Aftertheirdeparture，weagaincameout，andtookanotherwalkroundtheroom，andfoundourwayintoalittlecupboard，whichwehadnotbeforeobserved。Herewediscoveredhalfaloafofbread，apieceofcoldpudding，alumpofsaltbutter，somesoftsugarinabasin，andafinelargesliceofbacon。Onthesedaintieswefeastedveryamply，andagreedthatweshouldagainhideourselvesbehindtheblacktrunkallday，andatnight，whenthefamilywereinbed，returntotakeanothermealontheplentyofniceprovisionwhichwesohappilydiscovered。Accordingly，wecreptbackjustasthewomanwenttofillherteakettleatapump，whichstoodbetweenherhouseandthenextneighbour’s。Whenshereturned，sheputituponthefireshehadjustlit，and，takingapairofbellowsinherhand，satdowntoblowit。
Whileshewassoemployed，ayounggentleman，abouttenyearsofage，verygenteellydressed，enteredtheroom，andinafamiliarmanneraskedherhowshedid。’Iamverywell，thankyou，mydear，’repliedshe：’andpray，MasterGeorge，howdoesyourmammaandpapado；andallyourbrothersandsisters？’’Theyareallverywell，thankyou，’returnedtheboy：’AndIamcometobringyouasliceofcake，whichmygrandpapagavemeyesterday。’Thenthrowinghisarmsroundherneck，hewentonsaying，’Oh!mydear，dearBettyFlood，howIdoloveyou!Iwoulddoanythingintheworldtoserveyou。IshallsaveallmyChristmas—boxestogivetoyou；andwhenIamaman，Iwillgiveyouagreatdealofmoney。Iwishyouwerealady，andnotsopoor。’’Iammuchobligedtoyou，mydear，’saidshe，’foryourkindgood—wishes；
but，indeed，love，Iamverywellcontentedwithmystation：I
haveagoodhusband，andthreegoodchildren，andthatismorethanmanyaladycansay；andriches，MasterGeorge，unlesspeoplearegood，andthoseoneliveswitharekindandobliging，willnevermakeanybodyhappy。Whatcomfort，now，doyouthinkabodycouldeverhaveatSquireStately’s？Ideclare，ifitwasputtomychoice，IwouldratherathousandtimesbeasIam。Tobesure，theyareveryrich；butwhatofthat？theycannoteatgold；
neithercangoldeasetheirheartswhentheyareburstingalmostwithprideandill—nature。Theysay，indeed，thatMadamStatelywouldbekindenough，iftheywouldletherrest；butwhatwiththeSquire’sdrinkingandswearing，andtheyounggentleman’sextravagance，andherdaughter’sprideandquarrelling，sheisalmosttiredoutofherlife。Andso，MasterGeorge，IsayIhadratherbepoorBettyFlood，withhonestAbrahamformyhusband，thanthefinestladyintheland，ifImustliveatsucharate。
Tobesure，nobodycandenybutthatmoneyisverydesirable，andpeoplethatarerichcandomanyagreeablethingswhichwepooronescannot；butyet，forallthat，moneydoesnotmakepeoplehappy。Happiness，MasterGeorge，dependsgreatlyuponpeople’sowntempersanddispositions：apersonwhoisfretfulandcrosswillneverbehappy，thoughheshouldbemadekingofallEngland；
andapersonwhoiscontentedandgood—humouredwillneverbewretched，thoughheshouldbeaspoorasabeggar。Soneverfretyourself，love，becauseBettyFloodispoor；forthoughIampoor，Iamhonest；andwhilstmyhusbandandIarehappyenoughtobeblessedwithhealth，andtheuseofourlimbs，wecanworkforourliving；andthoughwehavenogreatplenty，stillwehavesufficienttosupportus。Sopray，dear，eatyourcakeyourself，forIwouldnottakeitfromyouforeversomuch。’Theythendisputedforsometimewhoshouldhaveit：atlast，Georgescuffledawayfromher，andputitintothecloset，andthen，noddinghisheadather，ranaway，saying，hemustgotoschoolthatmoment。
BettyFloodthenateherbreakfast；andweheardhersaysomethingaboutthenastymice，butwhatwecouldnotmakeout，asshemutteredsoftlytoherself。Shethencametothetrunkbehindwhichwelay，andtakingoutofitarollofnewlinen，satdowntoneedlework。Attwelveo’clockherhusbandandsonreturned；somovinghertableoutoftheway，shemaderoomforthematthefire，and，fetchingthefryingpan，dressedsomerashersofthenicebaconwehadbeforetastedinthecupboard。Theboy，inthemeantime，spreadaclothonthetable，andplacedthebreadandcoldpuddingonitlikewise：then，returningtotheclosetfortheirplates，hecriedout，’Lauk!father，hereisanicehunchofplum—cake；canyoutellhowitcame？’’NotI，indeed，Tom，’
repliedhisfather；’Icantellnomorethanthecarpatthebottomofthesquire’sfish—pond。’’Oh，Iwilltellyou。’saidMrs。Flood；’Iknowhowitcame。Doyouknow，thatdearchild，MasterGeorgeKendall，broughtitforme；hecalledashewenttoschoolthismorning。ItoldhimIwouldnothaveit；butthedearlittlesoulpoppeditintothecupboard，andranawaywithoutit。
Blesshislittleheart!Idothinkheisthesweetestchildthateverwasborn。Youmaylaughatmeforsayingso；butIamsureI
shouldhavethoughtthesameifIhadnotnursedhimmyself。’
’Indeed，’repliedherhusband，’Idonotlaughatyouforsayingso，forIthinksotoo，andsomusteveryonewhoknowshim；forwhenyounggentlemenbehaveashedoes，everybodymustloveandadmirethem。ThereisnothingIwouldnotdotohelpandservethatchild，oranyofhisfamily；theyalwaysaresokind，andspeakascivillytouspoorfolkasifwewerethefirstlordsorladiesintheland。Iamsure，ifitwereneedful，Iwouldgothroughfireandwaterfortheirsakes；andsowouldeverymanintheparish，Idaresay。ButIwonderwhowoulddoasmuchtohelpSquireStatelyoranyofhisfamily，ifitwasnotthatIshouldthinkitmyduty（andanhonestmanoughtalwaystodothat，whetherhelikesitornot）；butIsay，ifitwasnotthatitwouldbemydutytohelpmyfellow—creature，Iwouldscarcelybeatthetroubleofsteppingoverthethresholdtoservethem，theyaresuchasetofcross，good—for—nothinggentry。Ideclare，itwasbutaswecamehometodinnernow，thatwesawMasterSamthrowingsticksandstonesatDameFrugal’sducks，forthesakeofseeingthemwaddle；andthen，whentheygottothepond，hesenthisdoginafterthemtobarkandfrightenthemoutoftheirwits。
AndasIcameby，nothingwouldservehimbutthrowingagreatdabofmudalloverthesleeveofmycoat。SoIsaid，\"Why，MasterSam，youneednothavedonethat；Ididnothingtooffendyou；andhoweveramusingyoumaythinkittoinsultpoorpeople，Iassureyouitisverywicked，andwhatnogoodpersonintheworldwouldbeguiltyof。\"Hethensetupagreatrudelaugh，andIwalkedonandsaidnomore。Butifallgentlefolkweretobehavelikethatfamily，IhadratherbepoorasIam，thanhavealltheirriches，ifthatwouldmakemeactlikethem。’’Verytrue，Abraham，’
repliedhiswife，’thatiswhatIsay，andwhatItoldMasterGeorgethismorning；fortobepoor，ifpeopledonotbecomesothroughtheirownextravagance，isnodisgracetoanybody：buttobehaughty，cruel，cross，andmischievous，isadisgracetoallwhoareso，lettheirrankbeasexaltedasitmay。’
Heretheconversationwasinterruptedbytheentranceofaman，whobeggedMr。Floodtoassisthiminunloadinghiscartofflour，ashismanwasgoneout，andhecouldnotdoitbyhimself。
’Well，Iwillcomeandhelpyou，withallmyheart，’saidFlood；
’andsoshallTomtoo：willyou，mylad？Icannotlivewithouthelpmyself；andifIdonotassistothers，IamsureIshallnotdeserveanywhenIwantit。’Sosaying，helefthishouse；andhiswife，aftercleaningandputtingintheirproperplacesthosethingswhichhadbeenusedatdinner，againsatdowntohersewing。
Soonaftertheclockhadstrucksix，themanandhissonreturned；
and，sittingroundthefire，theypassedtheeveninginsocialconversation，tilltheywenttobed，whichwasalittleaftereight；andtheyconvincedme，bytheirtalkandbehaviour，thathappinessinthisworlddependsfarmoreuponthetemperanddispositionoftheheart，thanuponanyexternalpossessions；andthatvirtue，andadesiretobeusefultoothers，affordfargreatersatisfactionandpeaceofmindthananyrichesandgrandeurcanpossiblysupplywithoutsuchnecessaryqualifications。Aftertheywereallfallenasleep，wecreptout；
and，leavingthecandleunmolested，whichwasagainplacedonthetinder—boxbythebed—side，wehastenedintothecloset，whereweregaledheartily，anddevouredthatpartoftheplum—cakewhichTomhadverygenerouslyleftforhissisterPolly，whowefoundwasexpectedhomethenextday。
Wethenretiredtooursaferetreat，andthoughtwemightventuretostayforonemorenight’sprovisionswithoutrunninganydangerfromourtoofrequentreturntothesameplace。Butinthemorningwefoundourschemefrustrated；for，onthewoman’sgoingtotheclosettogetherbreakfast，sheobservedtherobberywhichwehadcommitted，andexclaimed，’Someteasingmicehavefoundtheirwayintothecloset：IwillborrowneighbourSavewell’strapto—night，andcatchsomeofthelittletoads；thatIwill!’
