" said Matilda.
+
+"No, Matilda; you have been so much taken up with fine verandas, grand
+dinners, kneeling slaves, luxurious palanquins, orange groves, and
+delicious sweetmeats, that you have never once boasted of your pure air,
+and the glories of your evening sky, where all the planets shine with such
+a glowing lustre, that, Mr. Edwards tells us, Venus is there a kind of
+moon, in the light she sheds upon the earth, and those stars which are
+scarcely to be discerned here, are beheld in that enchanting air as bright
+as the stars of Orion with us."
+
+"Well," cried Charles, "that must all be because Barbadoes, and the other
+West India islands, are so much nearer the sun, and I cannot say I have any
+desire to be in such a hot neighbourhood."
+
+"No, Charles, that is not the reason; for although it is the fact, yet you
+cannot suppose that their difference can be perceptible, in that respect,
+to those heavenly bodies which appear to resemble only diamond sparks, from
+their immense distance. The brilliancy of which I speak arises from the
+greater purity of the air: we frequently see objects here through a kind of
+veil, which, though too thin to be perceptible, has yet its effect upon all
+objects: in some cases it alters, or rather bestows, a colour which does
+not properly belong to them; frequently impairs their form and beauty, but
+sometimes adds to their sublimity, and invests them with imposing
+greatness, proportioned to the obscurity with which they are enveloped."
+
+"I don't understand all that Edmund says," observed Ellen, "but I should
+be glad to know whether something is not the matter with the sun when it
+looks copper-colour like the lid of a stewpan; because in summer-time, I
+remember, when we were out in the fields, it used to be bright golden
+yellow, so glorious and full of shine, as it were, that looking at it, even
+for a moment, made my eyes ache, and thousands of black and green spots to
+come into them."
+
+"My dear Ellen, though you did not understand all the words I used, it is
+yet plain you did comprehend the sense, as you have brought forward an
+example of this effect of the atmosphere, which we all witness every day;
+the fogs and exhalations through which we view the sun are the cause of
+that dingy appearance you remark: and even in the summer-time, as the sun
+descends, you may perceive he becomes more and more red and dark as he
+approaches the horizon. I have therefore no doubt but the veil, or vapoury
+substance, of which I speak, is but a little distance from the earth; for I
+observe, that as the sun rises into the heavens, he grows more brilliant
+from surmounting this veil."
+
+"Did you find this out of yourself, Edmund?"
+
+"I noticed it one day to papa, and he explained it; he told me, too, that
+all the beautiful variety of colours which we observe in the setting sun
+must be imputed to this cause; he taught me at the same time to distinguish
+shadows in the water by reflection, and those which are refracted, and many
+other things, which rendered me much more delighted with the country than I
+had ever been before, and more fond of dear papa for taking the trouble to
+inform me."
+
+"Well then," said Ellen, "when we go down to Richmond next summer, you must
+explain every thing to us, and we will love you better than ever, dear
+Edmund; and I will say the Ode to Eton College to you in my very best
+manner; perhaps Matilda will be able to say it before then, and----"
+
+"Go on, Ellen."
+
+"I want to know--_we_ want to know what it means in that poem, where it
+says,
+
+    'Grateful Science still adores
+     Her Henry's holy shade.'
+
+What is a holy shade, Edmund?"
+
+"It is a poetical expression, my dear, meaning that we of the present day
+are grateful to the founder, Henry the Sixth, who was a religious, and
+probably a learned man, although very unfortunate as a king."
+
+"Oh," cried Ellen, "I remember all about him; he was deposed by Edward the
+Fourth, whose two sons were afterwards murdered in the Tower by their
+wicked uncle, Richard the Third."
+
+"I remember _that_," said Matilda, timidly, yet with that kind of pleasure
+which indicated a sense of approaching her superior in knowledge, and being
+sensible that this was the only kind of superiority worth possessing.
+
+Scarcely, however, had she spoken, when Charles, throwing himself into a
+theatrical attitude, exclaimed--"Ay! but do you remember the man that
+looked like _him_--to this same Henry, '_Who drew Priam's curtains in the
+dead of night, and would have told him half his Troy was burnt?_'"
+
+"No, indeed," said both the girls, staring.
+
+Charles burst into a loud laugh at their innocent surprise at his violent
+gesticulation and grimace.
+
+"I know what you mean," said Ellen, rather poutingly; "yes, I know it very
+well, though I don't choose to talk about things of that kind, because I
+have always been told that none but ignorant and foolish people did so."
+
+"But I entreat you," said Charles, "to tell me what you think I mean, for I
+am sure you surprise me now as much as I did you."
+
+"Why, I suppose Henry's holy shade means spirit, and it was that which
+drew Priam's curtains in the dead of night, (or which he thought did,)
+though it was probably only the housemaid."
+
+Again Charles burst into an immoderate fit of laughter,
+exclaiming--"Housemaid! admirable! upon my word, Ellen, you have found a
+personage in the old king's establishment Homer never thought of."
+
+"I never read Homer," said Ellen, simply.
+
+"No, child, you need not tell us that," continued Charles, most provokingly
+continuing to laugh, until poor Ellen was completely disconcerted, and
+looked in the face of Edmund with such an appealing air, that he assumed a
+look of much more serious remonstrance than was usual as he thus addressed
+his brother--"You may laugh as long as you please, sir, but your whole
+conduct in this affair has shown so much less knowledge, as well as good
+sense, than Ellen herself has displayed, that really I should not wonder
+if a moment's recollection made you cry as heartily as you now laugh."
+
+"Indeed!" said Charles, suddenly stopping.
+
+"Yes, _indeed_! In the first place, there can be surely no doubt but you
+and I have read a great deal more than the girls, and could at any time
+puzzle and distress them by various quotations; but when they make
+inquiries to increase their own stock of knowledge, it is our duty, and
+ought to be our pleasure, to give them information, not confusion, which
+you evidently intended to do; besides, it is rude, almost inhuman, to
+oppress any person, even by the possession of that which is in itself
+praiseworthy; and as the end of all conversation is, or ought to be,
+improvement, a person who in any manner checks the spirit of inquiry and
+free discussion, hinders that end. We all know that English history is all
+that Ellen has dipped into, and in the little she presumed to utter on the
+subject, she was perfectly correct; whereas you, in your exhibition of
+more reading, made a palpable error, since Homer names maids repeatedly as
+belonging to the palace, and we cannot doubt their being employed as our
+housemaids are, since their offices are often particularized."
+
+"A mighty piece of work, truly," said Charles, "for just quoting two lines
+of Shakspeare!"
+
+"No, no, Charles, 'tis not for the quotation, but the manner, and you
+cannot but see yourself how erroneous an idea was taken up in consequence;
+how often does papa say people can never be too plain and simple, too
+downright and unequivocal, in their explanations to children, otherwise
+they plant words rather than ideas in their minds, and create a confusion
+which it may take many a year of after-thought to unravel?"
+
+"I was very foolish," said Charles, looking at Ellen with the air of one
+that wondered how it had been possible to give pain to that little gentle
+heart, which sought only to bestow pleasure on all around it. He was about
+to speak, but before he had time, his fond sister had read his heart, and
+throwing her arms around his neck, she exclaimed--"I know you meant
+nothing, dear Charles; no, I know you didn't; only you are so fond of
+being funny."
+
+The eyes of Charles did indeed now twinkle with a tear; and Matilda, who
+was quick to discern, and acute in all her feelings, was much affected.
+When they retired, she revolved all the conversation in her mind; she saw
+clearly that virtue and knowledge were the only passports to happiness; and
+the remembrance of her mother's desire to teach her various things, which
+she had either shunned from idleness, or rejected with insolence and
+ill-humour, rose to her mind; and the unhappy indulgence of her father
+appeared to her in far different colours to what she had ever beheld it.
+She became frequently disturbed, and full of painful reflection; yet she
+evidently took much pains in attaining knowledge of the task assigned her,
+and in conquering those risings of temper which were become inherent in her
+mind. Notwithstanding her frequent fits of abstraction, in which it was
+evident some great grief was uppermost in her mind, yet, as her nature led
+her to be communicative, and she was never subject to be sullen, the family
+did not press her to reveal her trouble, thinking that at the proper time
+she would repose confidence in them; and accordingly, as she sat one day
+alone with Mrs. Harewood, the following conversation took place between
+them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+Matilda, after a long silence, in which she was endeavouring, but in vain,
+to arrange her ideas and calm the incessant beating of her heart, said,
+timidly and abruptly, with her eyes fixed on the carpet--"Do you think,
+ma'am, that if Ellen had ever been very, _very_ naughty and saucy to _you_,
+who are so good to _her_, that you could ever really in your heart forgive
+her?"
+
+"I certainly should consider it my duty to punish her for her
+disobedience, by withholding my usual expressions of love and my general
+indulgences from her; but I should undoubtedly forgive her, because, in the
+first place, God has commanded me to forgive all trespasses, and in the
+second, my heart would be drawn naturally towards my own child."
+
+"But surely, dear Mrs. Harewood, it is worse for an _own_ child to behave
+ill to a parent than any other person?"
+
+"Undoubtedly, my dear, for it unites the crime of ingratitude to that of
+disobedience; besides, it is cruel and unnatural to be guilty of insolence
+and hard-heartedness towards the hand which has reared and fostered us all
+our lives--which has loved us in despite of our faults--watched over our
+infancy--instructed our childhood--nursed us in sickness, and prayed for
+us before we could pray for ourselves."
+
+"My mamma has done all this for me a thousand times," cried Matilda,
+bursting into tears of bitter contrition, which, for some time, Mrs.
+Harewood suffered to flow unrestrained; at length she checked herself, but
+it was only to vent her sorrow by self-accusation--"Oh, ma'am! you cannot
+think how very ill I have behaved to my dear, dear mother--I have been
+saucy to her, and bad to every body about me; many a time have I vexed her
+on purpose; and when she scolded me, I was so pert and disobedient--you can
+form no idea how bad I was. If she spoke ever so gently to me, I used to
+tell my papa she had been scolding me, and then he would blame her and
+justify me; and many a time I have heard deep sighs, that seemed to come
+from the very bottom of her heart, and the tears would stand in her sweet
+eyes as she looked at me. Oh, wicked, wicked child that I was, to grieve
+such a good mamma! and now we are parted such a long, long way, and I
+cannot beg her pardon--I cannot show her that I am trying to be good;
+perhaps she may die, as poor papa did, and I shall never, _never_ see her
+more."
+
+The agonies of the repentant girl, as this afflictive thought came over
+her mind, arose to desperation; and Mrs. Harewood, who felt much for her,
+endeavoured to bestow some comfort upon her; but poor Matilda, who was ever
+violent, even in her better feelings, could not, for a long time, listen to
+the kind voice of her consoler--she could only repeat her own faults,
+recapitulate all the crimes she had been guilty of, and display, in
+all their native hideousness, such traits of ill-humour, petulance,
+ungovernable fury, outrageous passion, and vile revenge, as are the
+natural offspring of the human heart, when its bad propensities are matured
+by indulgence, particularly in those warm countries, where the mind
+partakes the nature of the soil, and slavery in one race of beings gives
+power to all the bad passions of another.
+
+At length the storm of anguish so far gave way, that Mrs. Harewood was able
+to command her attention, and she seized this precious season of penitence
+and humility to imprint the leading truths of Christianity, and those plain
+and invaluable doctrines which are deducible from them, and evident to the
+capacity of any sensible child, without leading from the more immediate
+object of her anxiety; as Mrs. Harewood very justly concluded, that if she
+saw her error as a child, and could be brought to conquer her faults as
+such, it would include every virtue to be expected at her time of life, and
+would lay the foundation of all those which we estimate in the female
+character.
+
+"Oh," cried Matilda, sobbing, "if I could kneel at her feet, if I could
+humble myself lower than the lowest negro to my dear mamma, and once hear
+her say she forgave me, I could be comforted; but I do not like to be
+comforted without this; I am angry at myself, and I ought to be angry."
+
+"But, my dear little girl," replied Mrs. Harewood, "though you cannot thus
+humble yourself in your body, yet you are conscious that you are humbled in
+your mind, and that your penitence will render you guarded for the time to
+come; and let it be your consolation to know, though your mother is absent,
+the ears of your heavenly Father are ever open to your sorrows; and that,
+if you lament your sins to him, he will assuredly accept your repentance,
+and dispose the heart of your dear mother to accept it also. I sincerely
+pity you, not as heretofore, for your folly, but for your sorrow; and in
+order to enable you to comprehend what I mean by repenting before God, I
+will compose you a short prayer, which will both express your feelings,
+and remind you of your duty towards yourself and your mother."
+
+Matilda received this act of kindness from her good friend with real
+gratitude; and when she had committed it to memory, and adopted it in
+addressing Almighty God, she found her spirits revive, with the hope that
+she should one day prove worthy of that kind parent, whom, when she lived
+with her, she was too apt to slight and disobey. As her judgment became
+more enlightened, she saw more clearly into the errors of her past
+education, and became perfectly aware that the love of her too-indulgent
+father had been productive of innumerable pains, as well as faults. She
+found herself much more happy now than she had ever been in her life; yet
+she had never so few indulgences--she had no slaves to wait on her, no
+little black children to execute her commands and submit to her temper; she
+was not coaxed to the dainties of a luxurious table, nor had costly clothes
+spread before her to court her choice, nor any foolish friend to repeat all
+she said, as if she were a prodigy of wit and talent; and all these things,
+she well remembered, were accorded to her as a kind of inheritance in
+Barbadoes; but, along with them, she remembered having violent passions, in
+which she committed excesses, for which she afterwards felt keen remorse,
+because she saw how they wounded her mother, and shamed even her doting
+father--ill-humour and low spirits, that rendered every thing irksome to
+her, and many pains and fevers, from which she was now entirely free; and
+she found, in the conversation, books, and instructions of her young
+friends, amusement to which nothing she had enjoyed before would bear
+comparison; for what in life is so delightful as knowledge, except the
+sense of having performed some particular benefit to our fellow-creatures?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+It will be readily supposed that, with the hopes now entertained of
+Matilda's conduct, Mrs. Harewood did not hesitate to provide the governess
+we have spoken of, and accordingly Miss Campbell was soon established in
+the family.
+
+She found Matilda rapid in her ideas, persevering in her pursuits, but
+prone to resentment on every trifling occasion, and still subject to
+finding herself cause for repentance. On these occasions Miss Campbell
+conducted herself with composure and dignity, as if she considered a
+petulant child below the notice of a sensible woman: by this means the
+pride of the culprit was humbled; she was taught to retread her first
+steps, and perceive that she was an insignificant being, obliged to the
+suffrage of her friends, and only capable of being valuable in proportion
+to her docility and amiable conduct.
+
+Mrs. Harewood had been accustomed to give her children the treat of a ball
+at Christmas; but on this year she put it off until midsummer, partly
+because she was afraid, in so large a party, and with such various
+dispositions, Matilda might not be able to conduct herself with perfect
+propriety during a whole evening, and partly because she wished her to
+learn to dance; for although this was, in her eyes, a very secondary
+accomplishment, when compared to solid knowledge, yet, as a healthful and
+innocent amusement, and called for in order to form the person in that
+station of life in which Matilda was likely to move, she desired to see her
+acquire at least as much of it as would preserve her from the appearance of
+awkwardness. It was an object of anxiety with this truly maternal friend to
+save her from all unnecessary mortification, at the same time she earnestly
+desired to see her tractable, humble, and gentle.
+
+Time now passed away pleasantly, for all were occupied, and therefore
+happy: the idle are subject to many errors, and therefore many sorrows,
+from which the busy are exempt.
+
+The good governess studied the temper and disposition of her pupils, and
+drew them forth in the happiest manner; not by making exhibitions of their
+attainments to others, but by showing them what was necessary to themselves
+for their improvement. She considered the work of education as sowing good
+seed, which shall spring up with vigour in advancing life, in proportion to
+the depth of the soil and its preparation for receiving it.
+
+Whilst Miss Campbell inculcated those branches of polite learning which
+give a grace to virtue, she was still more desirous of inculcating virtue
+itself, by grafting it on religious principle, and that "fear of God, which
+is the beginning of wisdom."
+
+The children of Mrs. Harewood had been taught, from their earliest days,
+that prudence and charity must go hand in hand; but it remained for Miss
+Campbell to impress this salutary truth on the mind of Matilda, who was
+naturally very generous, but debased that feeling by ostentation, and ever
+sought to indulge it with a vain and hurtful profusion, until she became
+enlightened by her young preceptress, who likewise, in many other points,
+regulated those desires in her pupils which blend good and evil, and
+require a firm and delicate management. She was very solicitous to render
+them active, both personally and mentally, knowing that the health of both
+body and mind depends upon their due exercise, and that a taste for study
+is yet perfectly compatible with those various exertions to which the
+duties of a woman always call her, in whatever sphere she may have occasion
+to move.
