Semproniushadtoomuchpenetrationnottoseetherealandtruedifferenceinthebehaviourofthesetwowomen，andcouldnothelpcryingout，’OCaelia！yourhonesttruthandgoodnessineverywordandlookaretoovisibletoleavemeonedoubtoftheirreality。But，couldyoubelieveit？thisfriendofyoursisfalse。Ihavealreadyputhertothetrial，bydeclaringtohermysincereandunalterablepassionforyou。When，onmyinsisting，asIdidtoyou，uponherspeakingthetruth，sheaccusedyouofwhatnothingshouldnowconvincemeyouareguiltyof。Iown，thathithertomyregard，esteem，andlove，havebeenequaltoboth;butnowIoffertothesincere，artless，andcharmingCaelia，mywholeheart，love，andaffection，andtheserviceofeveryminuteofmyfuturelife;andfromthismomentI
banishfrommymindthefalseandungratefulChloe。’
Caelia’sfriendshipforChloewassodeeplyrootedinherbreast，thatevenadeclarationoflovefromSemproniuscouldnotblotitonemomentfromherheart;andonhisspeakingthewords’falseChloe，’sheburstintotears，andsaid，’IsitpossiblethatChloeshouldactsuchaparttowardsherCaelia！Youmustforgiveher，Sempronius：itwasherviolentpassionforyou，andfearoflosingyou，whichmadeherdowhathithertohernaturehaseverappearedaverseto。’
Semproniusanswered，’thathecouldnotenoughadmirehergoodnesstoherfriendChloe;butsuchproofsofpassion，hesaid，weretohimatthesametimeproofsofitsbeingsuchapassionashehadnoregardfor;sinceitwasimpossibleforanyonetogainorincreasehislovebyanactionwhichatthesametimelessenedhisesteem。’ThiswassoexactlyCaelia’sownwayofthinking，thatshecouldnotbutassenttowhathesaid。
Butjustastheywerecomingoutofthearbour，Chloe，unseenbythem，passedby;andfromseeinghimkissherhand，andthecomplacencyofCaelia’slook，itwaseasyforhertoguesswhathadbeentheresultoftheirprivateconference。Shecouldnothoweverhelpindulginghercuriosity，sofarastowalkontheothersideofathickyewhedge，tolistentotheirdiscourse;andastheywalkedon，sheheardSemproniusentreatCaeliatobecheerful，andthinknomoreofhertreacherousfriend，whosewickednesshedoubtednotwouldsufficientlypunishitself。ShethenheardCaeliasay，’Icannotbear，Sempronius，tohearyouspeaksohardlyofmyChloe。Saythatyouforgiveher，andIwillindeedbecheerful。’
NothinguponearthcanbeconceivedsowretchedaspoorChloe，foronthefirstmomentthatshesufferedherselftoreflectonwhatshehaddone，shethoroughlyrepented，andheartilydetestedherselfforsuchbaseness。ShewentdirectlyintothegardeninhopesofmeetingSempronius，tohavethrownherselfathisfeet，confessedhertreachery，andtohavebeggedhimnevertohavementionedittoCaelia;butnowshewasconsciousherrepentancewouldcometoolate;andhewoulddespiseher，ifpossiblestillmore，forsucharecantation，afterherknowledgeofwhathadpassedbetweenhimandCaelia。
Shecouldindeedhavegonetohim，andnothaveownedwhatshehadseenorheard;butnowherabhorrenceofeventheappearanceoftreacheryorcunningwassogreat，thatshecouldnotbeartoaddthesmallestgrainoffalsehoodordeceittotheweightofherguilt，whichwasalreadyalmostinsupportable：andshouldshetellhimofherrepentance，withaconfessionofherknowledgeofhisengagementwithCaelia，itwould（ashasbeenbeforeobserved）
appearbothservileandinsincere。
Nothingcouldnowappearsoalteredasthewholefaceofthisoncehappyfamily。SemproniusasmuchaspossibleshunnedthesightofChloe;forasshewasthecauseofalltheconfusionamongstthem，hehadalmostanaversiontoher。Thoughhewasnotofanimplacabletemper，yet，astheinjurywasintendedtoonehesincerelyloved，hefounditmuchhardertoforgiveit，thanifithadevensucceededagainsthimself;andashestilllookeduponChloeasthecauseofmelancholyinhisdearCaelia，hecouldhardlyhaveanypatiencewithher。
NowordscandescribethevariouspassionswhichwereexpressedinthesadcountenanceofChloe，whenfirstshemetherfriend。Theywerebothafraidofspeaking。Shame，andthefearofbeing（andwithtoogoodreason）suspectedofinsincerity，withheldChloe;
andanunwillingnesstoaccuseorhurtherfriendwithheldthegentleCaelia。ShesometimesindeedthoughtshesawrepentanceinChloe’sface，andwishedfornothingmorethantosealherpardon。
Buttillitwasasked，shewasindoubt（fromwhathadpassed）
whethersuchpardonandprofferedreconciliationmightnotberejected。Sheknewthatherfriend’spassionswerenaturallystrongerthanhers;andshethereforetrembledattheconsequencesofcomingtoanexplanation。
ButtherewashardlyagreatersuffererinthissceneofconfusionthanthepooroldLadyAmanda。ShesawasortofhorrorandwildnessinthefaceofChloe;andinCaelia’sasettledmelancholy，andsuchanunusualreserveinbothtowardseachother，aswellastoherself，asquiteastonishedher。
Semproniuscameindeedtothehouseasoftenasusual;butinhiscountenanceshecouldperceiveasortofangerandconcernwhichperfectlyfrightenedher。Butastheydidnotspeaktoher，shecouldnotbringherselftoaskthecauseofthiswoefulchange，forfearofhearingsomethingtoobadtobear。
CaeliahadabsolutelyrefusedgrantingtoSemproniusleavetoaskheraunt’sconsent，tillsheshouldcometosomeexplanationwithChloe，whichseemedeverydayfartheroffthanever。
ThegreatperturbationofChloe’smindthrewherintoadisordernotmanydegreesshortofmadness;andatlastshewasseizedwithaviolentfeversoastokeepherbed。ShesaidshecouldnotbeartolookonAmanda;butbeggedCaeliatobewithherasmuchaspossible;whichshedid，inhopesofbringingherselftoeasehermind，byspeakingtoherofwhathadgiventhemallthistorment。
Caeliawatchedwithhernightanddayforthreedays，whenthephysicianwhoattendedherpronouncedthattherewasnohopeofherlife。Caeliacouldnotanylongerbeartostayintheroom，andwentdownstairs，expectingeverymomenttohearshewasexpired。
ChloesoonperceivedbyCaelia’sabruptleavingtheroom，andthelooksofthosewhowereleftinit，thatherfatewaspronounced;