Afterhearingthis，itwouldhavebeenmadnesstomakeanyfurtherattempts：wethereforeagreedtowatchforanopportunity，andescapeontheveryfirstthatoffered。Accordingly，aboutnoon，whenMrs。Floodwasbusilyemployedinmakingsomepancakes，weslippedbyherunobserved，andcreptoutatthesameholebywhichwefirstentered。Butnosoonerwereweintheopenroad，thanwerepentedourhaste，andwishedthatwehadcontinuedwhereweweretillthedarknessofthenightmightbetterhaveconcealedusfromtheobservationofanyone。Wecreptasclosetothewallofthehouse（asfarasitreached，whichwasbutafewpaces）aswepossiblycould，andthensteppedintoalittleditch，whichweweresoonobligedtoleaveagain，asthewaterraninsomepartsofitalmostuptotheedge。
Atlengthwereachedalittlecottage，whichwewerejustentering，whenacatthatwassleepingunnoticedbyusuponachair，jumpeddown，andwouldcertainlyhavedestroyedme（whohappenedtogofirst）hadshenotatthesamemomenttriedtocatchmybrother，andbythatmeansmissedheraim，andsogivenusbothanopportunitytoescape，whichwedidbyscramblingbehindabrickthatachildhadbeenplayingwithbythesideofthedoor。Fortunately，thebricklaytooclosetothehouseforthecattogetherpawbehindit，soastobeabletoreachus；
thoughtoavoiditwewereobligedtousethegreatestprecaution，asshecouldthrustitinalittleway，sothatifwehadgoneoneinchtooneareitherend，shewouldcertainlyhavedraggedusoutbyhertalons。Inthisdreadfulsituationdidwespendsomehours，incessantlymovingfromoneendofthebricktotheother；
forthemomentshehad，bytheentranceofherpawatoneend，drivenustotheother，shesteppedover，andagainmadeusretreat。Thinkwithwhatdreadfulterrorourlittleheartsmusthavebeenoppressed，toseeourmortalenemysocloselywatchingus，expectingeverymomentwhensheshookthebrickwithhertwoforepawsinsearching，andwithhermouthendeavouredtoliftitup，thatshewouldbesofarabletoeffectherpurpose，astomakeitimpossibleforustoescapeherjaws。But，happilyforus，ithadsomehoworothergotsowedgedthatshecouldnotmoveittoanydistance；thoughitkeptmomentarilyincreasingourterrors，byshakingasshestrovetoturnit。
Fromthisstateofhorror，however，wewereatlengthdeliveredbyalittleboyofabouttwoyearsold，whocameoutofthehouse，andtakingthecatuprounditsbodywithbothhands，totteredawaywithit，andshutthedoor。
Findingourselvesthusunexpectedlyoncemoreatliberty，wedeterminedtomakeuseofit，byseekingsomesaferretreat，atleast，tillnightshouldbetterhideusfrompublicview。
Terrifiedalmostoutofoursenses，wecreptfrombehindthebrick，and，afterrunningafewyards，slippedunderthefoldingdoorsofabarn，andsoonconcealedourselvesamidstavastquantityofthreshedcorn。Thisappearedtousthemostdesirableretreatthatwehadyetfound；notonlyasitaffordedsuchimmenseplentyoffood，butalsoaswecouldsoeasilyhideourselvesfromtheobservationofanyone：beside，asitdidnotappeartobeadwelling—house，wecouldinsecurityreside，freefromanydangeroftraps，orthecrueltyofman。Wethereforecongratulatedeachother，notmoreonaccountofthewonderfulescapewhichwehad，thanuponourgoodfortuneincomingtoaSpotsoblessedwithpeaceandplenty。
Afterwewerealittlerecoveredfromthefatigueofmind，aswellasofbody，whichwehadlatelygonethrough，weregaledveryheartilyuponthecornthatsurroundedus，andthenfellintoacharmingsleep，fromwhichwewereawakenedthenextmorningbythesoundofhumanvoices。Weverydistinctlyheardthatofaboy，saying，’Letusmixallthethreshedcornwiththerestthatisnotthreshed，andthatwillmakeafinefuss，andsetJohnandSimonaswearingliketrooperswhentheycomeandfindalltheirlabourlost，andthattheymustdoalltheirworkoveragain。’
’Anddoyouthinkthereisanythingsoagreeableingivingpeopletrouble，andhearingthemswear，’repliedanothervoice，’thatyoucanwishtodoit？Formypart。Ithinkitissowickedathing，thatIhatetohearanybodyguiltyofit，muchlesswouldIbethecauseofmakingthemcommitsogreatasin；andasforgivingthemalltheirtroubleoveragain，sofarwoulditbefromaffordingmeanypleasure，thatonthecontraryitwouldgivemegreatpain；
forhoweveryoumaythinkofit，Will，Iassureyou，italwaysgivesmemuchuneasinesstoseepeoplelabouringandworkinghard。
IalwaysthinkhowmuchIshoulddisliketobeobligedtodosomyself，andthereforeverysincerelypitythosewhomust。OnnoaccountthereforewillIdoanythingtoaddtotheirlabour，orthatshallgivethemunnecessarywork。’
’Pooh!’answeredWill，’youarewonderfullywise；I，formypart，hatesuchsuper—abundantwisdom；Iliketoseefolkfret，andstew，andscold，asourmaidsdidlastweekwhenIcuttheline，andletallthesheets，andgowns，andpetticoats，andfrocks，andshirts，andaprons，andcaps，andwhatnot，fallplumpintothedirt。O!howIdidlaugh!andhowtheydidmutterandscold!Anddoyouknow，thatjustasthewashladieswerewipingtheircoddledhands，andcomfortedthemselveswiththethoughtoftheirworkbeingallover，andweregoingtosiptheirteabythefireside，Iputthemalltothescout；andtheywereobligedtowasheveryragoveragain。Ishallneverforgethowcrosstheylooked，nay，IverilybelieveSusancriedaboutit；andhowIdidlaugh!’