+
+Miss Campbell wished to save her pupils alike from that perpetual
+fidgetiness, which renders so many females unable to amuse themselves for
+a single hour, unless their hands, feet, and tongue are employed, and that
+pertinacious love of reading, which renders them utterly unable to enter
+into the common claims of society, while a new story is perused, or a new
+study developed; she considered these errors as diseases in the mental
+habit it was her duty to prevent or eradicate, since they must be ever
+inconsistent with general duty and individual happiness.
+
+Time passed--the vacation arrived, and the young people had the pleasure of
+all meeting again. Matilda was nearly as glad as Ellen to see Edmund and
+Charles, who, on their own parts, were much improved, and delighted to find
+the girls so. Matilda was in every respect altered, and although she had
+not Ellen's sweetness of temper, yet she had greatly conquered her
+propensity to passion, was very obliging in her general manners, and
+considerate to her inferiors, and attached to Ellen, her governess, and Mr.
+and Mrs. Harewood, with a tenderness and gratitude that was very amiable
+and even affecting.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+One day, when Edmund and Charles had been at home about a week, the latter
+ran eagerly into the sitting-parlour, crying out--"Oh, mamma! there is
+Betty's sister down stairs, with the poor little twins in her arms, which
+were born just when Matilda came; they have short frocks now, but I
+perceive they have no shoes: suppose we young ones subscribe, and buy
+them some, poor things! there is my eighteen-penny piece for shoes,
+mamma--shoes, and hats too, if we can raise money enough."
+
+Mrs. Harewood could not help smiling at Charles's eagerness, as she
+remembered the useful mortification he had experienced the last time his
+charity was called upon; and as she took up the money, she observed to
+him--"I am glad to see this, Charles; it is a proof you are more provident
+than you used to be; and, with your propensity to spending, it requires no
+little effort to save, in a large school, where there are always many
+temptations. I think your proposal is a very good one; and whilst I am
+collecting the money, pray step down stairs, and tell Betty to bring up
+the little innocents--we shall all be glad to see them."
+
+Charles flew out of the room, and in less than a minute returned with the
+mother, carrying a babe in each arm. She was a very decent woman, the widow
+of a soldier, who died before his poor children were born; she now
+endeavoured to maintain herself and them by taking in washing, together
+with the pay of the parish, which, although small, she received very
+thankfully, and managed very carefully.
+
+"Look, mamma! what pretty little feet they have," cried Ellen; "I am sure
+Charles was a good boy to think about shoes for them--was it not very kind
+of him, Matilda? because you know little boys seldom love little babies so
+much as girls do."
+
+Matilda answered "yes," mechanically, for her mind was abstracted, and
+affected by the remembrance this scene was calculated to inspire. Mrs.
+Harewood, feeling for her evident embarrassment, sent the poor woman down
+stairs to take some refreshment, and then laid a three-shilling piece, as
+her own share of the contribution, besides Charles's subscription on the
+table.
+
+Edmund laid a shilling on the table, saying--"If more is wanted, I will
+give you another with great pleasure: I hope, mamma, you _know_ that I
+will?"
+
+"Yes, Edmund, I _do_ know that you will do any thing in your power, for you
+are regular and prudent, as well as a kind-hearted boy, and therefore have
+always got something to spare for the wants of others; I perceive, too,
+that you have the good sense to examine the nature of the claim made upon
+you, and that you give accordingly; _you_ are aware, and I wish all the
+young ones to be so likewise, that this, although an act of charity, is not
+called for by any immediate distress; it is not one of those cases which
+wring the heart and drain the purse, for the poor woman is neither
+unprovided with lodgings nor food, and we ought always to keep something
+for the sake of sufferers of that description: I wish you, children, to be
+free and liberal, for we are told in the scriptures that 'God loveth a
+cheerful giver;' but, in order to render you also frequent givers, you must
+be prudent ones."
+
+"I have only one shilling in the world," said Ellen, laying it on the
+table.
+
+"Then sixpence is as much as you ought to give," said Mrs. Harewood,
+giving her a sixpence in change, when, observing that she took it with an
+air of reluctance, she said--"My dear Ellen, be satisfied; you are a little
+girl, and have not half your brother's allowance, you know--it is
+sufficient."
+
+While this was passing, Matilda had been fumbling in her pocket, and
+blushing excessively; her mind was full of painful recollections, yet
+fraught with gleams of satisfaction; but she wished very much to do two
+very contrary things, and whilst she still hesitated, Miss Campbell
+said--"Here is another sixpence, ma'am, which I will take, and give you an
+eighteen-pence, as I wish to give you a shilling, with Edmund's proviso."
+
+"But," said Matilda, with a mixture of eagerness and hesitation, "then
+there will be no change for me, and I wish to give the same as Ellen; don't
+I want change, ma'am? I--I believe I do."
+
+There was, in this confusion, and the blush which deepened in her cheek, a
+something which showed Mrs. Harewood a great deal of what was passing in
+the mind of this self-convicted, but compassionate and ingenuous girl. Mrs.
+Harewood took her shilling, and returned her sixpence, which she evidently
+received with pain, but an effort to smile, as Ellen had done, in return
+for the smile of her mamma.
+
+After a short pause, Mrs. Harewood said--"Well, Matilda, your delicacy is
+now satisfied--you have not affected any display of humanity, or
+ostentatious exhibition of wealth, in order to humble your young friends;
+but I perceive your heart is not satisfied; that heart is really interested
+in these babes, and, conscious that it is in your power to do more, you are
+mortified at stopping short of your own wishes and their wants."
+
+"Oh dear, ma'am," replied Matilda, "you have read all the thoughts of my
+heart, (at least all but one,) and if you think it right, and Ellen will
+not think me proud, I will indeed be very glad if you will accept a crown
+for my subscription."
+
+"I shall receive it with pleasure; and I can venture to assure you, that my
+children will neither feel envy, anger, nor any other emotion, except joy,
+at seeing the little objects of their care benefited, and you happy; for
+they have been taught only to value such actions, according to the motive
+in one party, and their usefulness to the other: but, Matilda, if it is not
+a very great secret, I should be glad to know what that _one_ other thought
+in your heart was, which I did not guess, upon this occasion?"
+
+Matilda did not find this question so easy of reply as Mrs. Harewood had
+expected it to be; she blushed and hung down her head; but, on perceiving
+that Mrs. Harewood was going to release her from all necessity of reply,
+she struggled to conquer what she deemed a weakness in herself, and
+answered thus--"Why, my dear madam, I was thinking what a little proud,
+stubborn, ill-behaved girl I was, at the time when these twins were born,
+and we first made a subscription for this poor woman; I remembered, too,
+how miserable I was, and altogether how much I had to lament, and I felt
+as if I could like to do something, to prove how thankful I am to God for
+bringing me into a family like yours, where every day of my life I may
+learn something good, and where I have been a great deal more happy than
+ever I was before, even in the house with my own parents."
+
+Matilda stopped a moment, as if she thought her confession had perhaps
+infringed on her duty; but recollecting that all her past sorrow had been
+laid to the proper account, which was her own bad temper and pride, she
+again proceeded in it.
+
+"When I thought on these things, I came close up to you; but my heart beat
+so quick, I could not speak, or else I had a guinea in my hand, the last
+my dear mamma gave me, and I wished very much to give you _that_; but then
+the memory of my foolish pride, the last time, came again into my mind--I
+became ashamed, and determined in all things to be guided by Ellen, who is
+almost a year older than I, and a great deal better."
+
+"No, no--not _better_," said Ellen, warmly; and even her brothers, who
+loved her very dearly, struck with the same admiration of Matilda's
+frankness and generosity, exclaimed--"You are as good as Ellen _now_,
+Matilda--indeed you are!"
+
+Mrs. Harewood, tenderly kissing her, assured her of her approbation,
+saying--"All you have said, my dear, tends decidedly to prove that your
+mind is indeed properly impressed with your duty both towards God and man,
+and that you have the most sincere desire to conquer those faults which you
+have already greatly amended; therefore I am determined to permit you to
+exercise your benevolence, in the most extensive manner that your heart
+could wish, knowing, as I do, that your fortune is fully equal to any act
+of charity, and that your good mamma will not fail to approve of it."
+
+"Thank you, thank you, dear Mrs. Harewood! oh, you are my English mother,
+and I love you much more than any other person in the world, except my
+Barbadoes mamma."
+
+The children eagerly crowded round their mother's chair, to hear what the
+good news was, which promised to benefit Sally, and make Matilda happy.
+
+"I know," said Mrs. Harewood, "that the purchase of a mangle would set up
+the poor woman in her profession as a washerwoman, and enable her to earn
+at least ten shillings a-week more. It was my intention to purchase one for
+her myself at Christmas; but I could not do it before, as my charity-purse
+has been very much run upon lately. When Mr. Harewood comes in, I will ask
+for the money, and to-morrow we will all go in the coach, and see Matilda
+purchase it: but, my dear girl, suppose you just step and inform the poor
+woman of your intention, which I am certain you had rather do without
+witnesses; it will not only increase her pleasure, but enable her to
+prepare her apartment for such a noble and useful piece of furniture."
+
+Matilda left the room, but returned almost immediately.
+
+"You have been very quick," said Ellen, in rather a murmuring voice; "I
+wanted to know what she said and how she looked when you told her the good
+news."
+
+"I did not speak to her myself--I commissioned Zebby to do it, for I knew
+it would give her quite as much pleasure as the poor woman herself could
+receive; and surely she has a right to receive every good I can bestow, as
+a slight atonement for the pain I have so very frequently given her."
+
+Scarcely had Matilda given this proof of consideration and amiable feeling,
+when Sally and Zebby rushed into the room together, followed by Betty, who
+was truly grateful for the kindness thus bestowed on her sister.
+
+Sally, with tears of joy, thanked her young benefactress; her words were
+few, but they were those of respect and thankfulness, and showed she was
+deeply sensible of the benefit she experienced.
+
+Poor Zebby, delighted with the goodness of her young mistress, audibly
+expressed her pleasure, with all the characteristic warmth of her country,
+and not a little proud of those virtues which she fancied she had assisted
+to nurture.--"Oh," cried she, "dis be my own beautiful Missy own goodness;
+she makee joy in her mamma heart; she makee poor negro all happy--singee
+and dancee every body; no more whip, massa Buckraman--every body
+delight--every body glad--every body good Christian, when Missy go back!"
+
+The spontaneous effusion of joy, uttered by this daughter of nature,
+affected all the party, and the joyful bustle had not subsided when Mr.
+Harewood entered. On being informed of the cause, he gave his full assent,
+and produced the money necessary for the purchase of the mangle.
+
+The following day was pleasantly employed in arranging the poor woman's
+new acquisition; and when Matilda saw her grateful, happy countenance, and
+learned the manner in which the machine would be worked, and its usefulness
+in smoothing linen, she felt the value of a useful life, and a sense of her
+own importance, distinct from the idle consequence which is the result of
+vanity and pride, but perfectly compatible with the self-distrust and true
+humility which was now happily taking a deep root in her young mind.
+
+Mrs. Harewood was gratified in perceiving such results of her maternal care
+for Matilda: still she did not relax in her vigilance; for she well knew,
+that along with corn will spring up tares in every young mind, and that the
+virtue of one day does not exempt from the vice of another, during the
+years of early life; and there were still many points in which the errors
+of her Barbadoes education were but too visible, and which called for the
+pruning hand of a sensible and pious friend.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+The foolish indulgence of Mr. Hanson had in no respect been more injurious
+to his only daughter, than in the unrestrained permission to eat whatever
+she liked, and as much of it as she could swallow.
+
+On arriving at Mr. Harewood's, she found herself at a loss for many of the
+sweet and rich dishes she had been accustomed to eat of at her father's
+luxurious table; for although theirs was very well served, it consisted
+generally of plain and wholesome viands. Under these circumstances, Matilda
+made what she considered very poor dinners, and she endeavoured to supply
+her loss by procuring sweet things and trash, through the medium of Zebby,
+who, in this particular, was more liable to mislead her than any other
+person, because she knew to what she had been used, having frequently
+waited upon her, when the little gormandizer had eaten the whole of any
+delicacy which happened to be provided for the company.
+
+Mrs. Harewood took great pains to correct this evil, especially on Ellen's
+account; for as Matilda was not covetous, she was ever ready to share with
+her only companion the raisins and almonds, figs, gingerbread, biscuits,
+or comfits, which she was continually munching; and this Mrs. Harewood had
+a particular objection to, not only because it is bad for the health, and
+lays the foundation for innumerable evils in the constitution, but because
+it renders young people hateful in their appearance, since nothing can be
+more unladylike or disagreeable, than the circumstance of being called to
+speak when the mouth is full, or displaying the greediness of their
+appetite, by cramming between meals, stealing out of a room to fill the
+mouth in the passage, or silently moving the jaws about, and being obliged
+to blush with shame when caught in such disgraceful tricks.
+
+In order to guard against this habit, Mrs. Harewood positively forbade her
+servants from bringing any thing of the kind into the house; but poor
+Zebby, from habit, still obeyed her young Missy, and, besides, she had no
+idea that the enjoyments of fortune were good for any thing else than to
+pamper the appetite; so that it was a long time before she could be brought
+to desist from so pernicious a practice. As, however, the mind of Matilda
+strengthened, and she began to employ herself diligently in those new
+branches of education now imparted to her, she insensibly became weaned
+from this bad practice; and at length, inspired with a sincere desire to
+imitate her young friends, she broke herself entirely from this disgusting
+habit, and willingly adopted, in every thing, the simple wholesome fare
+partaken by her young friends.
+
+It was undoubtedly owing to this temperance that she preserved her health,
+and even enjoyed it more than ever, notwithstanding the change of climate;
+but, alas! the good sense, resolution, and forbearance she thus acted with,
+was not followed by the humble companion of her voyage.
+
+The change Zebby experienced in Mr. Harewood's comfortable kitchen, from
+the simple food to which, as a slave, she had been accustomed in the West
+Indies, was still greater, though in an exactly contrary line, than that of
+her young lady. Zebby soon learned to eat of the good roast and boiled she
+sat down to, and exchanged the simple beverage of water for porter and
+beer, in consequence of which she became much disordered in her health;
+and when Mrs. Harewood prescribed a little necessary physic, as her mild
+persuasions were enforced by no threat, and the prescription appeared to
+the unenlightened negro a kind of punishment she had no inclination to
+endure, there was no getting her to swallow the bitter but salutary
+potion.
+
+Zebby had been a long time feverish and subject to headaches, when the
+circumstance mentioned in the last chapter took place, which so exhilarated
+her spirits, that she declared she would be the first person who should use
+the new mangle which "her pretty Missy givee poor Sally."
+
+It is well known that the negroes are naturally averse to bodily labour,
+and that, although their faithfulness and affection render them capable
+of enduring extreme hardship and many privations, yet they are rarely
+voluntarily industrious; and it was therefore a proof of Zebby's real
+kindness, that she thus exerted herself.
+
+Unhappily, a mode of labour entirely new to her, and, in her present sickly
+state, requiring more strength than she possessed, although, had she used
+it freely some time before, it would have done her good, was now too much
+for her, and she came home complaining, in doleful accents, that "poor
+Zebby have achies all over--is sometimes so hot as Barbadoes, sometimes so
+cold as London."
+
+Mrs. Harewood was well aware that the good-tempered negro was seized with
+fever, and she sent immediately for her apothecary, who confirmed her
+fears, and prescribed for her; but as there was no getting her to swallow
+medicine, he was obliged to bleed her, and put a blister on her head,
+which, however, did not prevent her from becoming delirious for several
+days.
+
+Poor Zebby was, at this time, troubled with the most distressing desire to
+return to Barbadoes, and all her ravings were to this purpose; and they
+were naturally very affecting to Matilda, who never heard them without
+being a little desirous of uniting her own wishes to behold her native
+country, especially when she heard it coupled with the name of that only,
+and now fondly-beloved parent, from whom she was so far separated, and her
+tears flowed freely when she visited the bedside of the poor African. But
+her sorrow increased exceedingly when she learned the danger in which poor
+Zebby stood, and found that her death was daily expected by all around;
+bitter indeed were the tears she then shed, and she would have given the
+world to have recalled those hasty expressions, angry blows, and capricious
+actions, which had so often afflicted her humble attendant, whose fidelity,
+love, humility, and services, she now could fully estimate, and whose loss
+she would deeply deplore.
+
+Mrs. Harewood endeavoured to comfort her under this affliction, by leading
+her to view the consolations which religion offers to the afflicted in
+general, and she explained the nature of that beneficent dispensation
+whereby the learned and the ignorant, the poor and the rich, the slave and
+his master, are alike brought to receive salvation as the free gift of God,
+through the mediation of our merciful Redeemer; and comforted her with the
+hope, that although poor Zebby's mind was but little enlightened, and her
+faith comparatively uninformed, yet as, to the best of her knowledge, she
+had been devout and humble, resting her claims for future happiness on that
+corner-stone, "the goodness of God in Christ Jesus," so there was no reason
+to fear that she would not leave this world for a far better, for "a house
+not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
+
+Matilda's mind was deeply impressed with this holy and happy consolation,
+but yet she could not help lamenting her own loss, in one whom she no
+longer considered her slave, and little better than a beast of burden, but
+as her countrywoman, her friend, the partaker of that precious faith by
+which alone the most wise, wealthy, and great, can hope to inherit the
+kingdom of heaven; and she could not help praying for her restoration to
+health, with all the fervour of which her heart was capable; and many a
+promise mingled with her prayer, that, if it pleased God to restore her,
+she would never treat her ill again: and these promises she likewise
+repeated to Mrs. Harewood and her governess.