which，insteadofsinkingherspirits，andmakingherdejected，gaveatranquillitytohermind;forshethoughtwithinherself，’Ishallnowmakemydearcousinhappy，byremovingoutofherwayanobjectthatmustembitterallherjoy;andnowlikewise，assheisconvincedIamonmydeath—bed，shewilloncemorebelievemecapableofspeakingtruth;andwill，inthemannerIcouldwish，receivemysincererepentance。’ThensendingforCaeliauptoherbedside，sheinaweakvoice，withhardlystrengthforutterance，spokeinthismanner：’MydearCaelia，thoughyouknowmetobeaworthlessbasewretch，yetdonotthinksohardlyofme，astoimagineIwoulddeceiveyouwithmylastbreath。BelievemethenwhenItellyou，thatIsincerelyrepentofmytreacherytowardsyou;andassincerelyrejoicethatithasinrealitybeenthecauseofyourhappinesswithSempronius。Tellhimthis;andthen，perhaps，hewillnothatemymemory。’Hereshefaintedaway，andtheyforcedCaeliaoutoftheroom，thinkingherbreathwasforeverflown。Butinsometimeshecameagaintoherself，andcriedout，’What！wouldnotmydearCaeliasaythatsheforgaveme？
MethinksIwouldnotdie，tillIhadobtainedherpardon。Sheistoogoodtorefuseherfriendthislastrequest。’Herattendantsthentoldher，thatseeingherfaintaway，theyhadforcedCaeliaoutoftheroom;andtheybeggedhertotrytocomposeherself，fortheyweresurethatseeingherfriendagain，atthistime，wouldonlydisturbhermind，anddoheraninjury。
Chloe，fromtheventshehadgivenhergriefinspeakingtoCaelia，foundherselfsomethingmoreeasyandcomposed;anddesiringtheroomtobemadeperfectlyquiet，shefellintoagentlesleep，whichlastedtwohours;andwhensheawakedshefoundherselfsomuchbetter，thatthoseaboutherwereconvinced，fromhercomposedmannerofspeaking，thatshewasnowabletobearanotherinterview。
TheyagaincalledforCaelia，andtoldherofhercousin’samendment。Sheflewwithallspeedtoherchamber;andthemomentsheentered，Chloecriedout，’Canyouforgiveme，Caelia？’
’Yes，withthegreatestjoyandsincerityimaginable，mydearestChloe，’answeredCaelia，’andneverletitbeagainmentionedorremembered。’
ThesuddenrecoveryofChloewasalmostincredible;forinlessthanaweekshewasabletoquitbothherbedandroom，andgointoheraunt’schamber。Thegoodoldladyshedtearsofjoy，toseesuchareturnofChloe’shealth，andofcheerfulnessinthefamily;andwasperfectlycontented，nowshesawtheirmelancholyremoved，nottoinquireintothelatecauseofit，forfearofrenewingtheirtroubleevenonemomentbytheremembranceofit。
Sempronius，inthemeantime，uponsomeaffairsofhisdutyinthearmy，hadbeencalledaway，andwasabsentthewholetimeofChloe’sillness，andwasnotyetreturned。CaeliaspentalmostherwholetimewithChloe;butthreeweekspassedon，andtheywereoftenalone;yettheyhadneveroncementionedthenameofSempronius，whichlaidCaeliastillunderthegreatestdifficultyhowtoact，soastoavoidgivingherfriendanyuneasiness，andyetnotdisobligeSempronius;forshehadpromisedhimathisdeparture，thatshewouldgivehimleavetoaskheraunt’sconsentimmediatelyuponhisreturn。Buttheverydayhewasexpected，shewasmadequiteeasybywhatpassedbetweenherandherfriend。
Chloe，inthistime，byproperreflections，andaduesenseofCaelia’sgreatgoodnessandaffectiontoher，hadsoentirelygotthebetterofherselfinthisaffair，thatshefoundshecouldnow，withoutanyuneasiness，seethemmarried;andcallingCaeliatoher，shesaidwithasmile，’Ihave，mydearfriend，beensolongaccustomedtoreadinthatintelligibleindex，yourcountenance，allyourmostinmostthoughts，thatIhavenotbeenunobservingofthosekindfearsyouhavehadonmyaccount;andthereasonIhavesolongdelayedspeakingwas，myresolution，ifpossible，neveragaintodeceiveyou。Icanwithpleasurenowassureyou，thatnothingcangivemesomuchjoyastoseeyourweddingwithSempronius。Imakenodoubt，butifyouaskit，youwillhavemyaunt’sconsent;and，ifanyintercessionshouldbewantingtowardsobtainingit，Iwill（ifyoucantrustme）useallmyinfluenceinyourbehalf。Beassured，mydearCaelia，IhavenownofartherregardleftforSempronius，thanasyourhusband;
andthatregardwillincreaseinproportionasheisthecauseofyourhappiness。’
TheywereinterruptedintheirdiscoursebynewsbeingbroughtofthearrivalofSempronius，andChloereceivedhimwiththateaseandcheerfulnessasconvincedCaeliaherprofessionswereunfeigned。
CaeliarelatedtoSemproniusallthathadpassedbetweenherandChloe;andbyhercontinuedcheerfulnessofbehaviour，thepeaceandtranquillityofthefamilywasperfectlyrestored，andtheirjoygreatlyincreasedbyAmanda’sreadyconsenttothemarriageofSemproniusandCaelia，havingfirstsettledallherfortunetobedividedatherdeathequallybetweenhernieces;andinherlifetimetherewasnooccasionofsettlements，ordeedsofgift，fortheylivedalltogether，andseparatepropertywasnotsomuchasmentionedorthoughtoninthisfamilyofharmonyandpeace。
HereMissDollyceasedreading;andallherhearerssatsomelittletimesilent，andthenexpressedtheirgreatjoythatCaeliaandChloewereatlasthappy;fornoneofthemhadbeenabletorefrainfromtearswhilsttheywereotherwise。OnwhichMissJennyPeacebeggedthemtoobservefromthisstory，themiserableeffectsthatattenddeceitandtreachery：’For，’continuedshe，’youseeyoucouldnotrefrainfromtears，onlybyimaginingwhatChloemustfeelafterherwickedness（bywhichindeedshelosttheveryhappinesssheintendedtreacherouslytogain）;norcouldsheenjoyonemoment’speace，tillbyconfessingherfault，andheartilyrepentingofit，hermindwasrestoredtoitsformercalmandtranquility。’MissDollythankedMissJennyforherremarks;
butMissLucySlywasmostsensiblytouchedwiththisstory，ascunninghadformerlyentirelypossessedHERmind;andsaid，thatifhercompanionswerenotwearyatpresentoftheirarbour，shewouldnowrecounttothemthehistoryofherlife，asthisstorywasaproperintroductiontoit。
THEDESCRIPTIONOFMISSLUCYSLY。