’Andpray，’rejoinedtheotherboy，’shouldyouhavelaughedequallyheartyif，afteryouhadbeenatschoolallday，andhadwithmuchdifficultyjustgotthroughallyourwriting，anddifferentexercises，andweregoingtoplay，shouldyoulaugh，I
say，ifsomebodywastorunawaywiththemall，andyourmasterobligeyoutodothemalloveragain？Tellme，Will，shouldyoulaugh，orcryandlookcross？Andeventhatwouldnotbehalfsobadforyou，asitwasforthemaidstobeobligedtowashtheirclothesoveragain；washingisveryhardlabour，andtirespeoplesadly，andsodoesthreshingtoo。Itisveryunkind，therefore，togivethemsuchunnecessarytrouble；andeverythingthatisunkind，iswicked；andIwouldnotdoituponanyaccount，I
assureyou。’’ThenIassureyou，’repliedWill，’youmayletitalone；Icandoitwithoutyourassistance。’Hethenbeganmixingthegrainandthechafftogether，theotherboystronglyremonstratingagainstit，towhichhepaidnoattention；andwhilsthewassoemployed，twomen，SimonandJohn，enteredthebarn。
’Why，hownow，MasterBilly，’saidSimon；’whatareyouabout？
Whatbusinesshaveyoutobehere？Youarealwaysdoingsomemischieforother!Iwish，withallmyheart，thatyouwerekeptchainedlikeadog，andneversufferedtobeatliberty，foryoudomoreharminanhour，thanabodycansetrightagaininamonth!’Willthentookuphatsfullofthecornandchaff，andthrewitinthetwomen’sfaces；afterwardstakingupaflail，hegaveSimonablowacrosshisback，saying，atthesametime，’I
willshowyouthewaytothresh，andseparatethefleshfromthebones。’’O!willyouso，youngsquire？’saidJohn；’Iwillshowyouthewaytomakenaughtyboysgood。’Hethenleftthebarn，butpresentlyreturnedaccompaniedbyagentleman，uponthesightofwhomWillletfalltheflail，whichhewastillthenbrandishingoverSimon’shead，andwasgoingaway，whenthegentlemantakingholdofhishand，said，’Youdonotstirfromthisplace，MasterWilliam，norhaveonemouthfulofbreakfast，tillyouhaveaskedthemenpardonforyourbehaviour，andlikewisesiftedeverygrainofcornfromthechaffwhichyouhavemixedwithit。Whenyouhavedonethat，youmayhavesomefood，butnotbefore；andafterwardyoumayspendtherestofthedayinthreshing，thenyouwillbeabetterjudge，myboy，ofthefatigueandlabourofit，andfindhowyoushouldlike，afterworkinghardallday，tohaveitrendereduselessbyamischievousboy。
Remember，William，whatIhavenowsaidtoyou，forIdoinsistuponbeingminded；andIpromiseyou，thatifyouoffertoplay，ordoanythingelsetoday，youshallbepunishedveryseverely。’
Thegentlemanthenwentaway。Willmutteredsomething，Icouldnotexactlyhearwhat，begantosiftthecorn，andsomuchhadhemixedtogether，thathedidnotgoinforhisbreakfasttillafterIhadheardthechurchclockstrikeone，thoughitwasbeforeeightwhenhecameintothebarn。Inaboutanhourhereturned，andtheotherboywithhim，whoaddressedhim，saying，’Ah!Will，youhadbetterhavetakenmyadvice，andnothavedoneso：I
thoughtwhatyouwouldgetbyyournicefunasyoucalledit。I
neverknewanygoodcomeofmischief；itgenerallybringsthosewhodoitintodisgrace；oriftheyshouldhappentoescapeunpunished，stillitisalwaysattendedwithsomeinconvenience：
itisanill—natureddispositionwhichcantakepleasureingivingtroubletoanyone。’’Doholdyourtongue，James，’repliedWill；
’IdeclareIhavenotpatiencetohearyoupreach，youaresoprodigiouslywise，andprudent，andsober；youhadbettergoindoorsandsewwithyourmamma，foryoutalkjustasifyouwereagirl，andnotintheleastlikeaboyofspirit。’’Likeagirl!’resumedJames。’Aregirlsthentheonlyfolkwhohaveanysense，orgoodnature？Orwhatproofdoesitshewofspirittobefondofmischief，andgivingpeopletrouble？Itislikeamonkeyofspiritindeed；butIcannotsay，thatIseeeitherspiritorsenseinmakingthecleanclothesfallintothedirt，ormixingthecornandchaff，forthesakeofmakingthepoorservantsdothemalloveragain：ifthesethingsareasignofanyspirit。I
amsureitisofanevilone，andnotatallsuchasIwishtopossess，thoughInomorewanttositstill，orworkwithaneedle，thanyoudo；butIhopethereareotherwaysofshowingmyspirit，asyoucallit，thanbydoingmischief，andbeingill—natured。Idonotthinkmypapaeverseemstobeeffeminate，orwantsufficientspirit；buthewouldscorntogiveunnecessarytroubletoanybody：andsowillTomVaulter，thoughnoboyintheworldlovesplaybetterthanhedoes；heplaysatcricketthebestofanyboyintheschool，andIamsurenonecanbeathimattennis；andasforskipping，Ineversawaboyskipsowellinallmylife；andIamsurehewouldbeatyou，withallyourspirit，outandouttwentytimes，eitheratrunning，orsliding，orswimming，orclimbingatree。Andyethenevergivestroubletoanybodyforthesakeoffun；heisoneofthebest—temperedboysintheworld；andwhetheritislikeagirlornot，healwaysdoeswhatheknowstoberightandkind；andifthatisbeinglikegirls，why，withallmyheart；Ilikegirlswellenough，andiftheybehavewellIdonotseewhyyoushouldspeaksocontemptuouslyofthem。Mypapaalwayssaysthathelovesgirlsjustaswellasboys，andnonebutfoolishandnaughtyboysdespiseandteasethem。’Justashesaidthesewords，SimonandJohnenteredthebarn，andseeingWillstandidle，’Come，come，younggentleman，’saidJohn，’takeupyourflailandgotowork，sir，towork!towork!nightwillbeherepresently，andyouhavedonenothingyet。’Presentlyafterthegentlemanreturned，andenforcedJohn’sadviceforhimtomindhiswork。
AfterMasterWillhadcontinuedhisemploymentsomelittletime，hebegantocry，saying，hisarmsachedreadytodropoff，andhishandwassosorehecouldnotbearit。’Thendoubtless，’repliedhisfather，’youwouldprodigiouslylike，afteryouhavebeenlabouringallday，tohaveyourworktodooveragain，forthesakeofdivertingafoolishboy。Butgoon，William，Iamdeterminedthatyoushall，foroneday，knowwhatitistoworkhard，andtherebybetaughttopity，andhelp，notaddtothefatigueofthosewhodo。’Theboythenwentonwithhisbusiness，thoughnotwithoutmakinggreatcomplaints，andsheddingmanytears。Atlength，however，eveningcame；andthegentleman，hisson，andthetwomen，allwentaway，leavingLongtailandmyselftoenjoyourabundance。Wepassedanothernightinthesweetestundisturbedrepose，andinthedayhadnothingtoalarmourfears。
Inshort，oursituationwaseverywaysoperfectlyhappyanddesirable，thatwethought，althoughourmotherhadchargedusnottoreturnfrequentlytothesameplace，yetshecouldnotmeanthatweshouldnottakeupourabodeinaspotsosecureandcomfortable。Wethereforedeterminedtocontinuewherewewere，tillweshouldfindsomecauseforremoving。Andhappyhaditbeenforusifwehadkepttothisresolution，andremainedcontentedwhenwehadeverythingrequisitetomakeusso。Insteadofwhich，afterwehadthus，freefromcare，passedourtimeaboutsevenmonths，likefoolsaswewere，webegantogrowwearyofourretirement，andofeatingnothingbutthesamefood；andagreedthatwewouldagainventureforthandseekforsomeotherlodging，atthesametimeresolving，incasewecouldfindnohabitationthatsuitedus，toreturntothebarnwherewehadenjoyedsomanydaysofplentyandrepose。
Accordingly，onefinemoonlightMondaynight，aftersecuringoursupperonthecorn，wesetforth，andtravelledforsomedistancewithoutanyfurthermolestationthanourownnaturalfearscreated。Atlengthwecametoabrickhouse，withaboutfiveorsixwindowsinfront，andmadeourwayintoitthroughasmalllatticedwindowwhichgaveairintothepantry；butonourarrivalherewehadnoopportunityofsomuchasobservingwhatitcontained，foronourslippingdownacatinstantlyflewatus，andbythegreatestgoodluckintheworld，therechancedtobeaholeinoneoftheboardsofthefloorclosetothespotwherewestood，intowhichwebothwerehappyenoughtopop，beforeshecouldcatchus。Herewehadtimetoreflect，andseverelyblameourselvesfornotbeingsatisfiedwithourstateinthebarn。
’When，’saidI，addressingmyselftomybrother，’whenshallwegrowwise，andlearntoknowthatcertainevilalwaysattendseverydeviationfromwhatisright。Whenwedisobeyedtheadviceofourmother，and，temptedbycakesandotherdainties，frequentlyreturnedtothesamedangerousplace，howseverelydidwesufferforit？Andnow，byourowndiscontent，andnotbeingsatisfiedwhensosafelythoughmorehumblylodged，intowhattroublehavewenotplungedourselves？Howsecurelyhavewelivedinthebarnforthelastsevenmonths，andhowhappilymightwestillhavecontinuedthere，haditnotbeenforourrestlessdispositions？Ah!mybrother，wehaveactedfoolishly。Weoughttohavebeencontentedwhenwewereatpeace，andshouldhaveconsideredthatifwehadnoteverythingwecouldwishfor，wehadeverythingthatwasnecessary；andthelifeofamousewasneverdesignedforperfecthappiness。Suchenjoymentwasneverintendedforourlot；itistheportiononlyofbeingswhosecapacitiesarefarsuperiortoours。Weoughtthentohavebeencontented；andhadwebeenso，weshouldhavebeenashappyasourstateoflifewouldhaveadmittedof。’’Whatyousayiscertainlyverytrue，’
repliedLongtail，’andIsincerelywishthatwehadthoughtofthesethingsbefore。Butwhatmustwenowdo？wesaidwewouldreturntothebarnincaseofdifficulties，butthatisnowimpossible，as，ifweattempttoretreat，thecatthatdroveusinhere，willcertainlydestroyus；andyetinproceeding，whatdifficultiesmustweencounter，whatdangersmaywenotrun!Oh!