+
+Neither of these ladies lost the opportunity thus offered, of impressing
+on her mind the duties which every woman, whatever may be her rank or
+situation in life, does indeed owe to those whom Providence hath placed
+under her. They explained, in particular, the necessity of forbearance in
+point of manners, and of consideration in her daily employments--"If," said
+the good mistress, "I ring the bell twice or thrice, where once would
+answer every purpose, provided I gave myself the trouble of considering
+what I really wanted, I not only waste my servant's time, which would
+supply my wants, and therefore injure myself in one sense, but I waste the
+strength which is her only means of subsistence, and I awaken that vexation
+of temper, which, although perhaps suppressed before me, will yet rankle in
+her bosom, and probably induce her to commit some injury on my property,
+which is an actual sin in her: thus _my_ folly leads to _her_ guilt, and
+the very least mischief that can accrue is her unhappiness; for who can be
+happy whose temper is perpetually ruffled by the cruel thoughtlessness of
+those who have the absolute disposal of their time, their talents, and, in
+a great measure, their dispositions?"
+
+"Depend upon it," added Miss Campbell, "that as we are assured in the
+Scriptures, that 'for every idle word we shall be brought to account,' so,
+in a particular manner, must we be judged for all those idle words and
+actions which have inflicted on any of our fellow-creatures pains we have
+no right to bestow, or tempted them to sins they had no inclination to
+follow; the petty tyrannies of our whims, changes, and fancies--of our
+scoldings, complainings, peremptory orders, and causeless contradictions,
+will all one day swell that awful list of sins, of which it may be truly
+said, 'we cannot answer one in a thousand.'"
+
+When Miss Campbell ceased speaking, Ellen, who, although not affected so
+violently as Matilda, had yet felt much for Zebby's situation, and was
+seriously desirous of profiting by all she heard, said in a low voice--"I
+will do every thing for myself--I will never trouble Susan, or Betty, or
+any body."
+
+Mrs. Harewood knew the bent of her daughter's mind, and that although, from
+the sweetness of her temper and the mildness of her manners, she was not
+likely to fall into Matilda's errors, there were others of an opposite
+class, from which it was necessary to guard her; she therefore
+added--"Although consideration and kindness are certainly the first duties
+to be insisted upon in our conduct, yet there are others of not less
+importance. It is the place of every mistress to exact obedience to
+reasonable commands and the execution of all proper services. If she does
+not do this, she deserts her own station in society, defeats the intentions
+she was called to fulfil, and which made her the guide and guardian, not
+the companion and fellow-server, of her servants. In abandoning them to
+their own discretion, she lays upon them a burden which, either from
+ignorance or habit, they are probably unequal to endure, since it is
+certain that many truly respectable persons in this class have been only
+so while they were under the controlling eye or leading mind of their
+superiors. Besides, all uncommon levity of manners, like all unbecoming
+freedom in conversation, more frequently arises from weakness or idleness
+in the parties, and ought to be guarded against in our conduct, as never
+failing to be degradatory to ourselves, and very far from beneficial to
+those they affect to serve: it is possible to be very friendly, yet very
+firm; to be gentle, yet resolute, and at once a fellow-Christian and a good
+master to those whom Providence hath rendered our dependants."
+
+Ellen listened to this with attention, and endeavoured to understand and
+apply it; but both she and Matilda continued to pay the most affectionate
+attentions to poor Zebby, whose disorder in a few days took a more
+favourable turn than could have been expected, although the delirium did
+not immediately subside, but rather affected her general temper, which,
+under its influence, appeared as remarkably unpleasant and tormenting to
+herself and all around, as it was formerly kind and obliging.
+
+This period was indeed trying to Matilda, who was by no means sufficiently
+confirmed in her virtuous resolutions, or good habits, to endure reproaches
+where she merited thanks, even in a case where she was aware of deranged
+intellect and real affection, either of which ought to have led her to
+endure the wild sallies and troublesome pettishness of the suffering negro.
+It must however be allowed, that if she did not do all she ought, she yet
+did more than could have been once expected, and very greatly increased
+the esteem and approbation of her friends.
+
+Matilda, when she was not influenced by the bodily indolence which was
+natural to her as a West-Indian, and which was rather a misfortune than her
+fault, was apt to be too active and bustling for the stillness required in
+a sick chamber; and whatever she did, was done with a rapidity and
+noisiness, more in unison with her own ardent desire of doing good, than
+the actual welfare of the person she sought to relieve; whereas Ellen never
+for a moment lost sight of that gentle care and considerate pity, which was
+natural to a mind attuned to tenderness from its very birth; and many a
+time would she say--"Hush, Matilda! don't speak so loud; have a care how
+you shut the door," &c.
+
+One day they both happened to go in just as the nurse was going to give the
+patient a basin of broth--"Let me give it her," said Matilda; "you know she
+always likes me to give her any thing."
+
+"Sometimes she does, when she knows you; but her head wanders to-day
+sadly."
+
+"Never mind," replied Matilda, in her hurrying manner, and taking the broth
+from the woman in such a way that the basin shook upon the plate; on which
+Ellen said--"Have a care, the broth seems very hot; indeed, _too_ hot for
+Zebby to take."
+
+Matilda fancied this caution an indirect attack upon her care, and she went
+to the bedside immediately, and bolting up to the patient, who was sitting,
+raised by pillows, she offered the broth to her, saying--"Come, Zebby, let
+me feed you with this nice food--it will do you good."
+
+The warm fume of the basin was offensive to the invalid--"Me no likee
+brothies," said she; and as it was not instantly removed, she unhappily
+pushed away the plate, and turned the scalding contents of the basin
+completely into the bosom of poor Matilda, as she reclined towards her.
+
+Shrieking with pain, and stamping with anger, Matilda instantly cried out
+that she was murdered, and the wretch should be flayed alive.
+
+Ellen, shocked, terrified, and truly sorry, called out in an agony--"Mamma,
+dear mamma, come here this moment! poor Matilda is scalded to death!"
+
+The nurse, the servants, and Mrs. Harewood herself, were in a few moments
+with the sufferer; and the latter, although she despatched the footman for
+a surgeon, did not for a moment neglect the assistance and relief in her
+own power to bestow; she scraped some white lead[1] into a little thick
+cream, and applied it with a feather all over the scalded parts; and in a
+very short time the excruciating pain was relieved, and the fire so well
+drawn out by it, that when the surgeon arrived he made no change in the
+application, but desired it might be persisted in, and said--"He had no
+doubt of a cure being speedily obtained, if the patient were calm."
+
+  [1] The author has found this prescription very efficacious in
+  various cases of scalds.
+
+During the former part of this time, Matilda continued to scream
+incessantly, with the air of a person whose unmerited and intolerable
+sufferings gave a right to violence; and even when she became comparatively
+easy, she yet uttered bitter complaints against Zebby, as the cause of the
+mischief; never taking into consideration her own share of it, nor
+recollecting that she acted both thoughtlessly and stubbornly in neglecting
+the advice of Ellen; and that although her principal motive was the
+endeavour to benefit Zebby, yet there was a deficiency in actual kindness,
+when she offered her broth it was impossible for the poor creature to
+taste. Such, however, was the commiseration for her injury felt by all
+those around her, that no one would, in the moment of her punishment, say a
+word that could be deemed unkind; and soothings, rather than exhortations,
+were all that were uttered.
+
+At length the storm was appeased; Matilda, declaring herself much easier,
+was laid upon the sofa, and a gentle anodyne being given to her, she closed
+her eyes, and if she did not sleep, she appeared in a state of stupor,
+which much resembled sleep. It so happened, that the hot liquid had, in
+falling, thrown many drops upon her face, which gave her so much pain at
+the moment, that she thought she was scalded much worse than she really
+was, as did those around her; but Ellen, as she watched her slumbers, now
+perceived that this was a very transient injury, and she observed to her
+mamma, that she hoped Matilda's good looks would not be spoiled by the
+accident, at least that her beauty would be restored before her mother's
+arrival from the West Indies.
+
+"Before that time," returned Mrs. Harewood, "I trust Matilda will have
+attained such a degree of mental beauty, as would render the total
+destruction of her personal beauty a trifling loss, in comparison, to the
+eye of a thinking and good mother, such as I apprehend Mrs. Hanson to be."
+
+"But surely, mamma, it is a good thing to be handsome? I mean, if people
+happen to be handsome, it is a pity they should lose their beauty."
+
+"It is, my dear, to a certain degree a pity; for a pretty face, like a
+pleasant prospect, gives pleasure to the beholder, and leads the mind to
+contemplate the great Author of beauty in his works, and rejoice in the
+perfection every where visible in nature. The possessors of beauty may,
+however, so often spare it with advantage to themselves and their near
+connections, that the loss of it, provided there is neither sickness, nor
+any very disgusting appearance, left behind, does not appear to me a very
+great misfortune."
+
+"But surely, mamma, people may be both very pretty and very good?"
+
+"Undoubtedly, my dear; but such are the temptations handsome people are
+subject to, that they are much more frequently to be pitied than envied;
+yet envy from the illiberal and malicious seldom fails to pursue them; and
+when they are neither vain nor arrogant, generally points them out as
+both."
+
+"I have often wished to be handsome, mamma, because I thought people would
+love me if I were; but if that is the case, I must have been mistaken,
+mamma."
+
+"Indeed you were, my child; personal charms, however attractive to the eye,
+do not blind, or even engage the heart, unless they are accompanied by
+good qualities, which would have their effect, you know, without
+beauty--nay, even in ugly persons, when we become thoroughly acquainted
+with them. Can you suppose, Ellen, that if you were as handsome as the
+picture over the chimney-piece, that you would be more dear to me on that
+account, or that you would, in any respect, contribute more to my
+happiness?"
+
+"You would not love me better, dear mamma, but yet you would be more proud
+of me, I should think."
+
+"Then I must be a very weak woman to be proud of that which implied no
+merit, either in you or me, and which the merest accident might, as we
+perceive, destroy in a moment; but this I must add, that if, with
+extraordinary beauty, you possessed sufficient good sense to remain as
+simple in your manners, and as active in the pursuit of intellectual
+endowments, as I hope to see you, _then_ I might be _proud_ of you, as the
+usual expression is; for I beg you to remember that, strictly speaking, it
+is wrong to be proud of any thing."
+
+"Zebby always said that Mr. Hanson was very proud of Matilda--I suppose it
+was of her beauty."
+
+"I suppose so too, and you could not have brought forward a more decisive
+proof of the folly and sin of pride, and the inefficacy of beauty to
+procure love, than in the conduct and qualities of the persons in question.
+Mr. Hanson's pride of his daughter's beauty rendered him blind to her
+faults, or averse to correcting them; and from his indulgence, the effect
+of that very beauty for which he sacrificed every real excellence, was so
+completely impaired, that I am sure, with all your predilection for a
+pretty face, you will allow that Matilda, with all those red spots
+plastered with white ointment, is a thousand times more agreeable than
+Matilda with bright eyes and ruddy cheeks on her first landing."
+
+"Oh yes, yes!" cried Ellen, looking at her with the tenderest affection,
+and relapsing into tears, which had frequently visited her eyes since the
+time of the terrible accident.
+
+The opiate had now spent itself, and Matilda, giving a slight shudder,
+awoke, and looked at Ellen with a kind of recollective gaze, that recalled
+the events of the morning, and which was succeeded by a sense of pain.
+
+"What is the matter, Ellen? you are crying--have you been scalded?"
+
+"No," said the affectionate child, "but _you_ have."
+
+A confused recollection of all the particulars of the affair now came to
+Matilda's memory; and as by degrees they arose on her mind, she became
+ashamed of the extreme impatience she had exhibited, and surprised that
+Ellen could love and pity so much a girl whose conduct was so little likely
+to ensure affection and respect; and although the pain became every moment
+more troublesome, she forbore most magnanimously to complain, until the
+changes in her complexion induced Mrs. Harewood to say,--"I think, Matilda,
+we had better apply the ointment again to your wound--you are still
+suffering from the fire, I see."
+
+"If you please, ma'am."
+
+With a light and skilful hand, Mrs. Harewood again touched the wounds, and
+immediate ease followed; but ere she had finished her tender operation,
+Matilda caught that kind hand, and, pressing it fondly to her lips, bathed
+it with her tears; they were those of gratitude and contrition.
+
+"I fear you are in much pain _still_," said her kind friend, though she
+partly comprehended her feelings.
+
+"Oh, no! you have given me ease; but if you had not, I would not have
+minded, I feared, indeed I am certain, that I behaved very ill, quite
+shamefully, this morning; and you are so--so good to me, that--that----"
+
+Matilda was choked by her sobs, and Mrs. Harewood took the opportunity of
+soothing her, not by praising her for virtues she had not exercised, but
+by calling upon her to show them in her future conduct; although she did
+so far conciliate as to say, that the suddenness of the injury, in some
+measure, excused the violence she had manifested.
+
+Matilda gave a deep sigh and shook her head, in a manner which manifested
+how far this went in palliation, and was aware that much of error remained
+unatoned. She inquired how Zebby was, and if she was sensible.
+
+"She has been so ever since your accident, which appeared to recall her
+wandering senses by fixing them to one point; and as her fever is really
+abated, I trust she will soon be better."
+
+Matilda hastily sprang from the sofa, and though in doing so she
+necessarily greatly increased the pain under which she laboured, yet she
+suppressed all complaint, and hurried forward to Zebby's room, followed by
+Mrs. Harewood and Ellen; the former of whom was extremely desirous at once
+to permit her to ease her heart, and yet to prevent her from injuring
+herself, by adding to the inflammation of her wound.
+
+It was a truly affecting spectacle to behold Matilda soothing and
+comforting the poor black woman, who had not for a moment ceased to
+reproach herself, since the screams of the young lady had brought her to
+her senses, and her invectives to the knowledge of her own share in the
+transaction. It was in vain that the nurse and the servants of Mrs.
+Harewood had endeavoured to reconcile her, by the repeated assurance, that
+let the young lady say what she pleased, yet no harm could reach her: that
+in old England, every servant had law and justice as much on their side as
+their master could have.
+
+This was no consolation to the faithful negro, who appeared rather to
+desire even unmerited punishment than seek for excuse; she incessantly
+upbraided herself for having killed pretty Missy, and breaking the heart of
+her good mistress; and when she beheld the plastered face of Matilda, these
+self-reproaches increased to the most distressing degree, and threatened a
+complete relapse to the disorder she had yet hardly escaped from.
+
+"You could not help it, Zebby; it was all an accident, and ought to be
+chiefly attributed to my own foolishness," said Matilda.
+
+"Oh, no! it was me bad and foolish. Missy, me naughty, _same_ you used to
+be--pushee here and pushee there, in bad pets--it was all me--breaky heart
+of poor Missis--she comee over great seas; thinkee see you all good and
+pretty as Englis lady; and den you be shocking figure, all cover with
+spotee--oh deary! oh deary! perhaps come fever, then you go to the death,
+you will be bury in dark hole, and mamma never, _never_ see you again."
+
+The desponding tones of this speech went far beyond its words, and Matilda
+combining with it the caution she had heard the medical gentleman make
+respecting fever, and the first exclamation of Ellen, that--"Matilda was
+scalded to death," induced her to suppose that there was really danger in
+her case; and after repeatedly assuring Zebby of her entire forgiveness and
+regard, she returned to the apartment she had quitted, with a slow step,
+and an air of awe and solemnity, such as her friends had never witnessed
+before.
+
+After Matilda had lain down on the sofa some minutes, she desired Ellen to
+get her materials for writing, but soon found that the pain in her breast
+rendered it impossible for her to execute her design.
+
+"I will write for you," said Ellen.
+
+"That won't do--I wanted, with my own hand, to assure dear mamma that poor
+Zebby was not to blame, nor any body else."
+
+"My dear," said Mrs. Harewood, "we can do that by and by, when your mamma
+comes over."
+
+"But if, ma'am--if I should _die_?"
+
+Mrs. Harewood could scarcely forbear an inward smile, but she answered her
+with seriousness, and did not lose the opportunity of imprinting upon her
+mind many salutary truths connected with her present situation, not
+forgetting to impress strongly the necessity which every Christian has of
+being ever ready to obey that awful summons, which may be expected at any
+hour, and from which there is no appeal; but she concluded by an assurance
+that in a few days the present disorder would be completely removed, in
+case she guarded her own temper from impetuosity, and observed the regimen
+prescribed to her.
+
+When Matilda's fears on this most important point were subsided, she
+adverted to her face, but it was only to inquire whether it was likely to
+be well before her mother came, she being naturally and properly desirous
+of saving her dear parent from any pain which could arise from her
+appearance; and when her fears on this head were likewise relieved, she
+became more composed in her spirits, and more anxious than ever to prove,
+by future good conduct, her sense of contrition for the past, and
+resolution for the future; and although she was most thankful for the
+sympathy of her friends, she never sought it by useless complainings, or
+aggravated her sufferings in order to win their pity or elicit their
+praise; and by her perseverance and patience, a cure was obtained much
+sooner than could have been expected from the nature of the accident.