MissLucySlywasofthesameageasMissDollyFriendly;butshorter，atleast，byhalfthehead。Shewasgenerallycalledaprettygirl，fromhavingapairofexceedingfineblackeyes，onlywiththeallayofsomethingcunningintheirlook。Shehadahighforehead，andverygoodcurlingblackhair。Shehadasharphighnose，andaverysmallmouth。Hercomplexionwasbutindifferent，andthelowerpartofherfaceill—turned，forherchinwastoolongfordueproportion。
THELIFEOFMISSLUCYSLY。
FromthetimeIwastwoyearsold，（saidMissLucy）mymammawassosickly，thatshewasunabletotakeanygreatcareofmeherself，andIwaslefttothecareofagoverness，whomadeitherstudytobringmetodowhatshehadamindtohavedone，withouttroublingherheadwhatinducedmesotodo。AndwheneverIdidanythingwrong，sheusedtosayitwasthefoot—boy，andnotmiss，thatwasnaughty。Nay，shewouldsay，itwasthedog，orthecat，oranythingshecouldlaytheblameupon，soonerthanownitwasme。Ithoughtthispure，thatIwasneverinfault;andsoongotintoawayoftellinganylies，andoflayingmyownfaultsonothers，sinceIfoundIshouldbebelieved。Irememberonce，whenIhadbrokenafinechina—cup，thatIartfullygotoutofthescrape，andhidthebrokencupinthefoot—boy’sroom。Hewaswhippedforbreakingit;andthenextdaywhilstIwasatplayabouttheroom，Iheardmygovernesssaytoafriendwhowaswithher，\"YesterdayMissLucybrokeachina—cup;buttheartfullittlehussywentandhiditinthefoot—boy’sroom，andthepoorboywaswhippedforit。Idon’tbelievetherewaseveragirlofheragethathadhalfhercunningandcontrivance。\"Iknewbyhertoneofvoice，andhermannerofspeaking，thatshedidnotblamemeinherheart，butrathercommendedmyingenuity。AndIthoughtmyselfsowise，thatIcouldthusgetofftheblamefrommyself，thatIeverydayimprovedinnewinventionstosavemyself，andhaveotherspunishedinmyplace。
’ThislifeofendeavouringtodeceiveIledtillIcametoschool。
ButhereIfoundthatIcouldnotsowellcarryonmylittleschemes;forIwasfoundoutandpunishedformyownfaults;andthiscreatedinmeahatredtomycompanions。ForwhateverMissI
hadamindtoserveasIusedtoserveourfoot—boy，inlayingtheblamefalselyuponher，ifshecouldjustifyherself，andprovemeinthewrong，Iwasveryangrywithher，fordaringtocontradictme，andnotsubmittingasquietlytobepunishedwrongfully，asthefoot—boywasforcedtodo。
’ThisisallIknowofmylifehitherto。’
ThusendedMissLucySly：andMissJennyPeacecommendedMissLucyforherfreeconfessionofherfaults，andsaid，’Shedoubtednotbutshewouldfindtheadvantageofamending，andendeavouringtochangeadispositionsoverypernicioustoherownpeaceandquiet，aswellastothatofallherfriends;’buttheynowobeyedthesummonsofthesupper—bell，andsoonafterretiredtorest。
THURSDAY。
THEFOURTHDAY。
Ourlittlecompany，assoonasthemorningschool—hourswereover，hastenedtotheirarbour，andwereattentivetowhatMissJennyPeaceshouldproposetothemfortheiramusementtilldinner—time;
whenMissJenny，lookingrounduponthem，said，’thatshehadnotatpresentanystorytoread;butthatshehoped，fromMissDollyFriendly’sexampleyesterday，someoftherestmightendeavoursometimestofurnishouttheentertainmentoftheday。’UponwhichMissSukeyJennettsaid，’thatthoughshecouldnotpromisethemsuchanagreeablestoryasMissDolly’s;yetshewouldreadthemalettershehadreceivedtheeveningbeforefromherCousinPeggySmith，wholivedatYork;inwhichtherewasastorythatshethoughtverystrangeandremarkable。Theywereallverydesirousofit，whenMissSukeyreadasfollows：
’Dearcousin，——Ipromised，youknow，towritetoyouwhenIhadanythingtotellyou;andasIthinkthefollowingstoryveryextraordinary，Iwaswillingtokeepmyword。
’Sometimeagotherecametosettleinthiscity，alady，whosenamewasDison。Weallvisitedher：butshehadsodeepamelancholy，arising，asitappeared，fromasettledstateofillhealth，thatnothingwecoulddocouldaffordhertheleastrelief，ormakehercheerful。Inthisconditionshelanguishedamongstusfiveyears，stillcontinuingtogrowworseandworse。
’Weallgrievedatherfate。Herfleshwaswitheredaway;herappetitedecayedbydegrees，tillallfoodbecamenauseoustohersight;herstrengthfailedher;herfeetcouldnotsupporthertotteringbody，leanandwornawayasitwas;andwehourlyexpectedherdeath。When，atlast，sheonedaycalledhermostintimatefriendstoherbedside，and，aswellasshecould，spoketothefollowingpurpose：’Iknowyouallpityme;but，alas！I
amnotsomuchtheobjectofyourpity，asyourcontempt;forallmymiseryisofmyownseeking，andowingtothewickednessofmyownmind。Ihadtwosisters，withwhomIwasbredup;andIhaveallmylifetimebeenunhappy，fornoothercausebutfortheirsuccessintheworld。Whenwewereyoung，Icouldneithereatnorsleepinpeace，whentheyhadeitherpraiseorpleasure。Whenwegrewuptobewomen，theywerebothsoonmarriedmuchtotheiradvantageandsatisfaction。Thisgalledmetotheheart;and，thoughIhadseveralgoodoffers，yetasIdidnotthinktheminallrespectsequaltomysisters，Iwouldnotacceptthem;andyetwasinwardlyvexedtorefusethem，forfearIwouldgetnobetter。
IgenerallydeliberatedsolongthatIlostmylovers，andthenI
pinedforthatloss。Ineverwantedforanything;andwasinasituationinwhichImighthavebeenhappy，ifIpleased。Mysisterslovedmeverywell，forIconcealedasmuchaspossiblefromthemmyodiousenvy;andyetneverdidanypoorwretchleadsomiserablealifeasIhavedone;foreveryblessingtheyenjoyedwasassomanydaggerstomyheart。’Tisthisenvythathascausedallmyillhealth，haspreyeduponmyveryvitals，andwillnowbringmetomyGrave。\"
’Inafewdaysafterthisconfessionshedied;andherwordsanddeathmadesuchastrongimpressiononmymind，thatIcouldnothelpsendingyouthisrelation;andbeggingyou，mydearSukey，torememberhowcarefulweoughttobetocurbinourmindstheveryfirstrisingsofapassionsodetestable，andsofatal，asthisprovedtopoorMrs。Dison。IknowIhavenoparticularreasonforgivingyouthiscaution;forIneversawanythinginyou，butwhatdeservedtheloveandesteemof’Yourveryaffectionatecousin，’M。SMITH。’