mybelovedNimble，’continuedhe，’whatalifeofhazardisours!
towhatinnumerableaccidentsarewehourlyexposed!andhowiseverymealthatweeatattheriskofourveryexistence!’
’Itundoubtedlyis，’repliedI；’butwithallitstroubleswestillareverydesirousofpreservingit：letusnotthen，mybrother，indulgeourheartswithmurmuringandfindingfaultwiththatlife，which，notwithstandingallitsevils，wevaluesohighly。Ratherletusendeavourtolearnexperience，and，byconductingourselvesbetter，escapemanyofthosetroubleswhichwenowsuffer。’Sosaving，Iadvisedhimtofollowme：’for，’
addedI，’itisimpossibleforustoexistinthespotinwhichweareatpresent；wemustthereforestrivetoworkourwayintosomeotherhouseorapartment，wherewecanatleastfindsomefood。’
TothisLongtailagreed；therestofthenight，andallthenextday，wespentinnibblingandfindingourwayintoaclosetinthehouse，whichrichlyrepaidusforallourtoil，asitcontainedsugar—plums，rice，millet，variouskindsofsweetmeats，andwhatwelikedbetterthanalltherest，apaperofnicemacaroons。Onthesewefeastedmostdeliciouslytillourhungerwasfullysatisfied，andthencreepingintoalittlehole，justbigenoughtocontainusboth，behindoneofthejarsofsweetmeats，reposedourselveswithanap，afterourvariousandgreatfatigueswhichwehadgonethrough。Ineverwasaremarkablysoundsleeper，theleastnoisedisturbsme，andIwasawakenedinthemorningbytheservant—maid’scomingintotheroomtosweepit，andgetitreadyforthereceptionofhermistressandfamily，whosoonafterentered。AsIwantedtoknowfromwhomthevoicesIheardproceeded，Isteppedsoftlyfrombehindthejarandjustpeepedunderthedoorintotheroom，whereIdiscoveredagentleman，twoladies，andalittleboyandgirl。
AsIwastotallyunacquaintedwithallplacesofretreat，anddidnotknowhowsoonanyofthemmighthaveoccasiontoopentheclosetdoor，Iinstantlyreturnedtomybrother；and，awakinghim，toldhimitwastimeforustobeuponourguard，asthefamilywereallupandabout。
Whilstwewerethussituated，thefirstwordsIhearddistinctlywerethoseofthegentleman，saying，’No，Frank，Icanneverhaveagoodopinionofhim；theboywhocouldoncedeceivemay，foraughtIknow，dosoagain；hehas，bybreakinghisword，forfeitedtheonlydependenceonecouldpossiblyhaveinhim。Apersonwhohasoncelosthishonourhasnomeansleftofgainingcredittohisassertions。Byhonour，Frank，Iwouldbeunderstoodtospeakofveracity，ofvirtue，ofscorningtocommitameanaction，andnotthatbrutishsenseinwhichsomeunderstandit，asifitconsistedinareadinesstofightandresentaninjury；forsofaramIfromconsideringsuchbehaviourasanyproofofhonour，that，onthecontrary，Ilookuponitasasuresignofwantofproperspiritandtruehonour。Fools，bullies，andevencowards，willfight；whereasnonebutmenofsenseandresolutionandtruemagnanimityknowhowtopardonanddespiseaninsult。’’But，indeed，sir，’repliedtheboy，’atschool，ifonedidnotfight，theywouldlaughatoneso，therewouldbenosuchthingasbearingit。’’Andforthatveryreasonitis，mydear，thatI
say，topassbyandpardonaninsultrequiresmoreresolutionandcouragethanmerefightingdoes。WhenIwishyoutoavoidquarrellingandfighting，Ibynomeanswantyoutobecomeacoward，forIasmuchabhoradastardlyspiritasanyboyinyourschoolcanpossiblydo；butIwouldwishyoutoconvincethemthatyoumeritednotthatappellation，byshowingthroughthewholeofyourbehaviour，aresolutionthatdespisedaccidentalpain，andavoidedrevenginganaffrontfornootherreasonthanbecauseyouwereconvinceditshewedamuchnoblerspirittopardonthantoresent。Andyoumaybeassured，mydear，fewarethedaysthatpasswithoutaffordingussomeopportunityofexertingourpatience，andshowingthat，althoughwedisdainquarrelling，stillwearefarfrombeingcowards。
’Iremember，whenIwasatschool，therewasoneboy，who，fromhisfirstcoming，declineduponalloccasionsengaginginanybattle；heevengaveupmanyofhisjustrightstoavoidquarrelling，whichconduct，insteadofgaining（asitjustlydeserved）theapprobationofhiscompanions，drewuponhimtheinsultandabuseofthewholeschool；andtheywereperpetuallyteasinghimwiththeopprobrioustitleofcoward。Forsometimeheboreitwithgreatgood—humour，andendeavouredtolaughitoff；but，findingthathadnoeffect，heonedaythusaddressedus：——\"IfyousupposethatIliketobecalledacoward，youareallverymuchmistaken；orifyouthinkmeone，Iassureyouthatyouarenotlessso；fornoboyintheschoolshould，ifputtothetrial，showgreaterresolutionthanmyself。Indeed，IthinkitnosmallproofofpatiencethatIhaveborneyourrepeatedinsultssolong；whenIcould，bybehavingmorelikeasavagebeast，andlesslikeareasonablecreature，haveestablishedmycharacteratonce；butIabhorquarrelling，mysouldeteststotreatmyfellow—creaturesasiftheywerebrutes，fromwhosefangsImustdefendmyself；butifnothingelsebutfightingwillconvinceyouthatIpossessnotlesscouragethanyourselves，I
willnowoffer，incoldblood，toengagewiththebiggestboyintheschool。IfIconquerhim，itwillbeasignthatIknowhowtodefendmyself；andifheconquersme，Iwill，bymybehaviour，giveaproofthatIamnotwantinginresolutiontosufferpain，althoughIneverwillsofardemeanthecharacterofareasonablecreatureandaChristian，astofightuponeverytriflingdisagreementorinsult。\"Nosoonerhadheutteredthesewords，thaneveryboypresentwasloudeitherinhiscommendationorcondemnation。Onequarterofthem，convincedofthejustnessofhisarguments，highlyextolledhisforbearance；whilsttheotherthreeparts，withstillgreaternoise，onlycalledhimabullyandamean—spiritedcoward，whodarednotfight，andforthatreasonmadesuchafinespeech，hopingtointimidatethem。\"Wellthen，\"
saidhe，\"ifsuchisyouropinion，whywillnoneofyouacceptmyoffer？yousurelycannotbeafraid，youwhoaresuchbravefellows，ofsuchtruecourage，andsuchnoblespirits，cannotbeafraidofacowardandabully!Why，therefore，doesnotoneofyoustepforward，andputmyfinespeechtothetest？Otherwise，afterIhavethuschallengedyouall，Ihopenoneforthefuturewillthinktheyhaveanyrighttocallmecoward；thoughIagaindeclaremyfixedresolutionagainstfighting。\"