+
+Zebby regularly amended, as she perceived the great object of her anxiety
+amend also; and the sense she entertained of her late danger, the gratitude
+she felt for the kindness she had been treated with, and, above all, the
+self-denial to which she perceived her young lady accustomed herself, in
+order to recover, induced her henceforward to become temperate in her use
+of food, and tractable as to the means necessary for preserving her health,
+and to perceive her duty with regard to the commands given by her young
+lady, to whom she was now more truly attached than ever: for the attachment
+of improved minds goes far beyond that of ignorance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+When Matilda was fully recovered from the pain of her accident, her good
+friends had the satisfaction to perceive that the most salutary effects had
+arisen from the disposition with which she had borne it. She had become
+sensible how much we must all be indebted to our fellow-creatures, in any
+privation of health and ease, and this had taught her to be humble and
+thankful to all who contributed to her comfort; and from necessarily
+suppressing both her appetite and her temper, she had gained a command of
+both, which she had been a stranger to before. From being unable to join
+in any play requiring personal activity, she had been obliged to find her
+amusement in reading; and as that most excellent and delightful work, "The
+Parent's Assistant," by Miss Edgeworth, had been presented to her just
+before, she made herself completely mistress of those admirable tales,
+and by conversing much upon them with Mr. and Mrs. Harewood, with whom she
+usually sat, she became deeply imbued with all the important precepts they
+are intended to convey, as well as the stories they so agreeably relate.
+
+One evening, when the whole family were assembled, the disorder which had
+afflicted Zebby became the subject of conversation; Miss Campbell
+observing, "that the poor woman had undoubtedly been as nervous as any fine
+lady, and therefore given another proof, in addition to the multitude which
+must affect every person of judgment and feeling, that there was indeed no
+difference of constitution, feeling, or character, between white people and
+black ones, when they were placed in similar circumstances."
+
+"Certainly not," said Mr. Harewood, "and in a short time this doctrine will
+be more fully proved by the emancipation of all the blacks, who will, I
+trust, become diligent servants and happy householders, no longer the
+slaves of tyrants, but the servants of upright masters."
+
+"But I am told, mamma," said Edmund, "that the proprietors of West India
+property will all be ruined; people say, this will come upon them as a
+retribution for past sins; but as many of these sins were committed in days
+that are past, and the present inhabitants, in many instances, have behaved
+exceedingly well, I must own I wish sincerely this may not be the case. Can
+you tell me any thing about it?"
+
+"They all deserve to be ruined," interrupted Charles, "who have done such
+bad things as the planters do. Oh, how I wish I could be there when all
+the slaves are set at liberty! with what delight should I join in their
+universal shout of joy and freedom, and in all their innocent festivals!"
+
+Edmund shook his head--"I should like the slaves to be happy as well as
+you; but I don't like for any body to be ruined, especially people who are
+so nerveless and inactive as those who have resided in warm islands; surely
+it is not true?"
+
+Edmund looked again inquiringly.
+
+"I am sorry to say," answered Mrs. Harewood, "that in many cases much
+suffering may be apprehended; but our government will undoubtedly soften
+every evil to the inhabitants, as far as they can do it consistent with
+their views: you know the emancipation of the slaves takes place gradually,
+and by that means enables people to collect their money, to divert the
+channels of their merchandise, or to make themselves friends of those who
+have hitherto been held by the arm of power only. The grand shout of a
+multitude restored to freedom is undoubtedly very attractive, and enough
+to warm the heart of a benevolent enthusiast like Charles; but it is not
+advisable to set food in great quantities before a starving man, lest he
+eat himself into a surfeit. Ignorance is always in danger of using power
+very ill, since we see that even the enlightened are frequently prone to
+misuse it."
+
+"Then I hope, mamma, it will turn out better than people think; and there
+will be very little individual suffering from it."
+
+"I am sorry to say, my dear, that notwithstanding what I have said, I yet
+fear many persons will suffer; I know a widow myself, who is returning to
+this country nearly destitute, after living many years in a state of
+luxury; very happily she has only one child, and has not suffered her past
+prosperity so to unnerve her mind, as to render her useless and desponding
+in the day of adversity. On the contrary, she has the magnanimity to
+rejoice in the freedom of the slaves, although that freedom has destroyed
+her fortune."
+
+At this moment, every eye was involuntarily bent on Matilda, who, feeling
+undoubtedly some degree of compunction and shame, when she either thought
+on her own former conduct, or the state of her country, had kept aloof till
+now. At this moment she started, and, with a look of most anxious inquiry,
+she cried--"Oh, ma'am! surely you do not mean my poor mamma? And yet--yes,
+certainly you mean her--she has lived many years in prosperity--she has but
+one child, and she is possessed of a pious, good heart, and a kind,
+generous spirit, and would not wish the poor negroes to remain slaves--she
+would rather work herself than injure any body. Dear Miss Campbell, pray
+make me clever and good like yourself, and then I will be a governess, and
+get money, and support dear mamma--_indeed_ I will."
+
+The amazing rapidity with which these words were uttered, and the
+perturbation of spirits which accompanied them, prevented Matilda from
+perceiving that Mrs. Harewood was anxious to interrupt her; and even when
+that good friend began to speak, she was too much affected and disturbed to
+listen to her. She went on to say, with an agitated voice, but ingenuous
+countenance--"I cannot help crying, to be sure; but indeed I am not sorry
+that the poor slaves are to have their liberty, and I do not mind the money
+we have lost; I only want to see my dear mamma, and to comfort her, and to
+tell her that I would not be the mistress of bought slaves for all the
+world; for I _now_ know that in the sight of God they are my equals, and if
+good, my superiors. I _know_ that Jesus Christ died to save them as well as
+me, and that he will not forgive them who insult him, by daring to buy and
+sell those whom he has purchased with his own blood; and besides, I do not
+wish to possess them; for if I did, I should be proud and cruel and
+miserable, as I used to be."
+
+The anxious, troubled heart of Matilda now found refuge in abundant tears,
+and, throwing herself on the bosom of her maternal friend, she shed them
+freely there; and as the storm of grief subsided, Mrs. Harewood obtained
+her attention to these words--"My dear Matilda, your vivid imagination, and
+the quickness of feeling, which even in a good cause is too apt to hurry
+you away, have led you into unnecessary trouble; it is not _your_ mamma,
+but a Mrs. Weston, of Jamaica, of whom I spoke. I can, however, scarcely
+regret the pain you have experienced, because it has caused you to express
+sentiments which do you honour, and which must give great pleasure to your
+mother."
+
+"But my mamma is coming over soon?"
+
+"She _is_, my dear, but under very different circumstances, her property
+being all well disposed of, and settled in the English funds; and be it
+your comfort to know, that although your father was a proprietor of West
+India estates, yet his fortune was not accumulated by the infamous traffic
+to which we allude; although, like other people, he held slaves for the
+purposes of agriculture and domestic labour, he had an estate in this
+country, which enabled him to support an expensive establishment, without
+recurring to those practices too common among the planters in your
+country."
+
+"And has the lady of whom you spoke no estate, no money, to support
+herself and her little girl?"
+
+"She has _not_, my dear; but I trust her friends in England will provide
+her with some situation, in which her talents will enable her both to
+support herself and benefit others; and by this means the cup of affliction
+now may hereafter prove one of blessedness: her little girl is only six
+years old, and will therefore be but a trifling expense to her for some
+years to come."
+
+Matilda now wiped her eyes, but was observed for a considerable time
+involved in deep thought, and silent thanksgiving to God, and no one around
+thought it right to interrupt the silent aspirations of her heart; but as
+soon as her countenance resumed its usual expression, and she rose from her
+seat, the young ones surrounded her, and with cheerful looks congratulated
+her on the change in her feelings, which they were aware a few moments must
+have produced; for, as Edmund observed, though it was very right to be
+resigned to every change which it pleased God to send, yet it was
+undoubtedly a great pleasure to know that a dear parent enjoyed not only
+the power of living in her usual style of comfort, but that she preserved
+the power of bestowing a part of her fortune to feed the poor, and to
+communicate knowledge, and sow the seeds of virtue in the minds of the
+young and uninformed.
+
+Matilda listened to their congratulations with gratitude and pleasure, and
+looked forward with exultation, chastened by a proper diffidence of
+herself, to the time when, with her beloved mother, she should be employed
+in acts of beneficence and social enjoyment--"So passing through things
+temporal, as not to lose the things that are eternal."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+On the following midsummer vacation, Mrs. Harewood complied with the wishes
+of her young family, by consenting to give a ball to their young friends;
+and as she disapproved very much of late hours, the whole party were
+invited to dinner, in order that the dance might commence early.
+
+The day previous to this entertainment was a very busy one, as the young
+people were permitted to display their taste by arranging the ball-room,
+and ornamenting it in the best manner they were able with flowers, under
+the inspection and with the assistance of Miss Campbell. The boys, attended
+by the footman, went out into the country, and returned laden with
+beautiful spoils from the hedges and copses, consisting of branches of
+trees, brushwood, and maythorn, together with those green plants which at
+this season of the year are found in abundance, such as clivers, coltswort,
+and the various mallows. When these were brought home, the young ladies
+tied gay flowers, made of various-coloured paper, upon them, at distances,
+with green worsted; and when these ornaments were finished, the branches
+themselves were tied together with strong cord, which was hidden by the
+foliage. By this means they were made into long wreaths, which were hung in
+festoons all round the room, and had an exceedingly beautiful effect, while
+over the doors and windows arches were formed of the same materials; but
+when the greens were brought nearer to the eye, natural flowers were used,
+which, being cut very short in the stem, preserved themselves fresh and
+beautiful, and perfumed the place with the most delightful odours.
+
+Though this employment was charming, yet it was necessarily fatiguing, and
+the children went to bed at an early hour. Not long after they had retired,
+Mr. and Mrs. Harewood heard a carriage, and while they were conjecturing
+who it might be, to their great surprise, the long-expected stranger, Mrs.
+Hanson, was announced.
+
+They were truly rejoiced to see her; for, although personally unknown to
+them, they were much disposed to esteem and love her, both from the style
+of her letters, and the many traits of her conduct and character given by
+Zebby, who was an able eulogist, since she ever spoke from the heart, and
+although ignorant, was by nature acute and penetrating.
+
+The anxious mother, sensible that forms were not necessary to be attended
+to, in addressing the worthy couple to whom she came a welcome, though
+unknown guest, first inquired after her only child. When told that she was
+in bed, and fast asleep, having been much fatigued when she retired, she
+immediately declared that she would not have Matilda awoke for her own
+gratification--a declaration which confirmed the good opinion the family
+already entertained of her. She could not, however, resist the very natural
+desire she felt of beholding that dear object of her solicitude, from whom
+she had been so long parted; and she therefore visited her room, and,
+softly kissing her forehead, observed, to the great satisfaction of Mrs.
+Harewood, that she had never seen her look so well before, which was
+certainly the fact, though her weariness had induced some degree of
+paleness.
+
+Tears rose to the eyes of the fond mother, and often, often were they
+turned to the bed which contained all her earthly treasure, ere she could
+tear herself away; and Mrs. Harewood felt aware that silent prayers
+occupied her heart for the future welfare and progressive virtue of a
+being naturally so very dear, and whose bad passions, at the time of their
+parting, had given so little rational hope of future felicity, either to
+herself or her widowed parent. Sympathizing truly with her feelings, and
+aware of the extreme delicacy of the subject, especially to one of whose
+peculiar feelings she knew so little, Mrs. Harewood left it to time to
+show the change in Matilda.
+
+Mrs. Hanson was recalled from the fond reverie the sight of her daughter
+had involved her in, by the voice of Zebby, who had only just learned the
+arrival of that dear mistress she had ever so justly estimated. The two
+ladies descended, and found the happy negro weeping for joy, and running
+about the breakfast-parlour and dining-room, seeking for her lady, whom,
+when she beheld, she danced about like a wild woman; one moment being
+ready to cast herself at her feet, and the next longing to embrace her.
+
+"I am very glad to see you, Zebby," said Mrs. Hanson, "and very happy to
+find you still my daughter's servant, as I know you will suit her much
+better in many respects than any Englishwoman possibly could."
+
+"Me love Missy ver much, madam, but me no Missy maid now; me housemaid for
+madam Harewood now; me makee de bed, sweepy de stair, do all sort ting; me
+never wait on Missy, no, never."
+
+Mrs. Hanson gave a deep sigh, and said to Mrs. Harewood--"I fear you have
+had some trouble in procuring a maid for my daughter, ma'am?"
+
+"When your daughter came to us, you may remember, my good madam, that we
+undertook to treat her in every respect as if she were our own; we _have_
+done it, and you will be able to judge to-morrow how far your dear girl
+is benefited or injured by sharing the attentions of Ellen's nursemaid,
+Ellen's governess, and Ellen's mother."
+
+Mrs. Hanson felt that she was much indebted to the kindness evidently
+intended by this arrangement, especially as it was a plain case, that
+Zebby had been retained in the family for her accommodation; yet she could
+not help thinking that the contrast between Matilda's past and present
+situation was too great: although she had a thousand times desired that
+some great change might be adopted in her education, yet her heart shrunk
+at the idea of the discipline which she had so long felt to be necessary.
+She was afraid that the terrible passions her child had manifested, had
+rendered terrible changes necessary, and a train of inflictions and
+privations arose to her view, which maternal tenderness was unequal to
+contemplate unmoved; she therefore apologized to her friends, and retired
+to her room, but her pillow was strewed with those thorns which solicitude
+had planted there.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+The following morning the young people arose early, and were surprised to
+find Mrs. Harewood also stirring; her amiable, affectionate heart promised
+itself a treat, in witnessing the sweet emotions of Matilda, on hearing
+the joyful tidings of her mother's arrival; nor was she disappointed--the
+delighted girl manifested all the rapture of which her warm susceptible
+heart was capable; and on hearing her mother slept in the crimson room, was
+hastily bending her steps to the chamber, thus named from the colour of the
+bed.
+
+"But, my dear, it is yet early; your mamma was much fatigued with her long
+journey from Falmouth: is it not a pity to disturb her, especially as she
+has already seen and kissed you, although she would not awake you?"
+
+Matilda stopped--"I do _so_ wish to see mamma," said she, "and to hear her
+speak! but then to awake her for my own pleasure would be selfish, as I
+used to be--I won't be selfish."
+
+"That's right, my dear--you are now proving yourself truly
+affectionate--you are preferring mamma to yourself."
+
+"But I may just stand at the door and listen to her breathing, and so wait
+till she moves."
+
+"Certainly, my dear."
+
+Away flew Matilda, happiest of the happy; and she had scarcely been ten
+minutes on her station when Mrs. Hanson's bell rang, and Matilda instantly
+opened the door, in silent but delightful expectation.
+
+"Is my daughter awake?" said the fond mother.
+
+"Oh, yes, yes, dear mamma, I am here!" cried she, springing to the
+outstretched arms of her loved parent, who, in embracing her joyfully,
+yet felt solicitude mingle with her joy, from the consciousness that her
+earthly happiness was centred in this single object, and that upon her
+future conduct rested the peace of both.
+
+Mrs. Hanson did not rise for some hours, and her daughter breakfasted with
+her, and spent the time principally in making inquiries after their old
+friends in Barbadoes, so that Mrs. Hanson had no opportunity of observing
+how her daughter was looked upon in the family, and on this eventful day,
+the ball in the evening was naturally the subject uppermost on Matilda's
+mind, so that there was yet no development of her real improvement.
+
+At length Mrs. Hanson arose; her maid came in to dress her, and whilst this
+took place, the mother beheld with delight the improvement which had taken
+place in her darling's person, which was taller, and considerably better
+formed, as she had cured herself of stooping, and all her motions indicated
+sprightliness and agility.
+
+Whilst Mrs. Hanson congratulated herself on this appearance, Zebby tapped
+at the door, and, on being admitted, said, with a very long face and
+doleful accent--"Oh dear, Missy, very bad ting have happened; de milliner
+have sentee home Miss Ellen new frock, and no sentee yours. She say she
+cannot makee till next week, because she very busy for little girls that
+losee their mamma, and must have blackee clothes to-morrow day."
+
+Mrs. Hanson's heart sunk, and she felt as if her pleasure for this day at
+least was over, for she fully expected to see Matilda fly into a rage with
+the messenger, the milliner, and indeed all the house; and she could
+scarcely believe her own senses, when Matilda replied calmly--"Well, Zebby,
+it cannot be helped, and it does not signify much; I am sure Mrs. Harewood
+will excuse my want of a new dress on this occasion. To be sure, I should
+have liked to look the same as dear Ellen; but how can I think of such a
+trifling disappointment, when I remember it was caused by those unhappy
+children, who are now mourning for their mamma?"