AssoonasMissSukeyhadfinishedherletter，MissPattyLockitroseup，and，flyingtoMissJennyPeace，embracedher，andsaid，’WhatthankscanIgiveyou，mydearfriend，forhavingputmeintoawayofexaminingmyheart，andreflectingonmyownactions;bywhichyouhavesavedme，perhaps，fromalifeasmiserableasthatofthepoorwomaninMissSukey’sletter！’MissJennydidnotthoroughlyunderstandhermeaning;butimaginingitmightbesomethingrelatingtoherpastlife，desiredhertoexplainherself;whichshesaidshewoulddo，tellingnow，inherturn，allthathadhithertohappenedtoher。
THEDESCRIPTIONOFMISSPATTYLOCKIT。
MissPattyLockitwasbuttenyearsold;tall，inclinedtofat。
Herneckwasshort;andshewasnotintheleastgenteel。Herfacewasveryhandsome;forallherfeatureswereextremelygood。
Shehadlargeblueeyes;wasexceedingfair;andhadagreatbloomonhercheeks。Herhairwastheveryfirstdegreeoflightbrown;
wasbrightandshining;andhunginringletshalfwaydownherback。Hermouthwasrathertoolarge;butshehadsuchfineteeth，andlookedsoagreeablywhenshesmiled，thatyouwasnotsensibleofanyfaultinit。
ThiswasthepersonofMissPattyLockit，whowasslowtorelateherpastlife;whichshedid，inthefollowingmanner：
THELIFEOFMISSPATTYLOCKIT。
Ilived，tillIwassixyearsold，inaverylargefamily;forI
hadfoursisters，allolderthanmyself，andthreebrothers。Weplayedtogether，andpassedourtimemuchinthecommonway：
sometimeswequarrelled，andsometimesagreed，justasaccidentwouldhaveit。Ourparentshadnopartialitytoanyofus;sowehadnocausetoenvyoneanotheronthataccount;andwelivedtolerablywelltogether。
’WhenIwassixyearsold，mygrandmotherbymyfather’sside（andwhowasalsomygodmother）offeringtotakemetolivewithher，andpromisingtolookuponmeasherownchild，andentirelytoprovideforme，myfatherandmother，astheyhadalargefamily，veryreadilyacceptedheroffer，andsentmedirectlytoherhouse。
’Abouthalfayearbeforethis，shehadtakenanothergoddaughter，theonlychildofmyAuntBradly，whowaslatelydead，andwhosehusbandwasgonetotheWestIndies。Mycousin，MollyBradly，wasfouryearsolderthanI;andhermotherhadtakensuchpainsinhereducation，thattheunderstoodmorethanmostgirlsofherage;andhadsomuchliveliness，goodhumour，andingenuity，thateverybodywasfondofher;andwhereverwewenttogether，allthenoticewastakenofmycousin，andIwasverylittleregarded。
’ThoughIhadallmylifebeforelivedinafamilywhereeveryoneinitwasolder，andknewmorethanmyself，yetIwasveryeasy;
forweweregenerallytogetherinthenursery;andnobodytookmuchnoticeofus，whetherweknewanything，orwhetherwedidnot。Butnow，asIlivedinthehousewithonlyonecompanion，whowassomuchmoreadmiredthanmyself，thecomparisonbegantovexme，andIfoundastronghatredandaversionformycousinarisinginmymind;andyet，IverilybelieveIshouldhavegotthebetterofit，andbeenwillingtohavelearntofmycousin，andshouldhavelovedherforteachingme，ifanyonehadtoldmeitwasright;andifithadnotbeenthatBetty，themaidwhotookcareofus，usedtobeforeverteasingmeaboutthepreferencethatwasshowntomycousin，andtheneglectIalwaysmetwith。
Sheusedtotellme，thatshewonderedhowIcouldbeartoseeMissMollysocaressed;andthatitwaswantofspiritnottothinkmyselfasgoodasshewas;and，ifshewasinmyplace，shewouldnotsubmittobetaughtbyachild;formyCousinMollyfrequentlyofferedtoinstructmeinanythingsheknew;butIusedtosay（asBettyhadtaughtme）thatIwouldnotlearnofher;forshewasbutachild，thoughshewasalittleolder;andthatIwasnotputunderhercare，butthatofmygrandmamma。Butshe，poorwoman，wassooldandunhealthy，thatshenevertroubledherheadmuchaboutus，butonlytotakecarethatwewantedfornothing。
Ilivedinthismannerthreeyears，frettingandvexingmyselfthatIdidnotknowsomuch，norwasnotsomuchliked，asmyCousinMolly，andyetresolvingnottolearnanythingshecouldteachme;whenmygrandmammawasadvisedtosendmetoschool;
but，assoonasIcamehere，thecasewasmuchworse;for，insteadofonepersontoenvy，Ifoundmany;forallmyschoolfellowshadlearnedmorethanI;and，insteadofendeavouringtogetknowledge，Ibegantohateallthosewhoknewmorethanmyself;
andthis，Iamnowconvinced，wasowingtothatodiousenvy，which，ifnotcured，wouldalwayshavemademeasmiserableasMrs。Disonwasandwhichconstantlytormentedme，tillwecametoliveinthatgeneralpeaceandgood—humourwehavelatelyenjoyed：
andasIhopethiswickedspiritwasnotnaturaltome，butonlyblownupbythatvileBetty’sinstigations，Idon’tdoubtbutI
shallnowgrowveryhappy，andlearnsomethingeveryday，andbepleasedwithbeinginstructed，andthatIshallalwayslovethosewhoaresogoodastoinstructme。’
HereMissPattyLockitceased;andthedinner—bellcalledthemfromtheirarbour。
Mrs。Teachum，assoonastheyhaddined，toldthem，thatshethoughtitpropertheywouldusesomebodilyexercise，thattheymightnot，bysittingconstantlystill，impairtheirhealth。Notbutthatshewasgreatlypleasedwiththeirinnocentandinstructivemannerofemployingtheirleisurehours;butthiswisewomanknewthatthefacultiesofthemindgrowlanguidanduseless，whenthehealthofthebodyislost。
Assoonastheyunderstoodtheirgoverness’spleasure，theyreadilyresolvedtoobeyhercommands，anddesiredthat，afterschool，theymighttakeawalkasfarasthedairyhouse，toeatsomecurdsandcream。Mrs。Teachumnotonlygrantedtheirrequest，butsaidshewoulddispensewiththeirschool—attendancethatafternoon，inordertogivethemmoretimefortheirwalk，whichwasbetweentwoandthreemiles;andshelikewiseadded，thatsheherselfwouldgowiththem。Theyallflewlikelightningtogettheirhats，andtoequipthemselvesfortheirwalk;and，withcheerfulcountenances，attendedMrs。Teachumintheschoolroom。Thisgoodgentlewoman，sofarfromlayingthemunderarestraintbyherpresence，encouragedthemtoruninthefields，andtogatherflowers;whichtheydid，eachmisstryingtogetthebesttopresenttohergoverness。Inthisagreeablemanner，withlaughing，talking，andsinging，theyarrivedatthedairy—house，beforetheyimaginedtheyhadwalkedamile。