’Justashesaidthis，avoicecallingforhelp，washeardfromalaneadjoiningtotheplay—yard。Immediatelyweallflockedtothesidenearestwhenceitproceeded；and，clamberinguponbenches，watering—pots，orwhatevercamefirstinourway，peepedoverthewall，wherewediscoveredtwowell—grownlads，aboutseventeenoreighteen，strippingalittleboyofhisclothes，andbeatinghimforhisoutcriesinamostcruelmanner；andatalittledistancefartherdownthelane，satacompanyofgypsies，towhomthetwoladsevidentlybelonged。Atthesightofthiswewereallmuchdistressed，andwishedtorelievetheboy；though，discoveringsolargeaparty，weweretoomuchafraidtoventure，tillTomkins（theboyIbeforespokeabout）instantlyjumpedfromthewall，andonlysaying，\"Hasnobodycouragetofollowme？\"rantowardthemasfastaspossible，andwithuncommonstrengthandagilityplacedhimselfbetweenthemandtheboy，andbegandefendinghimselfinthebestmannerhecould；whichhedidforsometimewithgreatdexterity，noneofhisfightingschoolfellowshavingcouragetogotohisassistance。Atlength，however，seeingitimpossibleforhimtostandoutanylongeragainsttwosomuchstrongerthanhimself，theboysagreedtosecurethemselvesbynumbers，andtosallyforthtohisassistancealtogether。Thisschemesucceeded，andveryshortlyrescuedTomkinsfromhisantagonists。Hethankedthemfortheirassistance，saying，atthesametime，\"Ihopeyouwillnolongerdoubtmycourage，ormyabilitiestofight，whenitisnecessaryorinagoodcause。\"Aftersosignalaproofofhisviler，hisgreatestenemiescouldnolongerdoubtit；and，withouteverengaginginfoolishbattles，hepassedthroughschoolasmuchrespectedasanyboy，andhismagnanimitywasneveragaincalledinquestion。’
Asthegentlemanstoppedspeaking，thelittlegirlcalledout，’O，papa，thecoachisatthedoor。’’Isit，mydear？’returnedthefather。’Wellthen，stop，mylove，’saidoneoftheladies，’I
havegotafewcakesforyou：stay，andtakethembeforeyougo。’
Shethenunlockedtheclosetwherewewere，andtookdownthepaperofmacaroons，amongwhichwehadsocomfortablyregaledourselves；when，observingtheholeinthepaperthroughwhichweentered，’Odear!’sheexclaimed，’themicehaveactuallygotintomycupboard。Iwillmoveallthethingsoutthisverymorning，andlockthecatupinit；forIshallbeundoneifthemiceoncegetfootinghere；theywillsoonspoilallmystores，andthatwillneverdo。’Shethenkissedboththechildren；and，givingthemthecakes，they，thegentleman，andanotherlady，alldeparted；andsheinstantlybegantomovetheboxesandjarsfromthecloset；whilstwe，terrifiedalmostoutofourwits，sattremblingbehindoneofthem，notdaringtostir，yetdreadingthecat’sapproacheverymoment。
Weweresoon，however，obligedtomoveourquarters，fortheladytakingdowntheveryjarwhichconcealedus，wewereforced（withoutknowingwherewewere）tojumpdowninstantly。Invainwesoughtallroundtheroomforsomeavenuewhereatwemightescape；theapartmentwastoowellfitteduptoadmitthesmallestcrack；andwemustthencertainlyhavebeendestroyed，hadwenot，withuncommonpresenceofmind，ranupthebackofthelady’sgown，bywhichmeansshelostsightofus，andgaveusanopportunitytomakeourescape，assheopenedthedoortoorderthecattobebroughtin。Weseizedtheluckymoment，and，droppingfromhergown，fledwiththeutmosthasteoutatthehousedoor，whichhappenedtobewideopen；andI，withoutoncelookingbehindme，ranontillIdiscoveredalittlecrackinthebrickwall，whichIentered，andwhich，aftermanyturningsandwindings，broughtmetothishouse，whereIhavenowcontinuedskulkingaboutinitsdifferentapartmentsforaboveamonth；
duringwhichtimeIhavenotheardtheleasttidingsofmybelovedbrotherLongtail。Whether，therefore，anymischiefbefellhimashefollowedme，orwhetherheenteredthecrackwithmeandthenlostsightofme，Iknownot；butinvainhaveIsoughthimeverydaysincemyarrivalwithinthesewalls，andsoanxiousamItolearnwhatisbecomeofhim，thatIamnowcomeforth，contrarytomynature，toengageyourcompassion，andtobeseechyou，incase——
Atthismoment，thedoorofmyroomopened，andmyservantcominghastilyin，themousejumpedfrommytable，andprecipitatelyretreatedtothesameholefromwhenceitfirstaddressedme；andthoughIhaveseveraltimespeepedintoit，andevenlaidlittlebitsofcaketoenticeitbackagain，yethaveIneverbeenabletoseeitanywheresince。Shouldeitherthat，oranyother，everagainfavourmesofarwiththeirconfidence，astoinstructmewiththeirhistory，Iwillcertainlycommunicateitwithallpossiblespeedtomylittlereaders；whoIhopehavebeenwiseenoughtoattendtotheadvicegiventhemintheprecedingpages，althoughitwasdeliveredtothembyoneasinsignificantasaMOUSE。
PARTII。
INTRODUCTION
ItisnowsomemonthsagosinceItookleaveofmylittlereaders，promising，incaseIshouldeverhearanyfurthertidingsofeitherNimbleorLongtail，Iwouldcertainlycommunicateittothem；and，asIthinkitextremelywrongnottofulfilanyengagementweenterinto，IlookuponmyselfboundtogivethemalltheinformationIhavesincegained，relatingtothosetwolittleanimals；andIdoubtnotbuttheywillbegladtohearwhathappenedtothem，afterNimblewasfrightenedfrommywritingtablebytheentranceofmyservant。IfIrecollectright，Ihavealreadytoldyou，thatIfrequentlypeepedintotheholeintheskirting—board，andlaidbitsofcaketotrytoenticemylittlecompanionback，butalltonopurpose：andIhadquitegivenoverallhopesofeveragainseeinghim，whenoneday，asIwasputtingmyhandintoalargejar，whichhadsomeTurkeyfigsinit，Ifeltsomethingsoftatthebottom，andtakingitout，foundittobeapoorlittlemouse，notquitedead，butsostarvedandweak，thatuponmyplacingituponthetable，ithadnotstrengthsufficienttogetfromme。Alittleboyhappenedtobestandingbyme，who，uponthesightofthemouse，begantobegmetogiveittothecat，orkillit，’forIdon’tlikemice，’saidhe；’pray，ma’am，putitaway。’’Notlikemice，’repliedI；’whatcanbeyourobjectiontosuchalittlesoftcreatureasthis？’andtakingadvantageofitsweakness，Ipickeditup，andhelditinthepalmofonehand，whilstIstrokeditwiththefingersofmyright。
’Poorlittlemouse，’saidI，’whocanbeafraidofsuchalittleobjectasthis？Doyounotfeelashamedofyourself，Joe，tofearsuchalittlecreatureasthis？Onlylookatit，observehowsmallitis，andthenconsideryourownsize，andsurely，mydear，youwillblushtothinkofbeingnomoreofamanthantofearamouse!Lookatme，Joe，’continuedI，’see，Iwillkissit，Iamnotatallafraidthatitwillhurtme。’When，liftingituptowardmyface，Ihearditsay，inthefaintestvoicepossible，’Doyounotknowme？’IinstantlyrecollectedmylittlefriendNimble，andrejoicedatsounexpectedlyfindinghim。’What，isityou，littleNimble，’exclaimedI，’thatIagainbehold？Believeme，Iamheartilyrejoicedoncemoretofindyou；buttellme，wherehaveyoubeen，whathaveyoudone，whomhaveyouseen，andwhathaveyoulearnedsinceyoulastleftme？’’Oh!’repliedhe，inavoicesolowIcouldscarcelyhearhim，’Ihaveseenmanythings；butIamsofaintandweakforwantoffoodandfreshair，thatIdoubtIshallneverlivetotellyou；but，forpity’ssakehavecompassiononme，eitherputmeoutofmypresentmiserybyinstantlykillingme，orelsegivemesomethingtoeat；for，ifyouknewmysufferings，Iamsureitwouldgrieveyourheart。’
’Killyou!’returnedI，’no，thatIwillnot：onthecontrary，I
willtrybyeverymethodtorestoreyoutohealth，andallthehappinessamouseiscapableoffeeling。’Itheninstantlysentforsomebread，andhadthesatisfactionofseeinghimeatveryheartilyofit，afterwhichheseemedmuchrefreshed，andbegantomoveaboutalittlemoresuitabletohisname；for，intruth，whenIfirstfoundhim，nolivingcreatureintheworldcouldappearlessdeservingoftheappellationofNimble。Ithenfetchedhimalittlemilk，andgavehimalumpofsugartonibble；aftereatingofwhichhebeggedtoretireintosomesafelittleholetotakeanap，fromwhencehepromisedtoreturnassoonasheshouldwake；