+
+So saying, she turned, and eagerly threw her arms round a mother, who, in
+the course of her whole life, had not embraced her with equal satisfaction;
+but before she had time to express her pleasure, and injure her who caused
+it, by the exaggerated praise which sprung to her lips, Matilda had run
+down stairs, just to peep at Ellen's new dress, speak of the delight she
+experienced in having gained her mother's society, and consult Miss
+Campbell as to the frock she must substitute for the one intended to be
+worn; and when Mrs. Hanson was left alone, she almost fancied that the
+foregoing scene was a kind of drama, which had been introduced for the
+purpose of surprising and pleasing her.
+
+But observation confirmed her hopes, and justified her happiness. She
+descended at dinner-time, and was introduced to the children of the family,
+who, although little seen among so large a party, yet won her regard, from
+the unaffected kindness and ease with which they treated her daughter; and
+she observed, with approbation, that Matilda and Ellen were dressed exactly
+alike; the latter having declined wearing the frock bought for her, since
+her friend's could not be procured. Mrs. Hanson could not fail to love
+Ellen, in whose countenance the good temper, modesty, and sensibility which
+characterized her, were strongly expressed; but she had not much time to
+comment upon it, for the young party were now coming in, and attention
+was in some degree divided. In a short time dinner was announced, and the
+company, about thirty in number, were soon commodiously arranged round the
+hospitable table.
+
+Mrs. Harewood had thought it right to disperse her own family among her
+guests, in order that they might pay proper attention to those near them,
+as by that means she hoped that none of the invited would be neglected; and
+according to this arrangement, which was made the preceding day, Matilda
+took the place appointed for her, which happened to be at some distance
+from her mamma, who sat, of course, next to Mrs. Harewood. In the bustle of
+so large a party, Mrs. Hanson could scarcely observe even her daughter at
+the beginning of the meal; but when the second course came in, she saw with
+some pain a large dish of custards placed exactly before Matilda; and on
+one of the company observing she had never seen such a noble dish of
+custards before, Mrs. Hanson said--"Matilda is remarkably fond of them; I
+am sorry they are so near her, for they are not wholesome."
+
+"We seldom have such things on that account," said Mrs. Harewood; "but I
+must own I think them well placed, because Matilda can help her friends
+to them with ease."
+
+These words drew the attention of the young ones, and Matilda soon received
+so many plates to supply, that there appeared little probability of her
+sharing in the feast. Edmund was near her, and gladly receiving his
+mother's approving smile, he secured one for Matilda, which he put upon
+her plate just before the last was demanded.
+
+Ellen was equally busy distributing tarts near the bottom of the table. The
+footman brought her a custard, which he said Miss Hanson had sent for her.
+
+"She is very good," said Ellen, "but I had rather take a jelly, if she will
+excuse my returning it."
+
+The happy mother perceived that Matilda had sent Ellen the very custard
+which Edmund's kindness had ensured for _her_. Delicious tears sprang to
+her eyes; she perceived that Matilda was indeed a different creature; that
+she had not only conquered a disgraceful propensity, but acquired a habit
+of generous attention to others, of which there was at one period no hopes
+in her character.
+
+The dancing now commenced, and the West Indian acquitted herself with great
+propriety; for although she did not perform so well as the greater part of
+the company, yet she was never awkward; and when at a loss for the figure,
+she listened with modesty, and obeyed with precision the rules laid down to
+her. Many of the party now assembled were amiable and obliging, but in so
+large a number, some were of course present, whose manners were less
+agreeable: but as Matilda considered herself one of the family, so she
+deemed it her duty to partake their cares, and render every person as happy
+as possible. She neither suffered rudeness to disturb her temper, nor
+awkwardness to excite her contempt; her conduct, under every temptation of
+this nature, was uniformly marked by self-command, modesty, and civility.
+
+There was in this young party two Master Eustons, who, happening to be
+richer and a little older than the rest of the party, thought themselves
+entitled to quiz all around them at some times, and lord it over them at
+others. On their first coming into the room, they sought out Matilda, as
+a proper companion for them, because they had heard her named as a great
+West-Indian heiress; but when they saw her a modest, unassuming girl, they
+rather shunned her, as not being likely to enter into their sports. These
+boys would not have been voluntarily chosen as companions for his own by
+such a careful and observant father as Mr. Harewood, but they were the
+nephews of an old friend of his, and were then on a visit to their uncle,
+who would have felt himself neglected if Mr. Harewood had not invited
+them; and as, that gentleman very justly observed to his excellent lady,
+his children must necessarily mix with the world, both at school and
+elsewhere, it was desirable that they should do it sometimes under the eye
+of those kind parents, who might teach them how to distinguish what was
+good, and lead them, from general company, to choose particular society.
+
+There was also a young lady who wished to render herself the particular
+companion of Matilda, for the same reason the Eustons had done, because she
+considered her the most wealthy child in the place; and from her person,
+and the elegance she observed in her mamma's dress and manners, she
+concluded that in a few years she would be the most dashing. It is
+astonishing how soon the eye of even a child can discriminate, in that
+particular which has been rendered the sole subject of its studies and the
+grand object of its wishes; so that people who pique themselves upon being
+men of the world, or women of fashion, are rivalled in all their boasted
+knowledge and discernment by young creatures, whose faculties they may deem
+very inefficient, and which are indeed so in all the higher requisites of
+mind and the attainments of knowledge.
+
+The parents of Miss Holdup, the young lady in question, had acquired a
+large fortune, but were both called, at a very early period, from the
+enjoyment of it; and this their only child was placed, by the will of her
+father, under the sole guardianship of his solicitor, a man of integrity
+and of large fortune, and without any children of his own; so that the
+little girl had apparently every blessing her desolate situation demanded,
+for kindness was accorded to her in the family, as an orphan, without a
+rival, and her fortune was well secured by the skill of her guardian.
+
+But, alas! false judgment and mistaken indulgence rendered this situation
+totally subversive of her improvement and her happiness; the lady to whose
+care she was immediately consigned was a vain and dissipated woman, who had
+no greater pleasure than in spending the fortune, laboriously acquired by
+her industrious spouse, in all the various amusements the metropolis
+presents to the idle and extravagant part of the community; and although
+she was what is generally termed a very good-natured woman, yet the moment
+her schemes of diversion or expense were thwarted, she could be as pettish,
+sullen, or even vulgar and violent, as the lowest servant. She piqued
+herself on being a woman of family, and when little Miss Holdup came into
+her household, the first care she took with her was to eradicate, as far as
+possible, the memory of her parents, and all their former connections, from
+her mind.--"My dear child, now you are, by great good fortune, got into a
+gentleman's family, remember you must never mention those creatures in the
+city your mamma used to visit. I must have no cheese-factor cousins
+introduced at my table; no, nor even the great linen-draper's daughter that
+gave you the doll; you have money enough to buy dolls of your own, and must
+have no more concern with those kind of people now."
+
+"But," said the child, "I suppose I may talk about Miss Turner and her
+sister Anne, because they nursed me through the measles, and my father said
+I must always be grateful--I suppose he meant thankful, ma'am, for their
+kindness."
+
+"Who are they, child? if they are decent people, it alters the case
+entirely."
+
+"They are not decent people," said the child, pettishly; "they are very
+genteel people, and dress quite beautifully, and have a country-house,
+where I have played many a time; and they have a fine instrument, and more
+books than you have, and I love them dearly."
+
+"But who are they, my dear?"
+
+"Why, to be sure, they are their father's daughters, Mr. Turner, the great
+baker; every body knows Mr. Turner's shop, I suppose."
+
+The lady was distressed. She began a speech, endeavouring to prove, that
+although gratitude was very good in its place, yet, when it was advisable
+to forget its object, then it was no longer good, but foolish, and
+improper, and unfashionable; but she checked herself in the midst of this
+exordium, by recollecting that the intellects of her pupil were unequal to
+all investigation, but that her inclination, youth, and temper could be
+more easily wrought upon. She began to load her with finery, take her to
+the play, though she fell asleep in the second act, speak of her in her own
+hearing as a wit and a beauty, shake her head knowingly whenever her city
+connections were alluded to; and therefore it was no wonder that in a short
+time the child forgot the friends she had loved, grew ashamed of the
+parents she had honoured, learnt to prattle on subjects of which she knew
+nothing, and to affect all the premature airs of a woman, with more than
+the usual ignorance of a child, as children are now usually instructed.
+
+Perhaps a womanized child of this description is the most disagreeable
+thing in existence, and is rendered only the more so, from any talent or
+natural acuteness it may happen to possess, since that never fails to give
+a spice of sin to what would otherwise be mere folly. The thinking mind
+shudders at the airs of infantine coquetry and malicious sneers, which are
+merely ludicrous to another stander-by; but how any person can be either
+indifferent to such a waste and perversion of human nature, or behold it
+with pleasure, is inconceivable. Mrs. Thornton was, however, so far the
+dupe of her own folly, that she conceived Miss Holdup the finest child she
+had ever known, and a decisive proof of her own talents for education. It
+was true, she had lavished upon her all her stores of information, in the
+same way that, agreeably to her own notions of dress and pleasure, she had
+expended upon her sums which her husband thought prodigious; and the result
+of both had been to make her what might be truly called a grand serious
+pantomime, or an artificial curiosity, for nature was completely banished
+her composition.
+
+"Look at my lovely ward," she would exclaim, in rapture; "how totally
+different she is from any other child! she will never be mistaken for one
+of the lower order!"
+
+True; but neither could she be mistaken for a gentlewoman: the appearance
+of the child was that of a figurante, ready equipped for her part at the
+opera; for, although in her twelfth year, she wore trowsers and petticoats
+that did not reach to her knees; they were, it is true, trimmed with the
+most costly Mechlin, formed by the most tasteful milliner; but as her shape
+was by no means graceful, and her mode of life, by harassing her into puny
+ill health, kept her wretchedly thin, she resembled at a distance a small
+windmill about to be set in motion; and when near her, it was impossible
+not to believe that her clothes had been stripped to the middle, for the
+sake of washing her bony shoulders perfectly clean.
+
+But, alas! the interior was more naked, or dressed in some parts merely
+for exhibition: the poor child knew the steps of the last new dance and
+the name of new music; she could finger a little, and knew a few words of
+French from the vocabulary; but to the history of her country she was a
+perfect stranger, and, what was far worse, was ignorant of all religion,
+all duties. When she was out of temper, which was an increasing evil as
+she grew up, she was told only that it "spoiled her face;" if she were
+guilty of gluttony, she was warned against injuring her shape; but the real
+motive of good action, the foundation of pure principles, the necessity of
+self-control, were utterly unknown to her; she never saw them acted upon,
+nor heard them explained.
+
+Such was the girl who now, with a bustling parade of affection, singled out
+Matilda as the only child whom she thought worthy of her patronage, and
+whom she intended to win and to use, when it suited her, in the very same
+way that ladies of twice her age so frequently make their selection of
+friends in the acquaintance of an hour.
+
+Miss Holdup was disappointed in perceiving that Matilda did not act as if
+she were much pleased, or much flattered, by her partiality; but this she
+imputed to pride, and being very proud herself, she concluded that, on a
+little farther acquaintance, it would only render them better friends.
+Besides, she observed that Ellen was at present the dearest friend of
+Matilda; and although she considered this a degrading choice, yet she had
+patience to wait, and cunning enough to aid, the time when Matilda should
+see the superiority of such a girl as herself to poor Ellen, whom she
+concluded to be simple, because she perceived her to be modest and mild.
+
+In the blithesome round of gaiety inspired by dancing, designs and airs of
+all kinds were for a time forgotten, and the sprightly movements of the
+feet kept pace with the hilarity of heart which banishes, for a time, all
+those unnatural combinations which disgrace the ingenuous breast of early
+life; but when a pause was given for the purpose of refreshment, various
+little parties were formed for conversation, and Miss Holdup contrived to
+monopolize Matilda, in a way that was painful to Ellen, disrespectful to
+the rest of the party, and embarrassing to her who was thus singled out;
+who became, with some, an object of envy, because the most fashionable girl
+distinguished her; with others, one of contempt, for the same reason. It
+will be readily conceived that Miss Holdup was never insignificant: where
+she did not attract admiration, she never failed to excite contempt: and
+as the party were, of course, for the most part amiable and well-educated
+children, whom Mr. and Mrs. Harewood held up as examples to their own, so
+the greater number, by many, regarded this young lady as a weak, ridiculous
+girl, whose appearance excited surprise and disgust, and whom nothing but
+good manners could prevent them from laughing at; and Matilda felt herself
+involved, from her union with her, in that kind of snare which, of all
+others, was the most galling to her, as from her very cradle she could
+never endure to be laughed at.
+
+Mrs. Harewood perceived, from the expression of her countenance, that she
+laboured under very considerable vexation, and she was at times afraid
+that, by some irritating expression or haughty toss, Matilda would tarnish
+the honours of the day, by giving a pang to the heart of that fond and
+still happy parent, whose eyes were continually bent upon her, but who
+wished to see her act on the present occasion, without those influences her
+more immediate presence was likely to inspire. While with all the anxiety
+of a true friend, this good lady watched Matilda, a quick rattling sound
+was heard against the windows, and Matilda, a little surprised by the
+sound, and desirous of escaping the tedious and affected conversation of
+Miss Holdup, inquired what it was that she heard.
+
+"Quiz the West Indian," said the younger Euston; "she never saw it hail
+before."
+
+With a very grave face, the elder immediately came up to her, and told her
+it was raining comfits--"If you please," said he, "you may see them through
+the windows, for it is not dark, though the moon is clouded."
+
+Matilda went eagerly to the window, for she was curious to observe a
+phenomenon entirely new to her. She soon perceived thousands of little
+balls, that fell as hard as stones, lying on the ground and the window
+frames, and she was desirous of examining them further; but just as she was
+turning to make inquiries of her friend Edmund, young Euston interrupted
+her, by saying--"Well, Miss Hanson, you now see the comfits; would you like
+to taste them? if you please, I will get you a spoonful."
+
+"I should like to have a few certainly," replied she, "and will feel
+obliged to you to procure me some of them."
+
+"Hush, hush!" said the young ones to each other, all desirous to see how
+Matilda would look, many merely from that love of play which is inherent at
+their age, others from a malicious spirit which is too frequently blended
+with a passion for fun. Mr. Harewood apparently took no notice, but he
+hovered about them, and had the satisfaction of hearing several girls
+condemn the Eustons, and profess an intention of saving Matilda from
+swallowing the cold hailstones.
+
+"You may be easy," said Edmund, as they stood consulting together on the
+subject, when in ran the youth with eagerness, crying--"Here is a spoonful
+of beautiful comfits; now open your mouth and shut your eyes--that is the
+way to taste them in perfection."
+
+"Thank you, sir; I do not want to eat them; I know they must be snow, some
+kind of condensed snow, or ice, and I wished to examine them."
+
+"Snow! how you talk!--it never snows in July."
+
+"It never snows at all in my country--of course I know little about it; but
+unless Edmund assures me to the contrary, I shall certainly conclude that
+these little balls are frozen rain-drops, of the same nature with snow."
+
+"You are perfectly right, Matilda," said Edmund, "and you have quizzed your
+quizzers very completely."
+
+"Miss Hanson has studied natural philosophy," said a young lady,
+sneeringly, being one of those who sought Miss Holdup's acquaintance. "I
+always thought that young ladies in the West India islands studied physical
+subjects more than any other."
+
+"Physical subjects!" exclaimed several of the party; "how very strange a
+study! what a very singular thing for girls to think of!"
+
+"I think you are quite mistaken," said Ellen, with more spirit than was
+usual to her; for, although she could not conceive that there was any harm
+in the study, she saw plainly that some spleen was intended against
+Matilda, and she loved her too dearly, to stand by whilst any wound was
+inflicted which her interference might avert. Though the most gentle and
+unoffending in her nature, yet she was capable of warm and active
+friendship, and, of course, was not a little astounded and hurt when the
+young lady replied--"Surely, Miss Harewood, you cannot be ignorant that all
+our great medical practitioners torture and kill animals, for the purpose
+of ascertaining the nature of diseases, and, in many cases, undoubtedly for
+the purpose of learning how much suffering bodies of a certain size and
+texture are capable of enduring? Now I don't doubt, Miss Hanson, being so
+wise in other matters, can tell you exactly how much pain is necessary to
+kill a slave, how many stripes a child can endure, and how long hunger,
+beating, and torturing, may be applied without producing death; and prove
+that in case they do destroy a few blackies, that don't signify, if they
+can afford to buy more."
+
+"Well, and suppose Miss Hanson did kill some of those creatures," cried
+Miss Holdup, "she can afford to buy more; at least, her mamma can, which is
+much the same; though to be sure, 'tis a fine thing to be independent. For
+my part, I think there is ten times more said about those filthy negroes
+than signifies: dear me! they are not to compare to my Frisky; 'tis the
+most angelic creature of a dog! worth fifty blacks any day, unless, to be
+sure, they were in handsome liveries."