Therelivedatthisdairy—houseanoldwoman，nearseventyyearsofage。Shehadafreshcolourinherface;butwastroubledwiththepalsy，thatmadeherheadshakealittle。Shewasbentforwardwithage，andherhairwasquitegrey：butsheretainedmuchgood—humour，andreceivedthislittlepartywithheartywelcome。
Ourlittlegentryflockedaboutthisgoodwoman，askingherathousandquestions。MissPollySucklingaskedher，’Whysheshookherheadso？’andMissPattyLockitsaid，’Shehopedherhairwouldneverbeofsuchacolour。’
MissJennyPeacewasafraidtheywouldsaysomethingthatwouldoffendtheoldwoman，andadvisedthemtoturntheirdiscourse。
’Oh！letthedearroguesalone，’saystheoldwoman;’Iliketheirprattle;’and，takingMissPollybythehand，said，’Come，mydear，wewillgointothedairy，andskimthemilkpans。’Atwhichwordstheyallrunintothedairy，andsomeofthemdippedtheirfingersinthecream;whichwhenMrs。Nellyperceived（whowastheeldestdaughteroftheoldwoman，andwhomanagedalltheaffairs）shedesiredtheywouldwalkoutofthedairy，andshewouldbringthemwhatwasfitforthem：uponwhichMissDollyFriendlysaid，’shehadratherbeasoldandgood—naturedasthemother，thanasyoungandill—naturedasthedaughter。’
Theoldwomandesiredhercompanytositdownatalongtable，whichshesoonsuppliedwithplentyofcream，strawberries，brownbread，andsugar。Mrs。Teachumtookherplaceattheupperend，andtherestsatdownintheirusualorder，andeatplentifullyofthesegoodthings。Afterwhich，Mrs。Teachumtoldthemtheymightwalkoutandseethegardenandorchard，andbythattimeitwouldbepropertoreturnhome。
Thegoodoldwomanshowedthemthewayintothegarden;andgatheredthefinestrosesandpinksshecouldpick，andgavethemtoMissPolly，towhomshehadtakenagreatFancy。
Attheirtakingleave，Mrs。Teachumrewardedthegoodoldwomanforhertrouble;who，onherpart，expressedmuchpleasureinfeeingsomanywell—behavedyoungladies;andsaid，shehopedtheywouldcomeoften。
Theselittlefriendshadnotwalkedfarintheirwayhome，beforetheymetamiserableraggedfellow，whobeggedtheircharity。Ouryoungfolksimmediatelygatheredtogetheraboutthispoorcreature，andwerehearkeningveryearnestlytohisstory，whichhesetforthinaterriblemanner，ofhavingbeenburntoutofhishouse，and，fromonedistresstoanother，reducedtothatmiserablestatetheysawhimin，whenMrs。Teachumcameuptothem。Shewasnotalittlepleasedtoseeallthemisses’handsintheirpockets，pullingouthalf—pence，andsomesixpences。Shetoldthem，sheapprovedoftheirreadinesstoassistthepoorfellow，asheappearedtothem;butoftentimesthosefellowsmadeupdismalstorieswithoutmuchfoundation，andbecausetheywerelazy，andwouldnotwork。MissDollysaid，indeedshebelievedthepoormanspoketruth;forhelookedhonest;and，besides，heseemedalmoststarved。
Mrs。Teachumtoldthemitwouldbelatebeforetheycouldgethome;so，aftereachofthemhadgivenwhattheythoughtproper，theypursuedtheirwalk，prattlingalltheway。
Theygothomeaboutnineo’clock;and，astheydidnotchooseanysupper，thebellrangforprayers;afterwhichouryoungtravellersretiredtotheirrest，wherewedoubtnotbuttheyhadagoodrepose。
FRIDAY
THEFIFTHDAY。
Mrs。Teachum，inthemorning，inquiredhowherscholarsdidaftertheirwalk，andwaspleasedtoheartheywereallverywell。Theythenperformedtheirseveraltaskswithmuchcheerfulness;and，aftertheschool—hours，theywerehastening，asusual，totheirarbour，whenMissJennydesiredthemalltogothitherwithouther，andshewouldsoonfollowthem;whichtheyreadilyconsentedto;butbeggedhernottodeprivethemlongofthepleasureofhersweetcompany。
MissJennythenwentdirectlyintohergoverness’sparlour，andtoldherthatshehadsomethoughtsofreadingtohercompanionsafairytale，whichwasalsogivenherbyhermamma;andthoughitwasnotinsuchapompousstyle，norsofullofwonderfulimages，asthegiant—story;yetshewouldnotventuretoreadanythingofthatkindwithoutherpermission;but，asshehadnotabsolutelycondemnedallthatsortofwriting，shehopedshewasnotguiltyofafaultinaskingthatpermission。Mrs。Teachum，withagracioussmile，toldher，thatsheseemedsothoroughlywelltounderstandthewholeforceofherMondaynight’sdiscoursetoher，thatshemightbetrustedalmostinanything;anddesiredhertogoandfollowherownjudgmentandinclinationsintheamusementofherhappyfriends。MissJenny，overjoyedwiththiskindcondescensioninhergoverness，thankedher，with，alowcourtesy，andsaid，shehopedsheshouldneverdoanythingunworthyoftheconfidencereposedonher;and，hasteningtothearbour，shetherefoundallherlittlecompanionsquiteimpatientofthisshortabsence。
MissJennytoldthem，thatshehadbyherafairy—tale，which，iftheylikedit，shewouldread;and，asithadpleasedher，shedidnotdoubtbutitwouldgivethemequalpleasure。
ItwasthecustomnowsomuchamongstthemtoassenttoanyproposalthatcamefromMissJenny，thattheyallwithonevoicedesiredhertoreadit;tillMissPollySucklingsaid，’thatalthoughshewasveryunwillingtocontradictanythingMissJennyliked，yetshecouldnothelpsaying，shethoughtitwouldbebetteriftheyweretoreadsometruehistory，fromwhichtheymightlearnsomething;forshethoughtfairy—taleswerefitonlyforlittlechildren。
MissJennycouldnothelpsmilingatsuchanobjection’scomingfromthelittledumpling，whowasnotmuchabovesevenyearsofage;andthensaid，’Iwilltellyouastory，mylittlePolly，ofwhathappenedtomewhilstIwasathome。
’Therecameintoourvillage，whenIwassixyearsold，amanwhocarriedaboutararee—show，whichallthechildrenoftheparishwerefondofseeing;butIhadtakenitintomyhead，thatitwasbeneathmywisdomtoseeraree—shows;andthereforewouldnotbepersuadedtojoinmycompanionstoseethissight;andalthoughI