andaccordingly，inaboutanhourheagainappearedonmytable，andbeganasfollows。
IwasfrightenedawayfromyoujustasIwasgoingtoimploreyourcompassionforanyunfortunatemousethatmighthappentofallwithinyourpower；lestyoushoulddestroymydearandonlysurvivingbrother，Longtail；butsomebodyenteringtheroom，preventedme，andafterIhadregainedmyhidingplace，Iresolvedtoquitthehouse，andoncemoresetoutinsearchofmybelovedbrother。Accordingly，withgreatdifficultyImademywayoutofthehouse；butmydistresswasmuchincreaseduponfindingthesnowsodeepupontheground，thatitwasimpossibleformetoattempttostir，asuponsteppingonefootouttotry，Ifounditfartoodeepformetofathomthebottom。Thisgreatlydistressedme。’Alas!’saidItomyself，’whatshallIdonow？Toproceedisimpossible；andtoreturnisverymelancholy，withoutanytidingsofmydear，dearLongtail。’ButIwasinterruptedinthemidstofthesereflections，bytheappearanceoftwocats，whocamerunningwithsuchviolenceastopassbywithoutobservingme：however，itputmeinsuchconsternation，thatregardlesswhereIwent，Isprungforward，andsunksodeepinthesnowthatImustinevitablysoonhaveperished，hadnotaboycometotheveryplacewhereIwas，togathersnowformakingsnowballstothrowathiscompanions。Happilyforme，hetookmeupinhishand，inthemidstofthesnow，whichnotlessalarmedme，whenI
consideredthesufferingsIhadbeforeendured，andthecrueldeathofmybrotherBrighteyes，fromthehandsofboys。Oh!
thoughtItomyself，whatnewtorturesshallInowexperience？
BetterhadIperishedinthecoldsnow，thanbesparedonlytobetormentedbythecruelhandsofunthinkingchildren。
ScarcelyhadImadethisreflection，whentheboycalledout，uponseeingmemove，’Lud!whathaveIgothere？’atthesameinstanttossingthehandfulofsnowfromhiminaviolenthurry，withoutattemptingtopressitintoaball。OverIturnedheadandheels，wonderingwhatfurtherwouldbemyfate，whenIwashappytofindIfellunhurtuponsomehay，whichwaslaidintheyardtofodderthecowsandhorses。HereIlaysometime，sofrightenedbymyadventure，astobeunabletomove，andmylittleheartbeatasifitwouldhaveburstitswaythroughmybreast；norweremyapprehensionsatalldiminishedbytheapproachofaman，whogatheredthehayupinhisarms，andcarriedit（withmeinthemidstofit）intothestable；where，afterlitteringdownthehorses，heleftmeoncemoretomyownreflections。
Afterhehadbeengonesometime，andallthingswerequiet，I
begantolookaboutme，andsoonfoundmywayintoacornbin，whereImadeamostdelicioussupper，andsleptfreefromanydisturbancetillthemorning，whenfearingImightbediscovered，incaseheshouldwantanyoftheoatsforhishorses，IreturnedbythesameplaceIhadentered，andhidmyselfinonecornerofthehayloft，whereIpassedthewholeofthedaymorefreefromalarmthanoftenfallstothelotofanyofmyspecies，andintheeveningagainreturnedtoregalemyselfwithcorn，asIhaddonethenightbefore。ThegreatabundancewithwhichIwassurrounded，stronglytemptedmetocontinuewhereIwas；butthenthethoughtsofmyabsentbrotherembitteredallmypeace，andtheadviceofmymothercamesomuchacrossmymind，thatIdeterminedbeforethenextmorningIwouldagainventureforthandseekmyfortuneandmybrother。Accordingly，afterhavingeatenaveryheartymeal，Ileftthebin，andwasattemptingtogetoutofthestable，whenoneofthehorsesbeingtakensuddenlyill，madesomuchnoisewithhiskickingandstruggling，astoalarmthefamily，andthecoachmanenteringwithalanterninhishand，putmeintosuchconsternation，thatIranforshelterintothepocketofagreatcoat，whichhungupuponapegnexttheharnessofthehorses。HereIlaysnugforsomehours，notdaringtostir，asI
smeltthefootstepsofacatfrequentlypassby，andheardthecoachmanextolhergoodqualitiestoamanwhoaccompaniedhimintothestable；sayingshewasthebestmouserinthekingdom。
’Idonotbelieve，’addedhe，’Ihaveamouseinthestableorloft，shekeepssogoodalookout。ForthelasttwodaysIlenthertothecook，toputintoherpantry，butIhavegotherbackagain，andIwouldnotpartwithherforacrown；no，notforthebestsilvercrownthateverwascoinedintheTower。’Then，throughalittlemothholeintheliningofthecoat，Isawhimliftherup，strokeher，andputheruponthebackofoneofthehorses，whereshestretchedherselfout，andwenttosleep。
InthissituationIdidnotdaretostir，Ihadtoooftenseenhoweagercatsaretowatchmice，toventureoutofthepocket，whilstshewassonearme，especiallyasIdidnotatallknowtheholesorcracksroundthestable，andshould，therefore，hadshejumpeddown，beenquiteatalosswheretorun。SoIdeterminedtocontinuewhereIwastilleitherhungerforcedme，ortheabsenceofthecatgaveabetteropportunityofescaping。ButscarcehadItakenupthisresolutionwhenthecoachmanagainentered，andsuddenlytakingthecoatfromthepeg，putiton，andmarchedoutwithmeinhispocket。
Itisutterlyimpossibletodescribemyfearandconsternationatthisevent，tojumpoutwhilstinthestableexposedmetothejawsofthecat，andtoattemptitwhenoutofdoorswasbutagainsubjectingmyselftobefrozentodeath，forthesnowcontinuedstillontheground；yettostayinhispocketwasrunningthechanceofsufferingastillmoredreadfuldeathbythebarbaroushandsofman；andnothingdidIexpect，incaseheshouldfindme，buteithertobetorturedlikeSoftdown，orgiventobethesportofhisfavoritecat——afatealmostasmuchdreadedastheother。
Howeveritwassoonputoutofmypowertodetermine，forwhilstI
wasdebatinginmyownmindwhatcourseIhadbettertake，hemountedthecoachbox，anddroveawaywithmeinhispocket，tillhecametoalargehouse，aboutamiledistantfromthisplace；
thereheputdownthecompanyhehadinthecoach，andthendroveintotheyard。Buthehadnotbeentheremanymomentsbeforethecoachmanofthefamilyhewascometo，invitedhimintothekitchentowarmhimself，drinkamugofale，andeatamouthfulofcoldmeat。Assoonasheentered，andhadpaidthepropercomplimentstotheMrs。BettiesandMolliesattheplace，hepulledoffhisgreatcoat，andhungitacrossthebackofhischair。Iinstantlyseizedthefirstopportunityandwhilsttheywereallbusyassemblingroundtheluncheontable，mademyescape，andranunderacupboarddoorclosetothechimney，whereIhadanopportunityofseeingandhearingallthatpassed，partofwhichconversationIwillrelatetoyou。