+
+Matilda had suffered in every nerve while the first lady spoke, but the
+defence of the second hurt her ten times more, as it appeared to indicate a
+hardness of heart, a daring to make light of a most solemn subject, and one
+to which she had given much serious thought, and she hastily plucked away
+the arm Miss Holdup had taken, and would have retired, but she was hemmed
+in by a circle, and could not escape. The young lady replied to her
+advocate, in a fawning voice--"Ah, dear Miss Holdup! you are fond of
+defending any body you take a fancy for; but I am certain, if you were
+really on the spot, you could not bear to _see_ those things your _new_
+friend has been in the habit of _doing_. I am told, mere children amuse
+themselves in Barbadoes with sticking pins into the legs of little
+children, dropping scalding sealing-wax upon their arms, and cutting lines
+and stars in their necks with knives and scissors."
+
+"Yes," added one of the Eustons, "and the most delicate ladies are waited
+upon by naked slaves, whose bare backs are probably bleeding from the
+recent effects of a sound whipping, inflicted, probably, because Missy's
+dolly had fallen, and broken her nose, out of Missy's own hands."
+
+"Shocking creatures!"--"Dreadful wretches!"--"Wicked creatures!"--"How
+terrible!"--"How abominable!" were exclamations naturally uttered on every
+side, and those who, on Matilda's innocent triumph, had in the first
+instance pressed around her, now withdrew from her side, shrinking as from
+something monstrous and loathsome in nature; and such was the bustle and
+confusion between those who were eager to inquire, and those who were more
+eager to inform, that the few who endeavoured to divert attention from the
+subject, or insist upon the pictures presented being overcharged, could not
+be heard.
+
+Matilda, overwhelmed with burning blushes, was utterly unable to articulate
+a syllable, much less to stem the torrent which, in accusing her country in
+general terms, was aimed at her in particular: her conscience accused her
+of many crimes, which, though far removed from atrocity like this, were yet
+utterly unjustifiable, and, as she now believed, might have led to the
+utmost limits of tyranny, cruelty, and oppression; and all she felt or
+feared in her own conduct, seemed to rise to her memory, and stamp
+conscious guilt on her expressive features; and while thus labouring under
+the torments of a wounded spirit, the Eustons, rejoicing in her confusion,
+pointed it out as a certain proof of her conscience upbraiding her, and a
+fresh volley of crimes and accusations were poured forth. It was in vain
+that Edmund attempted to be heard, and that Charles challenged every one to
+fight in her behalf, and that Ellen, with distressed vociferation and tears
+gushing into her eyes, kept again and again exclaiming--"It is _not_
+true--I am sure it is not; there are many good people in the West Indies,
+and nobody can be so wicked in the wide world. You tell these tales on
+purpose to make us ill--fie! fie!"
+
+The agonized countenance of Ellen, by presenting a striking contrast to its
+usual expression of mild benevolence, told Mr. Harewood it was time for him
+to interfere. He had, for some minutes, hovered near, perceiving some kind
+of conspiracy, and thinking that his presence would be less observed than
+that of either of the ladies; and at his near approach, the aggrieved,
+accused, discomfited Matilda, whose eyes had been long cast on the ground,
+ventured to look up; for although she had a considerable general feeling
+of awe for Mr. Harewood, yet she had the most perfect reliance on his
+justice and kindness; and ashamed and conscious of past error as she now
+was, she yet felt assured of his protection and mercy.
+
+The moment her eye met his, she felt all her hopes confirmed; and in the
+joy and exultation it gave her, she acquired strength to burst through the
+crowd; rushing forward, she sought refuge in his arms, and laid her burning
+cheek on the kind hand he extended towards her.
+
+Ellen, at this moment, was, for the first time, attended to, as she cried
+out, with still stronger pathos--"Dear papa, I am so glad you are here! for
+you will tell us the _truth_--you will convince every body, that people in
+the West Indies do not torture their poor slaves for nothing but their own
+wicked pleasure."
+
+"My dear little advocate, as I have never been in the West Indies, I have
+no right to contradict such evidence as has been brought forward by
+respectable witnesses."
+
+A cry of exultation began to pass the lips of the Euston party; but they
+were silent, as Mr. Harewood began to speak again.
+
+"I am the more inclined to think these cruelties may sometimes take place
+in our islands, because I have myself witnessed similar effects in this
+country, where the barbarians who practised them were much curtailed in
+their power, and proved rather the disposition than the actual treatment
+of which you speak towards their unhappy victims."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed they, with anxious curiosity, pressing nearer to the
+speaker.
+
+"Yes," added Mr. Harewood, raising his voice, and assuming a serious
+aspect, "I have this very evening heard words applied to the heart of an
+unoffending individual, more painful than the lash, and seen looks directed
+against her, more torturing than any of the hateful operations you have
+mentioned; and I have not the least hesitation in saying, that those who
+could thus treat an amiable fellow-creature, and one who, as a stranger,
+is thrown upon their kindness, and entitled at least to their politeness,
+would, if they had the power, wound the body also, and might, by hardening
+their hearts against the claims of humanity, in a short time become capable
+of every possible enormity."
+
+An awful silence, strikingly contrasted with the late lively dance and
+its following conversational bustle, now sat on every tongue; the
+self-convicted were ashamed of their conduct, the doubtful satisfied, and
+the friendly delighted; and desirous of stamping an important lesson, in
+the moment of awakened feeling and intelligence, Mr. Harewood continued to
+say--"Human nature, alas! is full of bad propensities; and when situation
+and the power of indulgence strengthen them, no wonder that man becomes
+selfish first, then hard-hearted, and lastly, even ferocious towards
+others. When, enlightened by education and taught by religion, he rises
+from this state of barbarity, and becomes not only civilized, but humane,
+gentle, condescending, and charitable, he merits great praise, for he has
+achieved great labour--he has conquered great difficulty; the very angels
+in heaven rejoice over him; and this child, this blushing, trembling,
+self-condemning, but self-corrected child, has done this. Look up, my dear
+Matilda! let who will sneer at you, I am proud of you; and there is not one
+person present who would not honour themselves, if they could secure your
+friendship. I was the first to correct you, nor will I ever flatter you;
+but I will always protect and defend you, so long as you continue to merit
+the high regard I now feel for you."
+
+The sweetest tears she had ever shed now ran down the cheeks of Matilda,
+as Mr. Harewood pronounced this eulogy; and it will be easily conceived,
+that all the really good and sensible part of the company eagerly sought
+to soothe her spirits, and convince her of their regard, while her late
+tormentors either slunk away, as much ashamed as they were despised, or
+by an ingenuous confession of error, paved the way for returning esteem.
+
+Miss Holdup arrogated to herself great praise for having defended what she
+called the right side; and so delighted was poor Ellen with every body and
+every thing which favoured her young friend, that she began to take a great
+fancy to the silly affected girl, merely because she thought that she loved
+Matilda; but Matilda herself felt that her severest pang had arisen from
+the very defence thus adopted; and while she thanked Miss Holdup for her
+good wishes, she yet shrank more than ever from forming an intimate
+acquaintance with one whom she considered as little better than an
+automaton figure on which fine clothes might be hung, and whose tongue had
+been taught to move, for the purpose of repeating the silly gibberish which
+ill-formed women repeat to uninformed children, in order to render them as
+stupid, proud, and silly as themselves.
+
+On the following day, the party were naturally the subject of conversation,
+and Mrs. Hanson had great pleasure in finding that the bedizened doll, who
+had been so decidedly her daughter's companion the evening before, was by
+no means her chosen one, that distinction being reserved for Ellen only,
+whose kind heart would have been almost broken, had she imagined such a
+partiality indeed reciprocal, but who was as free from jealousy of Miss
+Holdup, as she was full of confidence in Matilda.
+
+Mrs. Harewood on this occasion remarked, that she had never seen two girls
+more likely to form a mutual and lasting friendship than Ellen and Matilda,
+because they were likely mutually to benefit each other, since they would,
+she trusted, possess the same good principles and dispositions, but each
+having a character of her own, would become serviceable to the other.
+Matilda had more discrimination and firmness than Ellen, who, on her part,
+had a forbearance, patience, and gentleness, which nature as well as habit
+had in a degree left her friend but poorly provided with; but she said it
+would not be surprising if their mutual affection and reciprocal admiration
+should, in time, ingraft the virtues of each upon the other, and she hoped
+to see Matilda as meek as Ellen, and Ellen as firm and energetic as
+Matilda.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+The happy family-party at Mr. Harewood's was necessarily soon broken up,
+as Mrs. Hanson took a house at Brompton, on account of the mildness of
+the air, and the young friends were then separated. Their removal was
+facilitated by the arrival of that West-Indian lady and her little girl,
+whom we have already mentioned, as being stripped of nearly all her
+possessions, and whom Mr. and Mrs. Harewood were desirous of accommodating
+in their house, until some plan for her future situation should be fixed
+upon. They were not of that number who can receive a rich friend with
+pleasure, and leave a poor one to shift for themselves; on the contrary,
+Mrs. Weston and her little Harriet were received by them, not only with
+affection, but with all consideration due to her former situation.
+
+As soon as Mrs. Hanson had arranged her household at Brompton, she hastened
+to invite Mr. and Mrs. Harewood and their family to spend an early day
+with her, and was then introduced to Mrs. Weston, whom she knew well by
+report, and for whose altered situation she was truly concerned, especially
+after she became acquainted with her, as the suavity of her manners, the
+quiet dignity of mind, and unaffected resignation with which she bore her
+misfortunes, could not fail to prepossess her in favour of so wise and good
+a sufferer, who was likewise so cheerful and willing to be happy.
+
+Harriet was a little girl, about six years old at this time, a tolerably
+good child but certainly subject to the same errors (though in a far less
+degree) which had formerly distinguished Matilda; and as she wanted
+incessantly somebody to do something for her, and there was no longer a
+slave at her command, her mother was too frequently obliged to be that
+servant--a circumstance which rendered the young Harewoods much less fond
+of Harriet than they would otherwise have been, and which, at times, tried
+the temper of even the gentle Ellen.
+
+Matilda's whole mind was absorbed by this little girl, on whom she
+continually cast looks of the deepest interest; her mother imputed the
+serious air she wore to a regret very natural at her age, on revisiting
+the house where she had been so happy, and she felt some fears lest it
+should continue to haunt her mind: she had likewise many forebodings as to
+the future education of her daughter, being sensible that she had enjoyed
+advantages in Mr. Harewood's house of no common character; and she very
+candidly related all that was passing in her mind to that kind lady, whose
+maternal love for her child rendered her the most proper judge for the
+future, as she had proved herself the truest friend for the past.
+
+Mrs. Harewood very strenuously recommended her to procure a good governess
+for her daughter, as it was hardly to be expected that she could bring
+herself to part with her only child, otherwise a school might have been
+more advantageous to a girl of such an active and social disposition; but,
+above all, she pressed Mrs. Hanson to endeavour to preserve in her that
+spirit of humility which never fails to produce obedience, subdue passion,
+and open the mind for the reception and nurture of every virtue.
+
+On the arrival of Mrs. Hanson, Mrs. Harewood had left the real improvements
+of Matilda to be discovered by circumstances; and as the mother and
+daughter were seldom apart, she had not spoken of the kind and charitable
+actions which Matilda had performed, fearful of injuring by praise those
+blossoms which were now only beginning to expand; but she now dilated on
+them with pleasure, both to the happy mother and Mrs. Weston; and such was
+the effect of this discourse on the former, that tears of pleasure and
+gratitude to Heaven ran down her cheek. Matilda, although still engaged
+with the child, catching a view of her mother under this emotion, could not
+forbear running up to her, and tenderly inquired what was the matter.
+
+"Nothing at all, my love, at least nothing painful; we have been speaking
+of you--I am anxious to engage you a governess."
+
+"Well, mamma, and will Mrs. Weston be so good as to undertake me?"
+
+The ladies all started, but by no means with any symptom of dismay,
+although Mrs. Hanson said, with some confusion, to Mrs. Weston--"My little
+girl takes a great liberty, ma'am, but you must pardon her premature
+request; she fancies you are an old friend, I believe, because you are her
+countrywoman."
+
+"I wish sincerely I had any other claim to being considered her friend,
+madam, as in that case----"
+
+Mrs. Weston suddenly checked herself, her colour rose, and the tears stood
+in her eyes.
+
+"Suffer me, my dear friend, to interpret your silence for Mrs. Hanson;--in
+_that_ case you would not object to undertaking the charge which Matilda
+has very innocently, though very abruptly, been willing to assign to you?"
+
+"If you are a faithful interpreter, I will call you a most agreeable one,"
+said Mrs. Hanson, "for Mrs. Weston would be an equal acquisition to both me
+and my daughter."
+
+Mrs. Weston wiped her eyes--"Believe me, dear ladies," said she, "I am
+grateful for your good opinion, and truly desirous of profiting by your
+kind offer; but you are both mothers, and will, I am certain, consider my
+situation as such. I am but newly arrived; it will take some time to wean
+my poor child from her habits; and to send one so very young to school, is
+a painful consideration; in a few months I shall be happy indeed to avail
+myself of your goodness, and enter with pleasure on so promising a task."
+
+Mrs. Hanson was just going to express her entire approbation of this
+proposal, when Matilda, with a modest, but earnest air, entreated
+permission to speak, which was immediately granted.
+
+"Do not think me vain nor presuming, dear Mrs. Weston, if I say, that,
+whilst you are my governess, I will, with my mamma's permission, become
+little Harriet's governess; I am quite sure it will do us both a great
+deal of good, for she will every hour remind me how much more naughty and
+tiresome and provoking I used to be when I first came over, and teach me to
+endure with patience, and remove with gentleness and firmness, the errors
+which, in so young and engaging a child, claim my compassion rather than
+blame. I shall love her very dearly, I am certain, because I see she is of
+a loving temper, notwithstanding her faults; and I am certain, if she feels
+as I do, she will love me for curing her of them; then I will teach her all
+I know, and as I shall improve every day, you know I shall improve her
+also! Dear mamma, pray let me try! I do not know any way in which a girl
+like me can show gratitude to God so effectually, as in endeavouring to
+make my fellow-creature as happy as myself, and especially my own little
+countrywoman."
+
+The tenderness and earnestness with which this request was urged, as
+well as the excellent motive, ensured its success; and in a few days the
+mother and daughter removed together to Brompton, and a regular system of
+education was entered upon, which was indeed attended with the most happy
+effects, although it is probable that Matilda found her new office abound
+with trials, of which she could form no idea until experience taught her.
+It is however certain, that she received as much benefit as she
+communicated, and that she learned the lessons of virtue whilst imparting
+them to her little pupil, who proved a very tractable and intelligent
+child, after she had become weaned from those habits which were in a great
+measure inseparable from her late situation in life. It is probable that
+but for this stimulus to her exertions, Matilda would have neglected her
+education, and sunk into indolent habits, for want of those excitements
+which she had found in the society of Ellen and her brothers; whereas now
+she endeavoured, at every meeting with this dear family, to exhibit some
+improvement or attainment in her pupil, and these were inevitably connected
+with her own.
+
+But notwithstanding the advantages Matilda possessed, and her earnest
+desire to profit by them, and even the actual improvement she evinced, our
+young readers must not suppose either that she was perfect, or that she had
+attained that standard of excellence of which she was capable. Many a
+moment of petulance occurred with her provoking little pupil, and airs of
+arrogance were apt to swell her bosom, upon those occasions which called
+out the superiority of her fortune, or the exhibition of those talents
+which could not fail to be remarked in her situation of life. But on these
+occasions it was never difficult for Mrs. Weston or her good mamma to
+recall her to a sense of the folly and guilt of indulging such a temper;
+for her religious principles were deeply ingrafted, and her sensibility
+genuine and active; so that the moment her mind perceived that she was
+wounding a fellow-creature, and thereby offending God, her heart revolted
+from her own conduct, and she lost not a moment in retracting the
+assertions of anger, and rendering, as far as she was able, every atonement
+for her error.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+Time passed, and the children of either house exhibited those gradual
+changes which are scarcely perceptible to a parent's eye, under which they
+so constantly remain. The young men exchanged school for college; the
+girls, under the protecting guardianship of their mothers, were taken into
+public; and a new sense of care, on a new ground, pervaded those anxious
+hearts, which beat but for their beloved offspring, and which were perhaps
+most solicitous for them, at the time they were indulging the innocent and
+artless gaiety natural to their age.
+
+As Edmund Harewood had ever been a thoughtful youth, and possessed talents
+which were likely to render his study of the law beneficial both to himself
+and the community, Mr. Harewood changed his opinion as to the profession he
+intended him to pursue, and directed him to prepare for the bar, to the
+entire satisfaction of the young man.
+
+Charles had for some time evinced a great desire to enter the army; but as
+his mother could not conquer her feelings, so far as to permit it, he was
+at length induced to resign the scheme entirely; but his anxiety to travel
+continuing as strong as ever, Mr. Harewood promised, if possible, to
+procure him some situation in life which would allow him to indulge his
+wishes, consistent with his duty; but this was conceded on the express
+terms of his diligent application to study; and as he perceived himself
+the positive necessity of becoming a good linguist, he applied himself to
+learning the modern languages with great assiduity.