hadasgreataninclinationasanyofthemtoseeit，yetI
avoidedit，inordertoboastofmyowngreatsense，inthatIwasabovesuchtrifles。
’Whenmymammaaskedme，\"WhyIwouldnotseetheshow，whenshehadgivenmeleave？Idrewupmyhead，andsaid，\"IndeedIdidnotlikeraree—shows。ThatIhadbeenreading;andIthoughtthatmuchmoreworthmywhile，thantolosemytimeatsuchfoolishentertainments。\"Mymamma，whosawthecauseofmyrefusingthisamusementwasonlyapretenceofbeingwise，laughed，andsaid，\"Sheherselfhadseenit，anditwasreallyverycomicalanddiverting。\"Onhearingthis，IwasheartilyvexedtothinkIhaddeniedmyselfapleasure，whichIfanciedwasbeneathme，whenI
foundevenmymammawasnotaboveseeingit。Thisinagreatmeasurecuredmeofthefollyofthinkingmyselfaboveanyinnocentamusement。AndwhenIgrewolder，andmorecapableofhearingreason，mymammatoldme，\"Shehadtakenthismethodoflaughingatme，aslaughingisthepropermanneroftreatingaffectation;whichofallthings，shesaid，shewouldhavemecarefullyavoid;otherwise，wheneverIwasfoundout，Ishouldbecomecontemptible。\"’
HereMissJennyceasedspeaking;andMissPollySuckling，blushingthatshehadmadeanyobjectiontowhatMissJennyhadproposed，beggedhertobeginthefairytale;whenjustatthatinstant，Mrs。Teachum，whohadbeentakingawalkinthegarden，turnedintothearbourtodelightherselfwithaviewofherlittleschoolunitedinharmonyandlove，andMissJenny，withgreatgoodhumour，toldhermistressthesmallcontestshehadjusthadwithMissPollyaboutreadingafairytale，andtheoccasionofit。
Mrs。Teachumkindlychuckingthelittledumplingunderthechin，said，shehadsogoodanopinionofMissJenny，astoanswerforher，thatshewouldreadnothingtothembutwhatwasproper;andadded，thatsheherselfwouldstayandhearthisfairytalewhichMissJenny，onhercommands，immediatelybegan。
THEPRINCESSHEBE。
AFAIRYTALE。
Abovetwothousandyearsago，therereignedoverthekingdomofTonga，aking，whosenamewasAbdallah。Hewasmarriedtoayoungprincess，thedaughterofakingofaneighbouringcountry，whosenamewasRousignon。Herbeautyandprudenceengagedhimsofarinaffectiontoher，thateveryhourhecouldpossiblysparefromattendingtheaffairsofhiskingdomhespentinherapartment。
Theyhadalittledaughter，towhomtheygavethenameofHebe，whowasthedarlingandmutualcareofboth。
Thekingwasquietinhisdominion，belovedbyhissubjects，happyinhisfamily，andallhisdaysrolledonincalmcontentandjoy。
Theking’sbrotherAbdulhamwasalsomarriedtoayoungprincess，namedTropo，whoinsevenyearshadbroughthimnochildren;andsheconceivedsomortalahatredagainstthequeen（forsheenviedherthehappinessofthelittlePrincessHebe）thatsheresolvedtodohersomemischief。Itwasimpossibleforher，duringtheking’slifetime，toventhermalicewithoutbeingdiscovered，andthereforeshepretendedthegreatestrespectandfriendshipimaginablefortheunsuspectingqueen。
Whilstthingswereinthissituation，thekingfellintoaviolentfever，ofwhichhedied;andduringthetimethatthequeenwasintheheightofherafflictionforhim，andcouldthinkofnothingbuthisloss，thePrincessTropotooktheopportunityofputtinginexecutionhermaliciousintentions。Sheinflamedherhusband’spassions，bysettingforththemeannessofhisspirit，inlettingacrownberavishedfromhisheadbyafemaleinfant，tillambitionseizedhismind，andheresolvedtowieldtheTongiansceptrehimself。Itwasveryeasytobringthisabout，for，byhisbrother’sappointment，hewasprotectoroftherealm，andguardiantotheyoungprincesshisniece;andthequeentakinghimandtheprincesshiswifeforherbestfriends，suspectednothingoftheirdesigns，butinamannergaveherselfuptotheirpower。
TheprotectorAbdulham，havingthewholetreasureofthekingdomathiscommand，wasinpossessionofthemeanstomakeallhisschemessuccessful;andthePrincessTropo，bylavishlyrewardingtheinstrumentsofhertreachery，contrivedtomakeitgenerallybelieved，thatthequeenhadpoisonedherhusband，whowassomuchbelovedbyhissubjects，thattheveryhorroroftheaction，withoutanyproofofherguilt，raisedagainstthepoorunhappyQueenauniversalclamour，andageneralaversionthroughoutthewholekingdom。Theprincesshadsowelllaidherscheme，thattheguardsweretoseizethequeen，andconveyhertoaplaceofconfinement，tillshecouldproveherinnocence;which，thatshemightneverbeabletodo，propercarewastakenbyprocuringsufficientevidencetoaccuseheronoath;andthePrincessHebe，herdaughter，wastobetakenfromher，andeducatedunderthecareofheruncle。Butthenightbeforethiscrueldesignwastohavebeenputinexecution，afaithfulattendantofthequeen’s，namedLoretta，bytheassistanceofoneofthePrincessTropo’sconfidants（whohadlongprofessedhimselfherlover）discoveredthewholesecret，ofwhichsheimmediatelyinformedherroyalmistress。
Thehorrorswhichfilledthequeen’smindattherelationofthePrincessTropo’smaliciousintentions，wereinexpressible，andherperturbationsogreat，thatshecouldnotformanyschemethatappearedprobabletoexecuteforherownpreservation。Lorettatoldherthatthepersonwhohadgivenherthistimelynotice，hadalsoprovidedapeasantwhoknewthecountry，andwouldmeetheratthewesterngateofthecity，and，carryingtheyoungPrincessHebeinhisarms，wouldconducthertosomeplaceofsafety;butshemustconsenttoputonadisguise，andescapethatverynightfromthepalace，orshewouldbelostforever。Horsesormules，shesaid，itwouldbeimpossibletocomeatwithoutsuspicion;
thereforeshemustendeavour（thoughunusedtosuchfatigue）totravelafoottillshegotherselfconcealedinsomecottagefromherpursuers，ifherenemiesshouldthinkofendeavouringtofindherout。Lorettaofferedtoattendhermistress，butsheabsolutelyforbadhergoinganyfartherthantothewesterngate;
wheredeliveringthelittlePrincessHebeintothearmsofthepeasant，whowastherewaitingforthem，shereluctantlywithdrew。