’Well，Mr。John，’saidafootman，addressinghimselftothemanwhosepocketIhadjustleft，’howfareyou？Areyouprettyhearty？Youlookwell，Iamsure。’’Aye，andsoIam，repliedhe。’Ineverwasbetterinallmylife；Ilivecomfortably，haveagoodmasterandmistress，eatanddrinkbravely，andwhatcanamanwishformore？FormypartIamquitecontented，andifIdobutcontinuetoenjoymyhealth，IamsureIshallbeveryungratefulnottobeso。’’That’strue，’saidtheother，’butthemisfortuneofitis，peopleneverknowwhentheyarewelloff，butareapttofretandwishandwishandfret，forsomethingorotheralltheirlives，andsoneverhaveanyenjoyment。Nowformyownpart，Imustneedsconfess，thatIcannothelpwishingIwasagentleman，andthinkIshouldbeadealhappierifIwas。’
’Pshaw!’repliedJohn，’Idon’tlikenowtohearamansayso；itlooksasifyouarediscontentedwiththestateinwhichyouareplaced，anddependuponit，youareintheonethatisfittestforyou，oryouwouldnothavebeenputintoit。Andasforbeinghappierifyouwereagentleman，Idon’tknowwhattosaytoit。
Tobesure，tohavealittlemoremoneyinone’spocket，nobodycandenythatitwouldbeveryagreeable；andtobeatlibertytocomeinandgooutwhenonepleased，tobesurewouldbeverycomfortable。Butstill，Bob，stillyoumayassureyourself，thatnostateinthisworldisfreefromcare，andifwewereturnedintolords，weshouldfindmanycausesforuneasiness。Sohere’syourgoodhealth，’saidhe，liftingthemugtohismouth，’wishing，mylad，youmaybecontented，cheerful，andgoodhumoured；forwithoutthesethreerequisites，content，cheerfulness，andgoodhumour，noonepersonuponearth，richorpoor，oldoryoung，caneverfeelcomfortableorhappy；andsohere’stoyou，Isay。’’Andhere’sthesamegoodwishestoyou，’
saidacleandecentcook—womanservant，whotookupthemuguponJohn’sputtingitdown。’Content，cheerfulness，andgoodhumour，Ithinkwasthetoast。’Thenwipinghermouth，asshebeganherspeech，sheadded，’andanexcellentoneitis：Iwishallfolkswouldmindit，andendeavourtoacquirethreesuchgoodqualifications。’’Iamsure，’rejoinedanotherfemaleservant，whosenameIheardwasSally，’Iwishsotoo：atleastIwishMissMarywouldtrytogainalittlemoreofthegoodhumour；forInevercamenearsuchacrosscrabinmylifeasitis。I
declareIhatethesightofthegirl，sheissuchaproudlittleminxshewouldnotvouchsafetospeaktoapoorservantfortheworld；asifshethoughtbecausewearepoorer，wewerethereforenotofthesamenature：hersisters，Ithinkareworthtenofher，theyalwaysreplysocivillyifabodyspeakstothem，andsay，\"Yes，ifyouplease，Mrs。\"Sally，or\"No，thankyou，Mr。
Bob；\"or\"Ishouldbeobligedtoyouifyouwoulddosoandso，Mrs。Nelly，\"andnotplainyesorno，asshedoes；andwelltooifyoucangeteventhatfromher；forsometimesIdeclareshewillnotdeigntogiveoneanyansweratall。’’Aye，thatisasurethingshewon’t，’repliedthemaidservantwhofirstdrank，’itisasadthingsheshouldbehaveso；Ican’tthink，formypart，whereshelearnsit；Iamsureneitherherpapanormammasethertheexampleofit，fortheyalwaysspeakasprettyandaskindasitispossibletodo；andIhaveheard，withmyownears，mymistresstellherofittwentyandtwentytimes，butshewilldoso。Iamsureitisasadthingthatsheshould，forshewillalwaysmakepeopledislikeher。Iamsure，ifyounggentlemenandladiesdidnotknowhowitmakespeoplelovethemtospeakcivillyandkind，theywouldtakegreatcarenottobehavelikeMissMary。
Doyouknow，theotherday，whenMrs。Lime’smaidbroughtlittleMissPeggytoseemymistress，whenshewentaway，shemadeacourtesytoMissMary，andsaid，\"Goodmorningtoyou，Miss。\"Andwouldyouthinkit，thechildstoodlikeastake，andneverreturneditsomuchasbyanodofthehead，nordidsheopenherlips。Isawbyherlooksthemaidtooknoticeofit，andIamsureIhavesucharegardforthefamily，thatIfeltquiteashamedofherbehaviour。’’Oh!sheservedmeworsethanthat，’
resumedSally，’for，wouldyoubelieveit，theotherdayIbeggedhertobesokindastolethermammaknowIwantedtospeakwithher；andIdidnotchoosetogointotheroommyself，becauseI
wasdirty，andtherewascompanythere；butforallIdesiredheroverandoveronlyjusttostepin（andshewasatplayclosetothedoor）yet，couldyousupposeitpossible，shewasill—naturedenoughtorefuseme，andwouldnotdoitatlast。’’Well，ifeverIheardthelikeofthat!’exclaimedJohn，whosepocketIhadbeenin。’Ithinkthatwasbeingcrossindeed，andifachildofminewastobehaveinthatsurlymanner，Iwouldwhipittodeathalmost。Iabominatesuchunkinddoings，leteveryone，Isay，doastheyliketobedoneby，andthatistheonlywaytobehappy，andtheonlywaytodeservetobeso；foriffolkswillnottrytobekind，andobligeothers，whyshouldanybodytrytopleasethem？
AndifMissMarywasmygirl，andchosetobehaverudeandcrosstotheservants，ifIwasherpapa，Iwouldorderthemtorefusedoinganythingforher。IwouldsoonhumbleherprideIwarrantyou，fornobodyshouldmakeherpuddings，orcutherbread，ordoanythingforhertillshelearnedtobekind，andcivil，andthankfultoo，forallthatwasdoneforher。Ihavenonotion，formypart，forachildtogiveherselfsuchairsfornothing；
andbecauseherparentshappentohavealittlemoremoneyintheirpockets，forthatreasontothinkshemayberudetopoorfolks；butthoughservantsarepoor，stillsurelytheyarericherthansheis；Ishouldliketoaskherhowmuchshehasgot？andwhichwayshecamebyit？AchildIamsureisnoricherthanabeggar，fortheyhavenotafarthingthatisnotgiventhemthroughmerebounty；whereasaservantwhoworksforhisliving，hasarightandjustclaimtohiswages，andmaytrulycallthemhisown；butachildhasnotonefarthingthatisnotitsparents。
Sohere’smyservicetoyou，Miss，’saidhe，（againliftingtheale—mugtohismouth）’andwishingheraspeedyreformationofmanners，Idrinktoherverygoodhealth。’
Johndranktothebottomofthemug，andthenshakingthelastdropintotheashesunderthegrate，hetoldthefollowingstory，ashesatswingingthemugbyitshandleacrosshistwoforefingers，whichhehadjoinedforthatpurpose。
’WhenmyfatherwasayoungmanhelivedatoneMr。Speedgo’s，asupperfootman：theywerevastlyrich。Mr。Speedgowasamerchant，andbygoodluckhegatheredgoldasfastashisneighbourswouldpickupstones（asabodymaysay）。Sotheykepttwoorthreecarriages，therewasacoach，andachariot，andaphaeton，andIcan’ttellwhatbesides，andapowerofservantsyoumaywellsupposetoattendthemall；andverywelltheylived，withplentyofvictualsanddrink。Butthoughtheywantedfornothingstilltheynevermuchlovedeithertheirmasterormistress，theyusedtogivetheirordersinsohaughtyandimperiousamanner；andifaskedacivilquestion，answersoshortly，asiftheythoughttheirservantsnotworthyoftheirnotice：sothat，inshort，noonelovedthem，northeirchildreneither，fortheybroughtthemupjustlikethemselves，todespiseeveryonepoorerthantheywere；andtospeakascrosstotheirservantsasiftheyhadbeensomanyadderstheywereafraidwouldbitethem。