+
+Ellen grew up a pretty girl, but her figure was diminutive, and the
+gentleness and docility which had been ever her happiest characteristic,
+diffused a charm of feminine softness over her whole person, which was to
+many very attractive, though not striking. The equanimity of her temper
+had the effect of perpetuating that smooth and dimpled description of
+countenance which is peculiar to childhood; so that, although a year older
+than Matilda, she appeared younger; and when they were seen together among
+strangers, she was considered as a younger sister, supported by the kind
+attentions of her superior; for Matilda, although very modest, was
+dignified, and her person, being elegant and tall, confirmed the idea.
+
+In a short time, Mrs. Hanson received several offers from men of fortune
+for Matilda, all of which were politely but positively refused; for the
+poor girl always showed a decided dread of leaving her mother, and very
+justly observed, that a very intimate acquaintance was necessary between
+persons who bound themselves to so sacred and indissoluble a connection
+as marriage; and although naturally too generous and ingenuous to suspect
+others of acting from unworthy motives, she was yet aware that a young
+woman who has a large fortune in her own disposal, and who has neither
+father nor brother to investigate the private character of those who
+address her, has need of a more than ordinary share of prudence, and will
+be wise in delaying a consent which deprives her of all control over the
+wealth of which Providence has appointed her steward.
+
+Although thus wise in her decision on this important point, and ever
+assigning reasons which showed how utterly unbiassed her affections were
+towards the candidates for her favour, yet Matilda did not always act with
+equal wisdom; she was excessively fond of dancing, and as she acquitted
+herself with uncommon grace, perhaps vanity furnished her with an
+additional motive for her desire to partake this amusement more frequently
+than it suited her mamma; and once she accepted an invitation to a private
+ball, when Mrs. Weston was her chaperon. Waltzing was introduced, and
+Matilda, though by no means pleased with the general style of the dance,
+was struck with certain movements which she thought graceful, and the day
+following began to practise them with her young _protégée_.
+
+"I think you waltz very well," said Mrs. Weston.
+
+"I soon should do so, I dare say, if I practised it; but as it was new to
+me, I durst not venture last night, although I made a kind of half promise
+to Sir Theodore Branson, that I would do it the very next time we met."
+
+"Do you call that waltzing?" said Mrs. Hanson, laying down her netting; "it
+appears to me to be more the work of the hands than the feet a great deal;
+and you go round and round, child, very foolishly, till one grows giddy to
+look at you--so, so--well, and what, do the gentlemen stand by to grow
+giddy too?"
+
+"Dear mamma, the gentlemen waltz with the ladies; I said, you know, that
+Sir Theodore wished me to do it, but I refused."
+
+"You did perfectly right; I should have been much hurt if you had waltzed
+with any man."
+
+"It is very fashionable, mother."
+
+"More the pity; but I am sure I need no argument against it to you,
+Matilda."
+
+"Indeed, mamma, I see nothing against it--I think it very graceful; and I
+am sure, if you had seen Lady Emma Lovell last night, you would have
+thought so too."
+
+"My admiration of her person would not for a moment have changed my
+opinion of her conduct. I see beautiful women, who expose their persons in
+a manner I decidedly condemn (as I know, Matilda, you do likewise); looking
+at them as fine _statues_, I may admire the work of the great Artificer;
+but the moment I consider them as _women_ filling a respectable place in
+society, the wives and daughters of men of rank and probity, and, what is
+still stronger, women professing, at least nominally, to be members of the
+Christian church, I turn from them with disgust and sorrow; and though I
+sincerely despise all affectation of more exalted purity than others, I yet
+will never hesitate to give my voice against a folly so unworthy of my sex,
+and which can be only tolerated by women whose vanity has destroyed that
+delicacy which is our best recommendation."
+
+Matilda applied all her mother said to waltzing, and thought it was equally
+just with the strictures she herself felt true, with regard to the mode of
+dress adopted by some whom she met in public. Ellen and herself were ever
+well, and even fashionably, dressed; but yet they avoided the fault they
+condemned: for some time, the sisterly affection which really subsisted
+between them, induced them to appear in similar dresses; but as Matilda
+rose to womanhood, a fear lest Ellen should be induced to expense, added
+to some jokes that were passed upon her respecting Charles, induced her to
+forego this plan, and Ellen had too much good sense to pursue it further;
+and, as the acquaintance of Mrs. Hanson increased, Matilda was necessarily
+led into parties where Ellen could not meet her; so that they became in
+some degree divided in person, but their attachment remained the same. Mrs.
+Hanson was desirous that her daughter should take a more extensive view of
+society than was necessary for Ellen; she dreaded an early marriage for
+her, although she thought it desirable to bring her into society, being
+persuaded that young women of large fortune too frequently are rendered
+unhappy in the marriage state, by being dazzled at their first outset in
+life by the novelty, and gaiety of the scene around them, which leads them
+to expect a continuance of the same brilliant career, incompatible with the
+duties of that state into which they incautiously plunge; whereas a short
+time passed in life, would show them the inefficacy of trifling amusement
+and splendid show to procure real satisfaction, and lead them to
+investigate those circumstances in the minds and situations of their
+admirers, most likely to ensure their future felicity, and most consonant
+with their real wants and wishes. The judicious mother saw, with the truest
+pleasure, that the well-turned mind of her daughter ever pointed to the
+scenes of simple enjoyment and virtuous intelligence which illumined her
+early years; but, in her peculiar situation, she was aware that Matilda,
+to a certain degree, should adopt the apostle's advice--"Try all things,
+cleave to that which is good."
+
+On the other hand, Mr. and Mrs. Harewood, as the young people advanced
+towards maturity, had felt it a point of delicacy, however sincere and
+ardent their friendship might be, in a slight degree to abstain from that
+intimate and daily intercourse which had so long and happily subsisted
+between the families. The days were past when Charles could romp with, or
+Edmund instruct, Matilda; and although they held the same rank in society,
+yet as the noble fortune of Matilda (increased materially by the retired
+way in which her mother lived during her infancy) entitled her to marry a
+nobleman, Mr. Harewood did not choose that the presence of his sons should
+cause reports which might prevent her from receiving offers of this nature.
+He was attached to Matilda, as if she had indeed been his child, but he was
+too independent, as well as too honest, to render either his present
+affection, or his past services, the medium of increasing the general
+regard Matilda had manifested for both his sons into a decided predilection
+for either: nor was he aware that either of the young men had for her that
+peculiar attachment which a man ought to feel for a wife. Edmund was wrapt
+_apparently_ in a profession which is in its own nature absorbing, and
+Charles appeared too eager to travel to have any tendency to early
+marriage.
+
+About a week after the foregoing conversation had taken place between
+Matilda and her mother, the former went again to a ball, with a lady of
+rank, who engaged to be her guardian for the night, as Mrs. Hanson and Mrs.
+Weston had both caught severe colds, from being out late together.
+
+Lady Araminta Montague, the conductor of Matilda for the evening, was a
+fashionable and showy woman, who never appeared in public without being
+surrounded by all those who affected to be considered persons of taste, and
+fitted to move in the first style. She was now sought with more than common
+avidity, on account of her attractive companion, whom she endeavoured to
+show off in the happiest manner, by leading the light conversation of the
+moment to subjects familiar to Matilda's observation, or likely to draw
+from her those remarks in which the ability and talent she possessed would
+be naturally, yet strikingly, displayed. Of this species of kindness
+Matilda was wholly unconscious, as it was one which her own friends had
+never adopted; when, therefore, she found herself the universal centre of
+attraction in the room, it was no wonder that her spirits were unusually
+elated, and her vanity took the lead; so that when the sprightly dance
+added its intoxicating powers, and her mind was entranced by the pleasure
+of the moment, she forgot the resolutions and opinions formed in a wiser
+hour.
+
+When the first two country-dances were over, several parties began, as on
+the preceding night, to form into couples for the purpose of waltzing, at
+that time a novelty in this country; and while Matilda was looking at them,
+to her surprise, Sir Theodore Branson just entered the room, and asked the
+honour of her hand, which he almost claimed as a promise.
+
+This young gentleman was considered the handsomest man, and the most
+elegant dancer, in the circles of fashion. That he was at once a shallow
+coxcomb and an encroaching acquaintance, unfortunately did not prevent many
+young ladies from desiring him as a partner; and when Matilda perceived
+the leer of envy, and the pause of observation directed towards her, she
+half gave him her hand, being conscious that her own figure and style of
+dancing would be superior to any other of the candidates for admiration
+that had preceded her; yet she paused, remembering her mother's words, and,
+with a kind of anxious, fearful gaze, that fell like a veil over the
+exultation and gaiety of her features, she looked an appeal to the lady
+who was her guide, or ought to have been.
+
+"Really, my dear, I don't know what to say; but as the thing is new, if
+you are not quite _au fait_, you will be pardoned, and Sir Theodore is so
+admirable a partner, I really think you may venture to try."
+
+Matilda, in a calmer moment, would have seen how totally distinct her
+ladyship's fears were from those of her mother; but the flutter of her
+spirits, the demands of her vanity, and the address of her partner,
+combined to hurry her forward, and she found herself in the midst of the
+group before she was aware: it was then too late to recede: the motion for
+a short time restored her spirits; but as the arm of Sir Theodore encircled
+her waist, deep confusion overwhelmed her, she blushed to a degree that was
+absolutely painful; and though unable, in the hurry of the motion, to
+entertain a positive reflection, yet a thousand thoughts seemed to press
+at once for admittance, all tinged with self-reproach; and at length,
+unable to endure them, she suddenly laid her hand upon her forehead, and
+ran, or rather reeled, to her seat.
+
+As it was the nature of the dance to produce the sensation of dizziness,
+this circumstance excited no particular attention, and her partner merely
+rallied her upon it, with that air of _badinage_ young men now-a-days
+pretty generally adopt. Every word he uttered was distressing to Matilda,
+who felt as if she were insulted by his freedom, and had degraded herself
+too far to enjoy the right of resenting it; her native pride, however,
+contending with her self-condemnation, she removed her hand from her eyes,
+in order to give him a look which would repel his impertinence, and, to her
+utter astonishment, saw three gentlemen standing before, and looking
+earnestly upon her; two of these were her friends, Edmund and Charles
+Harewood.
+
+The moment she looked up, the first withdrew, but Charles and the stranger
+advanced; they did not, however, find it very easy to approach her, guarded
+as she was by the officious Sir Theodore; but as Charles was not easily
+balked in any intention he had formed, he succeeded in inquiring after her
+health, and introducing his friend Mr. Belmont to her.
+
+"I am very glad--I mean I did not know you were here," said Matilda
+confusedly.
+
+"Mr. Belmont introduced us. We only arrived from Oxford yesterday, and
+Ellen, being very anxious that Mr. Belmont should see you, proposed our
+coming hither."
+
+A little relieved from observing that Edmund still did not join them, under
+whose eye she felt that she should have shrunk, Matilda ventured to look at
+Mr. Belmont, recollecting that she had frequently heard him mentioned as
+the friend of both the brothers, during their residence at Oxford, and that
+he had been the visitant of the family the preceding winter, when she was
+on an excursion to Bath; she knew that he was highly esteemed by the
+family, and, aware in what a favourable point of view their affection for
+her would lead them to represent her, the idea that her first introduction
+had taken place at a moment which, of all others, she most regretted, was
+really insupportable to her.
+
+Lady Araminta endeavoured, by her praise, to remove the chagrin which her
+ingenuous countenance (ever the faithful harbinger of her thoughts)
+betrayed so plainly--"I assure you, my dear," said she, "that for some
+time you performed very prettily; didn't you think so, Mr. Harewood?"
+
+"Pardon me, my lady, from differing with you--I have seen a country actress
+do it much better: indeed I said so at the moment--Belmont knows I did; and
+my brother observed that----"
+
+At this moment the country-dance was recommenced, and Matilda was hurried
+away, although her solicitude to hear what Edmund said amounted to misery;
+but as Charles was addressing Lady Araminta, not her, it was impossible to
+ask; besides, no small portion of anger at Edmund mingled with her
+anxiety--he had never yet approached her. She knew indeed that his ideas of
+feminine decorum were rigid; but still he had no right to resent her
+conduct, or he might have told her as a friend, as he used to do, wherein
+she erred. As these thoughts struck upon her mind, he passed her in the
+dance, and made her a profound bow of recognition; she watched to the
+bottom, and perceived him engaged in earnest conversation with a very
+lovely young person, whom she remembered as one of those who refused to
+waltz; again her heart smote her, yet her anger was the most predominant
+emotion, and she felt as if Edmund Harewood had injured her beyond
+forgiveness.
+
+The waltzing recommenced, but the very name of it was now hateful to
+Matilda, and she hastily entreated Lady Araminta to order her carriage.
+Charles was near; accustomed to read her thoughts, he advanced to offer his
+hand to lead her down stairs--"You are not well, Matilda," said he,
+tenderly--"at least not comfortable--I am sure you are not."
+
+Matilda replied only by a smothered sigh.
+
+"They tell me," continued Charles, "that you are about to marry Sir
+Theodore Branson?"
+
+"'Tis false," said Matilda, quickly, her bosom evidently palpitating with
+shame and anger.
+
+"Then how could you think of waltzing with him? I am sure neither Edmund
+nor myself would have dared (brothers as we once deemed ourselves) to have
+taken--but--really I beg pardon, Miss Hanson; while I condemn another, I
+intrude too far myself."
+
+Matilda was just stepping into the carriage; she turned her eyes on
+Charles--they were full of tears, tears such as he had seen in her
+repentant eyes in early days; he was affected with them--he felt that the
+latter part of his speech had hurt her--that she was not the fashionable
+belle, but still the good girl he must love and admire.--"Then," cried he,
+eagerly, "you will not marry that sprig of a baronet--eh, Matilda?"
+
+"I will not _indeed_."
+
+"And do you not mean to waltz again?"
+
+"No; I was a fool once, but----"
+
+The carriage drove off, and Charles returned with a light heart to the
+ball-room; but that of Edmund was very heavy, and the friends shortly left
+the gay scene, and returned to Mr. Harewood's.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+"I will never go any where again without you, indeed, mother, I am
+determined," said Matilda, with a sorrowful air, the following morning.
+
+This was the prelude to a confession of error, which in part relieved
+the mind of Matilda: but she was still uneasy--she felt as if Charles
+would be her apologist with his family, for an error they were likely to
+blame in her; but the ardour of his manner made her feel much concerned
+for _him_--he was dear to her--she felt for him a sister's affection, but
+felt that she could never be more to him than she was then. Anxious and
+restless, she earnestly desired to see Ellen, whose gentleness and
+dispassionate good sense would soothe the fretfulness and allay the
+uneasiness she felt; yet she could not bring herself to call on the
+family--she had not the courage to meet Mr. and Mrs. Harewood, nor the
+calmness with which she desired to see the brothers. While she was debating
+what course to pursue, to her infinite relief she heard that Ellen had just
+called with her father, and that both of them were in the library. Before
+she had time to welcome them, Ellen, running up stairs, hurried with her
+into the dressing-room, and closed the door with an air of secrecy which
+showed her expectation of giving or receiving intelligence of importance,
+and there was in her countenance an expression which combined both joy and
+sorrow, and was really indefinable.
+
+Full of her own cares, and anxious to conceal the most interesting part of
+them, Matilda for some time remained silent, nor did Ellen find the courage
+requisite for her own communication; so that this much desired visit
+promised little eventual satisfaction. To account for the situation of
+Ellen, it is necessary to trace the events of the morning in her father's
+house.
+
+When the family were assembled to breakfast, the conversation naturally
+turned upon the ball of the evening before; and Ellen, with friendly zeal,
+sought to exculpate her friend Matilda from the errors which Mr. Belmont
+seemed to think her guilty of, in exhibiting herself in a dance, by no
+means decorous, with a young man of Sir Theodore's description.--"I do not
+say," added he, "that it was a positively wrong thing, nor do I much wonder
+at it; for a fine young woman, and an heiress, may be led a great way, by
+the flatterers and sycophants who surround her; but I must own I expected
+better things from the chosen friend of Ellen Harewood, from a girl
+educated by a pious and sensible mother, and one said to possess a sound
+understanding."
+
+Edmund was silent, but his varying complexion bespoke the strong interest
+he felt in the subject; Charles, on the contrary, warmly entered into it,
+declaring that a few words which passed between Matilda and him clearly
+proved that she had been misled by her party; that her sense of propriety
+was as strong as ever; and, in short, that she was a dear, amiable, good
+girl, whom he would defend as long as he lived.
+
+The warmth of Charles's assertion called a smile from every one. During the
+time he spoke, his father had been called out; the servant now entered,
+desiring _his_ presence also; and it appeared that their early visitant
+was a man of great importance, and the cause of his calling at this time,
+by awakening curiosity, suspended conversation. In a few minutes he
+departed, and Mr. Harewood returned to the breakfast-room, saying as he
+entered--"I am going to announce a piece of excellent news, although it is
+accompanied by a loss we must submit to; our dear Charles is appointed to
+be secretary to the embassy to ----, now preparing to embark."