Thegoodqueen，whosawnoremedytothisherterribledisgrace，couldhavebornethisbarbaroususagewithoutmuchrepining，hadsheherselfbeentheonlysuffererbyit;forthelossofthegoodkingherhusbandsofarexceededallherothermisfortunes，thateveryeverythingelsewastriflingincomparisonofsodreadfulanaffliction。ButtheyoungPrincessHebe，whomshewasaccustomedtolookonashergreatestblessing，nowbecametoheranobjectofpityandconcern;for，frombeingheiresstoathrone，thepoorinfant，notyetfiveyearsold，was，withherwretchedmother，becomeavagabond，andknewnotwhithertoflyforprotection。
Lorettahadprevailedonherroyalmistresstotakewithherafewlittlenecessaries，besidesasmallpictureoftheking，andsomeofherjewels，whichthequeencontrivedtoconcealunderhernight—clothes，inthemidstofthathairtheywereusedtoadorn，whenherlovedhusbanddelightedtoseeitdisplayedinflowingringletsroundhersnowyneck。Thislady，duringthelifeofherfondhusband，wasbyhistendercarekeptfromeveryinclemencyoftheair，andpreservedfromeveryinconveniencethatitwaspossibleforhumannaturetosuffer。Whatthenmustbeherconditionnow，whenthroughbypathsandthornyways，shewasobligedtoflywithallpossiblespeed，toescapethefuryofhercruelpursuers：forshetoowellknewthemercilesstemperofherenemies，tohopethattheywouldnotpursueherwiththeutmostdiligence，especiallyasshewasaccompaniedbytheyoungPrincessHebe;whoselifewastheprincipalcauseoftheirdisquiet，andwhosedestructiontheychieflyaimedat。
Thehonestpeasant，whocarriedthePrincessHebeinhisarms，followedthequeen’spainfulsteps;andseeingthedaybegintobreak，hebeggedher，ifpossible，tohastenontoawoodwhichwasnotfaroff，whereitwaslikelyshemightfindaplaceofsafety。Buttheafflictedqueen，atthesightoftheopeningmorn（whichonceusedtofillhermindwithrisingjoy）burstintoafloodoftears，and，quiteovercomewithgriefandfatigue，castherselfontheground，cryingoutinthemostaffectingmanner，’Theendofmymisfortunesisathand。Mywearylimbswillnolongersupportme。Myspiritsfailme。InthegravealonemustI
seekforshelter。’Thepoorprincess，seeinghermotherintears，castherlittlearmsaboutherneck，andweptalso，thoughsheknewnotwhy。
Whilstshewasinthisdeplorablecondition，turningroundherhead，shesawbehindheralittlegirl，noolderinappearancethanthePrincessHebe;who，withanamiableandtranquilcountenance，beggedhertoriseandfollowher，andshewouldleadherwhereshemightrefreshandreposeherself。
Thequeenwassurprisedatthemannerofspeakingofthislittlechild，asshetookhertobe;butsoonthoughtitwassomekindfairysenttoprotecther，andwasveryreadytosubmitherselftoherguidanceandprotection。
Thelittlefairy（forsuchindeedwastheseemingchildwhohadthusaccostedthem）orderedthepeasanttoreturnback，andsaidthatshewouldtakecareofthequeen，andheryoungdaughter;andhe，knowinghertobethegoodfairySybella，veryreadilyobeyed。
Sybellathenstrikingthegroundthreetimeswithalittlewand，theresuddenlyroseupbeforethemaneatplaincar，andapairofmilk—whitehorses;andplacingthequeenwiththePrincessHebeinherlapbyherside，shedrovewithexcessiveswiftnessfullwestwardforeighthours;when（justasthesunbegantohavepowerenoughtomakethequeenalmostfaintwiththeheatandherformerfatigue）theyarrivedatthesideofashadywood;uponenteringofwhich，thefairymadeherhorsesslackenintheirspeed，andhavingtravelledaboutamileandahalf，throughrowsofelmsandbeechtrees，theycametoathickgroveoffirs，intowhichthereseemedtobenoentrance。Fortherewasnotanyopeningtoapath，andtheunderwoodconsistingchieflyofrose—bushes，white—thorn，eglantine，andotherfloweringshrubs，wassothick，thatitappearedimpossibletoattemptforcingthroughthem。Butalightingoutofthecar（whichimmediatelydisappeared）thefairy（biddingthequeenfollowher）pushedherwaythroughalargebushofjessamine，whosetenderbranchesgavewayfortheirpassageandthenclosedagain，soastoleavenotracesofanentranceintothischarminggrove。
Havinggonealittlewaythroughanextremenarrowpath，theycameintoanopening（quitesurroundedbythesefirsandsweetunderwood）notverylarge，butinwhichwascontainedeverythingthatisnecessarytowardsmakinglifecomfortable。Attheendofagreenmeadowwasaplainneathouse，builtmoreforconveniencethanbeauty，frontingtherisingsun;andbehinditwasasmallgarden，storedonlywithfruitsandusefulherbs。Sybellaconductedherguestsintothishersimplelodging;andasreposewasthechiefthingnecessaryforthepoorfatiguedqueen，sheprevailedwithhertoliedownonacouch。Somehours’soundsleep，whichherwearinessinduced，gaveherafreshsupplyofspirits;theeaseandsafetyfromherpursuers，inwhichshethenfoundherself，madeherforashorttimetolerablycomposed;andshebeggedthefavourofknowingtowhomshewassogreatlyobligedforthisherhappydeliverance;butthefairyseeinghermindtoounsettledtogiveanydueattentiontowhatsheshouldsay，toldherthatshewoulddefertherelationofherownlife（whichwasworthherobservation）tillshehadobtainedarespitefromherownsorrows;andinthemeantime，byallmannerofobligingways，sheendeavouredtodivertandamuseher。
Thequeen，afterashortintervalofcalmnessofmind，occasionedonlybyhersosuddenescapefromtheterrorsofpursuit，returnedtoherformerdejection，andforsometimeincessantlyweptatthedismalthought，thattheprincessseemednow，bythisreverseoffate，tobeforeverexcludedallhopesofbeingseatedonherfather’sthrone;and，byastrangeperversewayofaddingtoherowngrief，sheafflictedherselfthemore，becausethelittleprincesswasignorantofhermisfortune;andwhenevershesawherdivertingherselfwithlittlechildishplays，insteadofbeingpleasedwithsuchherinnocentamusement，itaddedtohersorrow，andmadehertearsgushforthinalargerstreamthanusual。Shecouldnotdivertherthoughtsfromthepalacefromwhichshehadbeendriven，tofixthemonanyotherobject;norwouldhergriefsufferhertoreflect，thatitwaspossiblefortheprincesstobehappywithoutacrown。