’Ihaveheardmyfathersay，thatifMasterSpeedgowantedhishorsetobegotready，hewouldsay，\"Saddlemyhorse!\"insuchadispleasingmannerasmadeitquiteaburthentodoanythingforhim。Oriftheyoungladieswantedapieceofbreadandbutter，orcake，theywouldsay，\"Givemeabitofcake；\"or，iftheyaddedthewordpraytoit，theyspokeinsuchagrumpyway，asplainlyshowedtheythoughtthemselvesadealbetterthantheirservants；forgettingthatanhonestservantisjustasworthyamemberofsocietyashismaster，andwhilsthebehaveswell，asmuchdeservingofcivilityasanybody。Buttogoonwithmystory。IhavealreadytoldyouMr。Speedgowasveryrichandveryproud，norwouldheonanyaccountsufferanyonetovisitathishousewhomhethoughtbelowhim，ashecalledit；oratleast，ifhedid，healwaystookcaretobehavetotheminsuchamanner，asplainlytoletthemknowhethoughtheshowedamightyfavourinconversingwiththem。
’AmongtherestoftheservantstherewasoneMollyMount，asgoodaheartedgirl，myfathersays，aseverlived：shehadneverreceivedmucheducation，becauseherparentscouldnotaffordtogiveherany，andshelearnedtoreadaftershewasatMr。
Speedgo’sfromoneofthehousemaids，whowaskindenoughtoteachheralittle；butyoumaysuppose，fromsuchsortofteaching，shewasnoverygoodscholar。However，shereadwellenoughtobeabletomakeoutsomechaptersintheBible；andanexcellentuseshemadeofthem，carefullyfulfillingeverydutyshetherefoundrecommendedasnecessaryforaChristiantopractice。Sheusedoftentosayshewasperfectlycontentedinherstation，andonlywishedformoremoneythatshemighthaveitinherpowertodomoregood。Andsometimes，whenshewasdressingandattendingtheyoungladiesofthefamily，shewouldadvisethemtobehaveprettierthantheydid；tellingthem，\"Thatbykindnessandcivilitytheywouldbesofarfromlosingrespect，that，onthecontrary，theywouldmuchgainit。Forwecannot（shewouldverytrulysay）haveanyrespectforthosepeoplewhoseemtoforgettheirhumannature，andbehaveasiftheythoughtthemselvessuperiortotherestoftheirfellow—creatures。Youngladiesandgentlemenhavenooccasiontomakethemselvesveryintimateorfamiliarwiththeirservants；buteverybodyoughttospeakcivillyandgood—humouredly，letitbetowhomitmay：andifIwasaladyIshouldmakeitapointnevertolookcrossorspeakgrufflytothepoor，forfeartheyshouldthinkIforgotIwasofthesamehumannatureastheywere。\"Bythesekindofhints，whicheverynowandthenshewouldgivetothemisses，theywereprodigiouslyoffended，andcomplainedofherinsolence，astheycalledit，totheirmamma，whoverywrongly，insteadofteachingthemtobehavebetter，joinedwiththeminblamingMollyforherfreedom，and，toshowherdispleasureatherconduct，putonastillhaughtierair，whenevershespoketoher，thanshedidtoanyotheroftheservants。Molly，however，continuedtobehaveextremelywell，andoftenveryseriouslylamentedinthekitchenthewrongbehaviourofthefamily。\"Idon’tmindit，\"shewouldsay，\"formyownpart；IknowthatIdomyduty，andtheircrosslooksandproudbehaviourcandomenorealharm：butIcannothelpgrievingfortheirsakes；itdistressesmetothinkthatpeoplewhooughttoknowbetter，should，bytheirillconduct，makethemselvessomanyenemies，whentheycouldsoeasilygainfriends——Iamastonishedhowanybodycanactsofoolishly。\"
’Inthissensiblemannershewouldfrequentlytalkaboutthesinaswellasthefollyofpride。Andoneday，asshewastalkingtoherfellow—servants，ratherlouderthaninprudencesheoughttohavedone，hertwoyoungladiesoverheardher；andthenexttimeshewenttodressthem，theyenquiredwhatitwasshehadbeensayingtotheothermaids。\"Indeed，ladies，\"saidshe，\"Ihopeyouwillexcusemytellingyou。Ithink，ifyougiveyourselvestimetoreflectalittle，youwillnotinsistuponknowing，asitisbeneathsuchrichladiesasyouare，toconcernyourselveswithwhatpoorservantstalkabout。\"Thisanswerdidnot，however，satisfythem，andtheypositivelycommandedhertoletthemknow。
Mollywasbyfartoogoodawomantoattempttodeceiveanyone；
shethereforereplied，\"If，ladies，youinsistuponknowingwhatI
said，IhopeyouwillnottakeanythingamissthatImaytellyou，thuscompelledasIambyyourcommands。Youmustknowthen，MissBetsyandMissRachael，thatIwassayinghowsadathingitwasforpeopletobeproudbecausetheyarerich；ortofancy，becausetheyhappentohavealittlemoremoney，thatforthatreasontheyarebetterthantheirservants，wheninrealitythewholethatmakesonepersonbetterthananotheris，havingsuperiorvirtues，beingkinderandmoregoodnatured，andreadiertoassistandservetheirfellow—creatures；thesearethequalifications，Iwassaying，thatmakepeoplebeloved，andnotbeingpossessedofmoney。Moneymay，indeed，procureservantstodotheirbusinessforthem，butitisnotinthepowerofalltherichesintheworldtopurchasetheloveandesteemofanyone。Whatasadthingthenitis，whengentlefolksbehavesoastomakethemselvesdespised；andthatwilleverbethecasewithallthosewho，like（excuseme，ladies，youinsisteduponmytellingyouwhatIsaid）
MissBetsy，andMissRachael，andMasterJames，showsuchcontempttoalltheirinferiors。Nobodycouldwishchildrenoftheirfortunestomakethemselvestoofree，orplaywiththeirservants；
butiftheywerelittlekingsandqueens，stilltheyoughttospeakkindandciviltoeveryone。Indeedourkingandqueenwouldscorntobehavelikethechildrenofthisfamily，andif——\"Shewasgoingon，buttheystoppedher，saying，\"Ifyousayanotherword，wewillpushyououtoftheroomthismoment，yourude，bold，insolentwoman；yououghttobeashamedofspeakingsodisrespectfullyofyourbetters；butwewilltellourmamma，thatwewill，andshewon’tsufferyoutoallowyourtonguesuchliberties。\"\"If，\"repliedMolly，\"Ihaveoffendedyou，Iamsorryforit，andbegyourpardon，ladies；IamsureIhadnowishtodoso；andyoushouldrememberthatyoubothinsisteduponmytellingyouwhatIhadbeensaying。\"\"Sowedid，\"saidthey，\"butyouhadnobusinesstosayitall；andIpromiseyoumymammashallknowit。\"
’Inthismannertheywentonforsometime；but，tomakeshortofmystory，theyrepresentedthematterinsuchamannertotheirmother，thatshedismissedMollyfromherservice，withastrictchargenevertovisitthehouseagain。\"For，\"saidMrs。Speedgo，\"noservantwhobehavesasyouhavedone，shalleverentermydoorsagain，oreatanothermouthfulinmyhouse。\"Mollyhadnodesiresosuddenlytoquitherplace；butasherconscienceperfectlyacquittedherofanywilfulcrime，afterreceivingherwages，respectfullywishingallthefamilytheirhealth，andtakingafriendlyleaveofherfellow—servants，sheleftthehouse，andsoonengagedherselfasdairy—maidinafarmer’sfamily，aboutthreemilesoff；inwhichplaceshebehavedsoextremelywell，andsomuchtothesatisfactionofhermasterandmistress，that，aftershehadlivedtherealittlemorethantwoyears，withtheirentireapprobation，shewasmarriedtotheireldestson，asober，worthyyoungman，towhomhisfathergaveafortunenotmuchlessthanthreethousandpounds，withwhichheboughtandstockedaveryprettyfarminSomersetshire，wheretheylivedashappyasvirtueandaffluencecouldmakethem。Byindustryandcaretheyprosperedbeyondtheirutmostexpectations，and，bytheirprudenceandgoodbehaviour，gainedtheesteemandloveofallwhoknewthem。