+
+Mrs. Harewood burst into tears; but as soon as she could speak, she
+expressed her joy, while Ellen, in a broken voice, exclaimed--"Oh, what
+will Matilda say, poor girl?"
+
+Edmund rushed out of the room, as if to seek his brother, but Mr. Belmont
+well knew it was to conceal his emotion; no other person seemed to notice
+Ellen's unfortunate ejaculation, and when the door was closed, Mr. Belmont
+congratulated the parents upon a circumstance so honourable and desirable
+to their younger son; and as they well knew the sincerity of his character,
+and the affection he felt for Charles, they freely confided to him their
+feelings at the event; while Ellen innocently declared that she was very
+glad he happened to be with them at the time, as he would be a substitute
+for dear Charles.
+
+"Ah!" said Mr. Belmont, "if you, Ellen, could persuade your parents, and,
+what is in this case of more importance, your _own_ heart, to consider me
+not only now, but ever, a member of your family, I should be happy indeed."
+
+Ellen, rather surprised at this speech than its import, for she had long
+half hoped, half feared, to think on this interesting but awful subject,
+turned to her mother, and hid her blushing cheek upon her shoulder, while
+the parents exchanged looks of satisfaction with each other, and esteem
+towards the speaker.
+
+"Mine, Ellen," continued Mr. Belmont, "is neither a sudden nor violent
+passion; I approach you by no flattery--I dazzle you by no exhibition; but
+as I trust both my fortune and character will bear the scrutiny of your
+friends, your only task, my sweet girl, is to examine your own heart, and
+inquire there how far I am agreeable to your wishes. I have been a silent
+admirer of your virtues, and I can be a patient attendant for your
+decision."
+
+Ellen gave one glance towards her mother--it answered all her wishes; she
+turned, deeply blushing, to Mr. Belmont, and timidly, yet with an air of
+perfect confidence, tendered him her hand; she would have spoken, but the
+variety of emotion so suddenly called forth by the departure of her
+brother, and the declaration of her lover, overpowered her, and he
+received thus a silent, but a full consent to his wishes.
+
+In the mean time, Edmund had conquered the more immediate pang that
+laboured at his heart, and, entering the library, had grasped the hand of
+Charles, and uttered a few words of congratulation, but it was in a voice
+so broken, that there was more of sorrow than joy in it.
+
+Charles had not the slightest doubt of his brother's affection, he did not
+therefore doubt for a moment the sincerity of his assertion, but he was
+persuaded that the idea of his own situation, as being two years older, and
+yet likely to remain dependent on his father for some years, was a sensible
+mortification to him; and, feeling for his situation, he said--"Ay, my dear
+fellow, there is a difference between us _now_, sure enough; but there is
+no doubt of your doing well by and by; besides, you are the eldest, and
+deserve to be so; I am sure father can never do too much for such a son as
+you are, Edmund."
+
+Edmund gazed in astonishment to hear Charles express himself with so much
+ease, at a time when he expected his heart must be overpowered with
+trouble; his fears lately excited by the agitation and warmth with which
+Charles had vindicated Matilda, and the unguarded exclamation of Ellen, who
+evidently thought her younger brother the favourite, now took another turn;
+he surveyed Charles; he was just twenty-three--a tall, handsome young man,
+and one who had ever been admired by the ladies. "Perhaps," said he,
+"internally, poor Matilda loves him, but without having her affection
+returned: this accounts for the many great offers she has refused, for
+the sympathy of Ellen, who knows her heart, and for the vindication she
+undoubtedly made to him last night; whereas to _me_ she was cold and
+unintelligible."
+
+While these painful thoughts rankled in the mind of the young barrister,
+his happy brother was flying all over the house, receiving from the
+servants the mixed congratulation of joy in his success and sorrow for his
+departure; he had also joined the _coterie_ in the parlour, wrung the hand
+of his future brother-in-law, kissed his mother and Ellen, and thanked his
+father twenty times for all his generous cares, before Edmund could muster
+philosophy enough to join the family, and listen to its arrangements for
+the day.
+
+It was at length agreed that Edmund should assist his mother in making up
+a package of books, &c., for the traveller, who, accompanied by Belmont,
+should visit the city for necessary arrangements; and Mr. Harewood, who
+knew that Ellen would naturally wish to see Matilda, agreed to accompany
+her thither, being at once desirous to communicate this various
+intelligence to Mrs. Hanson, and to witness the effect Charles's departure
+would have upon Matilda, whom, at the bottom of his heart, he certainly
+desired to have for a daughter, although he would have rejoiced in her
+alliance with any worthy man.
+
+We return now to the young ladies in the dressing-room, each eager to hear
+and to speak, yet each oppressed, though very differently, with solicitude.
+At length, Ellen, her breast labouring with sighs, and fear lest she should
+wound the heart of her friend, thus spoke: "We are going to lose Charles:
+he has got an appointment, Matilda."
+
+"And is he pleased with it, Ellen?"
+
+"Oh, yes! he seems quite happy: he is running all over the house, just in
+his old way, and the servants are all laughing and crying about him, as if
+he were still a school-boy."
+
+"I am heartily glad of it--he has my sincerest good wishes, and I feel
+certain of his success."
+
+Ellen looked in the face of Matilda, to see if she did _indeed_ rejoice;
+she perceived a tear twinkle in the corner of her young friend's eye, but
+it was not the tear of sorrow. Ellen could now read the heart on subjects
+of this kind; she felt that she had been completely mistaken in Matilda's
+supposed predilection, and she was almost sorry to see her so happy.
+
+"There is a--a--another affair going on at our house," said Ellen, after
+a pause.
+
+Matilda felt her heart beat with unusual violence; she could not speak,
+but her very soul peeped out of her eyes to say--"What is it?"
+
+"It is not a parting; it--it--is a joining."
+
+"Oh," said Matilda, calling all her fortitude to her aid, "you are going
+to have a wedding, eh?"
+
+"I believe it will come to that, indeed, some time."
+
+Matilda turned as pale as death; but her colour rushed suddenly back to her
+cheeks, as at this moment the door opened, and Mr. Harewood and Mrs. Hanson
+broke on their _tête-à-tête_. The former felt assured that poor Matilda had
+heard the destination of Charles, and was suffering under it; but as he
+could hardly believe Mrs. Hanson would consent to her marriage with his
+youngest son, and as he thought Charles himself had no thoughts of
+marriage at this time, he could not allow himself to rejoice in her
+predilection. To relieve her, he said--"Well, my dear, you heard how we are
+situated, some of us parting for a time, some uniting for ever; I am sure
+you rejoice in all that is good, in either of these cases."
+
+Matilda, overpowered, burst into sudden tears.
+
+"My daughter is very nervous this morning," said Mrs. Hanson; "she cannot
+help being affected with such material changes in the state of those she
+loves so well; you are aware her tears are those of joy, Mr. Harewood."
+
+Matilda struggled to recover her composure, and, turning to Mr. Harewood,
+she put both her hands into his, and said, with a low but earnest
+voice--"My dear, _dear_ sir, I do most truly rejoice in the prospect of
+any good that can befall your family; I saw the--the young lady--the
+bride-elect--she is very pretty--I hope she will be as good as she is
+handsome; and I----"
+
+Matilda suddenly stopped, unable to articulate the rest of her good wishes,
+and Mr. Harewood eagerly said--"As to _that_ we will say nothing; I trust
+Ellen will make a good wife; I am sure she has had a good example."
+
+"_Ellen!_" screamed Matilda; "is it you, Ellen? _you_ that are going to be
+married--you?"
+
+"Dear me, how astonished you look! I suppose I shall be married some time.
+I told you that perhaps Mr. Belmont might, _some time_----"
+
+"My dear, _dear_ Ellen, pardon my dulness, and accept my sincerest
+congratulations. May Heaven bless you, and him you prefer, and make you
+both as happy as you deserve to be!"
+
+"So, so!" cried Mr. Harewood; "if we had never come up stairs, this mighty
+secret, which, for my part, I told an hour ago down stairs, would never
+have been revealed. But pray, Matilda, who did you conclude was the
+marrying person at our house, if it were not Ellen?"
+
+"You have sons, sir," tremulously articulated Matilda, not choosing to
+trust her tongue with a name that dwelt ever on her heart.
+
+"Oh, tut, tut, there is no marrying for my boys. Charles is disposed of,
+and if Edmund can take a wife at thirty, he will be better off than many in
+his profession; he is now but a little past five-and-twenty, you know."
+
+"He danced with a very beautiful woman last night," said Matilda, eagerly,
+and with recovered vivacity.
+
+"So I understand; she is a bride, and his first fee was given for a
+consultation on her marriage-settlements."
+
+Matilda breathed; the lustre of her eye, the glow on her cheek, could not
+be mistaken by the fond parent, who now clearly understood the cause of
+Matilda's frequent despondency, and the refusals she had given to all
+offers of marriage.
+
+"I wish," said Mrs. Hanson, "that you and Mrs. Harewood and our young
+friends would dine with me: I am really impatient to be introduced to Mr.
+Belmont."
+
+"As you please, madam; the wanderer must certainly see you once more, and
+I do not know that he can choose a better day."
+
+Ellen proposed writing a note to her mother, and left the room with Mrs.
+Hanson, when Mr. Harewood, perceiving that Matilda was again in confusion,
+said, by way of diverting her attention--"You have seen Mr. Belmont, Miss
+Hanson?"
+
+"Yes, I have; and _he_ has seen _me_, to my sorrow. You remind me of a
+folly I have by no means forgiven in myself. I still want the eye of a
+tutor, you see."
+
+"Charles has, however, been your advocate so effectually, that I believe
+not one of the family will ever remember it again."
+
+"Not _one_!" said Matilda, blushing deeply.
+
+"Not _one_! Charles is a warm advocate."
+
+"He is a dear good boy, and always was; I love him very much, and while
+I rejoice in his good fortune, I shall be sorry to part with him."
+
+Matilda's frankness assured Mr. Harewood that her heart was free where he
+had supposed it bound; he was anxious to read her farther; he saw that she
+even sought investigation from him, in whom she confided as a friend and
+father; but he again shrunk from the idea of undue influence, and while he
+walked about irresolute, time passed, and Edmund and his mother entered the
+drawing-room, and Matilda was called to receive them.
+
+An air of coldness and restraint pervaded the manners of both Edmund and
+Matilda, to divert which, Mrs. Hanson began to relate the error into which
+her daughter had fallen, from the _mauvaise honte_ of Ellen, as she
+supposed, and this led them to speak of the ball, and the characters of the
+persons present. Of course, poor Matilda was again tormented by hearing
+that Sir Theodore was universally believed to be her affianced lover, and
+she expressed the most unqualified vexation at the report, declaring that
+she would not go once into public again for seven years, rather than
+encourage the presumption of the man, or the idle gossip of his admirers.
+
+As she spoke, Edmund was observed to gaze upon her with delight, and exult
+in the declaration, as if it were necessary for his happiness; but when
+she ceased to speak, he relapsed into melancholy.
+
+"The only way to silence such reports effectually," said Mrs. Hanson, with
+a tender smile, "will be to place yourself under the protection of some
+worthy man, whose character you can indeed approve. I have ever objected
+to your marrying under age, but I have no objection at all to your gaining
+liberty, and relinquishing it at the same time. I hope, therefore, in
+another year, to see you follow the example of Ellen, provided you can
+choose as well as she has done."
+
+"It is the only thing in which I cannot obey you, my dear mother," replied
+Matilda.
+
+Hurt with the extreme paleness which overspread the countenance of their
+inestimable son, Mr. and Mrs. Harewood withdrew to the window; and Ellen,
+whose heart wanted a pretext for watching the arrival of Belmont, joined
+them; when Mrs. Hanson, drawing closer to Edmund, said--"I fear you will
+not soon join these marrying people, my young friend?"
+
+"I shall never marry, madam," answered he abruptly.
+
+"_Never!_ you are too positive, sir; men at your age change their minds
+frequently."
+
+"Matilda knows that I am not subject to change; she may accuse me of many
+errors, but not of that."
+
+"I can accuse _you_ of _nothing_," said Matilda; "I wish you could say the
+same of me."
+
+"Matilda! Miss Hanson! I accuse you! what right have I to accuse you?"
+
+"Every right. I behaved ill--you condemned me--I saw you did; and--you
+punished me. I felt your punishment last night--to-day you forgive me; and
+your forgiveness is--why should I not own it? is dear to me."
+
+"Oh, Matilda, do not distract me by this generosity! you will throw me off
+my guard--you will induce me to make a declaration that may part us for
+ever."
+
+Edmund looked at Mrs. Hanson; her brow was open, pleasure swam in her eye,
+and she held her hand towards him as she said--"My dear Edmund, allow me to
+ask what you mean by that look of mistrust to me? what right have you to
+suppose that I am less generous than yourself, or that I desire to see my
+child ungrateful to her young preceptor, or insensible of his merits?"
+
+"Madam! Matilda! what does all this mean? is it possible that I can have
+obtained such an advocate as Mrs. Hanson?"
+
+"Edmund, can you really want an advocate with poor erring Matilda? or can
+you for a moment accuse her of a fault, which never yet came amongst the
+numerous catalogue of her early sins?"
+
+Mrs. Hanson joined the group at the window, and in a few moments they all
+descended together, to welcome Charles and Belmont, who soon understood the
+happy footing on which those so dear to them were placed; and Charles
+enjoyed a hearty laugh at the jealousy he had excited, though he could not
+regret a circumstance which had in any measure led to a conclusion so
+desirable.
+
+When poor Zebby, whose sable forehead was now shaded by gray locks, was
+told all that had happened, she exclaimed with her usual enthusiasm,--"All
+right--all happy--Missy have goodee friend, goodee husban--him alway mild
+and kind; Missy very goodee too--some time little warm, but never, _never_
+when she lookee at massa; him melt her heart, guide her steps, both go hand
+in hand to heaven."
+
+The negro's conception of this union has every prospect of being verified,
+and proves that the simplest and most uninformed of human beings may yet
+enjoy the light of reason, and a just perception of the characters of those
+around them.
+
+When Charles had bade adieu to his family, the lovers of Matilda and Ellen
+were each urgent for their respective marriages: but the awfulness of that
+sacred engagement into which they were about to enter, the consciousness
+they entertained of the goodness of their parents, and the happiness of the
+state they were quitting, held the young ladies for some time in a state of
+apparent suspense, and almost incertitude. This was neither the effect of
+want of confidence in the men they loved, nor of that spirit of coquetry by
+which the vain and frivolous part of the sex seek to prolong what they
+consider the day of their power. Far different ideas pervaded their minds
+and influenced their conduct; for not only the tenderness of their
+affection for their parents, but the sense of their responsibility as
+Christian wives, called to new duties and new avocations, appointed to
+guide their inferiors, and submit to their future husbands, pressed upon
+their hearts; and when at length the solemn ceremony took place, it was to
+each party rather a day of serious thoughtfulness and fearful anxiety, than
+one of exultation and exhibition.
+
+In a short time this solicitude vanished, and a sense of happiness,
+confidence, and unbounded affection spread over their minds the most
+delightful serenity, and rendered every act of duty an act of pleasure.
+Matilda looked to Edmund as the guardian of her conduct, and he found in
+her the reward of his virtues, the companion whose vivacity enlivened the
+fatigue of study, and whose benevolence extended the circle of his
+enjoyments; and although apparently of very different tempers, the
+affection they felt for each other, and the well-regulated minds they both
+possessed, rendered them proverbially good and happy.
+
+After residing a few years abroad, and increasing his knowledge and
+reputation, Charles returned, and is now become the husband of Miss Weston,
+who is an amiable and virtuous young woman, well calculated to render him
+happy. The mother of this young lady still resides with Mrs. Hanson, to
+whom her society is particularly valuable, since the removal of Matilda,
+whose eldest child is the frequent inmate of her house.
+
+Happy in themselves, and a blessing to the circle around them, Mr. and Mrs.
+Belmont reside during the greatest part of the year upon the family estate
+of Mr. Belmont in Staffordshire. Ellen, as a country gentlewoman, extends a
+quiet but beneficial influence through an extensive neighbourhood, and is
+universally beloved and respected.
+
+We will now take leave of the Barbadoes Girl and her friends, with the
+sincere wish that all who read her story may, like her, endeavour to
+correct in themselves those irregularities of temper, and proneness to
+pride and vanity, which, more or less, are the growth of every human heart,
+and which can never rise and flourish there, but to the destruction of
+every virtue and every comfort; and we earnestly desire them to hold in
+mind, that, in order to purify the heart from these unhallowed guests, a
+deep sense of religion must be the motive, and a strict principle of
+self-control the agent, by which so desirable an end can alone be obtained.
+
+This little story, written rather to instruct than amuse, can only close
+with consistency, by briefly recapitulating the lesson it has, perhaps
+feebly, but sincerely, endeavoured to inculcate, viz., the necessity of
+watchfulness over our hearts--the excellence and advantage of being open
+and ingenuous--the efficacy of repentance towards God, and humility even
+towards man--and the peculiar necessity of guarding the heart, as with a
+tenfold barrier, to those who are blest with riches and prosperity.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Barbadoes Girl, by Mrs. Hofland
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