Atlengthtime，thegreatcureofallills，insomemeasureabatedherSorrows;hergriefbegantosubside;inspiteofherself，thereflectionthathermiserywasonlyinherownfancy，wouldsometimesforceitselfonhermind。Shecouldnotavoidseeing，thatherlittlehostessenjoyedasperfectastateofhappinessasispossibletoattaininthisworld;thatshewasfreefromanxiouscares，undisturbedbyrestlesspassions，andmistressofallthingsthatcouldbeofanyusetomakelifeeasyoragreeable。Theoftenerthisreflectionpresenteditselftoherthoughts，themorestrengthitgained;and，atlast，shecouldevenbeartothink，thatherbelovedchildmightbeashappyinsuchasituation，aswasheramiablehostess。Hercountenancenowgrewmorecheerful;shecouldtakethePrincessHebeinherarms，andthinkingthejewelsshehadpreservedwouldsecureherfromanyfearofwant，lookonherwithdelight;andbeganeventoimagine，thatherfuturelifemightbespentincalmcontentandpleasure。
Assoonasthevoiceofreasonhadgainedthispoweroverthequeen，Sybellatoldher，thatnowherbosomwassofreefrompassion，shewouldrelatethehistoryofherlife。Thequeen，overjoyedthathercuriositymightnowbegratified，beggedhernottodelaygivingherthatpleasureonemoment;onwhichourlittlefairybeganinthefollowingmanner。
ButthereMrs。TeachumtoldMissJennythatthebellrungfordinner;onwhichshewasobligedtobreakoff。Butmeetingagaininthesamearbourintheevening，whentheirgoodmistresscontinuedtothemthefavourofherpresence，MissJennypursuedherstory。
THEFAIRYTALECONTINUED。
’Myfather，’saidthefairy，’wasamagician：hemarriedaladyforlove，whosebeautyfaroutshonethatofallherneighbours;
andbymeansofthatbeauty，shehadsogreataninfluenceoverherhusband，thatshecouldcommandtheutmostpowerofhisart。
Butbetterhaditbeenforher，hadthatbeautybeenwanting;forherpoweronlyservedtomakeherwishformore，andthegratificationofeverydesirebegotanewone，whichoftenitwasimpossibleforhertogratify。Myfather，thoughhesawhiserrorinthusindulgingher，couldnotattainsteadinessofmindenoughtomendit，noracquireresolutionenoughtosufferhisbelovedwifeoncetogrieveorshedateartonopurpose，thoughinordertocureherofthatfollywhichmadehermiserable。
’Mygrandfathersoplainlysawthetemperanddispositionofhissontowardswomen，thathedidnotleavehimatlibertytodisposeofhismagicarttoanybuthisposterity，thatitmightnotbeinthepowerofawifetoteasehimoutofit。Buthiscautionwastoverylittlepurpose;foralthoughmymothercouldnotfromherselfexertanymagicpower，yetsuchwasherunboundedinfluenceoverherhusband，thatshewassureofsuccessineveryattempttopersuadehimtogratifyherdesires。Forifeveryargumentshecouldinventhappenedtofail，yetthesheddingbutonetearwasacertainmethodtoprevailwithhimtogiveuphisreason，whatevermightbetheconsequence。
’Whenmyfatherandmotherhadbeenmarriedaboutayear，shewasbroughttobedofadaughter，towhomshegavethenameofBrunetta。Herfirstrequesttomyfatherwas，thathewouldendowthisinfantwithasmuchbeautyassheherselfwaspossessedof，andbestowonherasmuchofhisartasshouldenablehertosucceedinallherdesigns。Myfatherforesawthedreadfultendencyofgrantingthisrequest，butsaidhewouldgiveitwiththisrestriction，thatsheshouldsucceedinallherdesignsthatwerenotwicked;for，saidhe，thesuccessofwickeddesignsalwaysturnsoutasapunishmenttothepersonsosucceeding。Inthisresolutionheheldforthreedays，tillmymother（beingweakinbodyafterherlying—in）workedherselfwithherviolentpassionstosuchadegree，thatthephysicianstoldmyfather，theydespairedofherlife，unlesssomemethodcouldbefoundtomakehermindmorecalmandeasy。Hisfondnessforhiswifewouldnotsufferhimtobearthethoughtsoflosingher，andthehorrorwithwhichthatapprehensionhadbutforamomentpossessedhismind，prevailedwithhimtobestowonthelittleBrunetta（thoughforeseeingitwouldmakehermiserable）thefatalgiftinitsfullextent。Butonerestrictionitwasoutofhispowertotakeoff，namely，thatallwickeddesignsevercouldandshouldberenderedineffectualbythevirtueandperseveranceofthoseagainstwhomtheywereintended，iftheyinapropermannerexertedthatvirtue。
’IwasbornintwoyearsafterBrunetta，andwascalledSybella：
butmymotherwassotakenupwithherdarlingBrunetta，thatshegaveherselfnuttheleastconcernaboutme;andIwasleftwhollytothecareofmyfather。Inordertomakethegiftshehadextortedfromherfondhusbandasfatalaspossibletoherfavouritechild，shetookcareinhereducation（byendeavouringtocultivateinherthespiritofrevengeandmaliceagainstthosewhohadintheleastdegreeoffendedher）toturnhermindtoallmannerofmischief;bywhichmeansshelivedinacontinualpassion。
’Myfather，assoonasIwasoldenoughtohearkentoreason，toldmeofthegifthehadconferredonmysister;saidhecouldnotretractit;andtherefore，ifshehadanymischievousdesignsagainstme，theymustinsomemeasuresucceed;butshewouldendowmewithapowersuperiortothisgiftofmysister’s，andlikewisesuperiortoanythingelsethathewasabletobestow，whichwasstrengthandconstancyofmindenoughtobearpatientlyanyinjuriesImightreceive;andthiswasastrength，hesaid，whichwouldnotdecay，butratherincrease，byeverynewexerciseofit;
and，tosecuremeinthepossessionofthisgift，helikewisegavemeaperfectknowledgeofthetruevalueofeverythingaroundme，bywhichmeansImightlearn，whateveroutwardaccidentsbefellme，nottolosethegreatestblessinginthisworld，namely，acalmandcontentedmind。Hetaughtmesowellmyduty，thatI
cheerfullyobeyedmymotherinallthings，thoughsheseldomgavemeakindword，orevenakindlook;formyspitefulsisterwasalwaystellingsomeliestomakeherangrywithme。Butmyheartoverflowedwithgratitudetomyfather，thathewouldgivemeleavetolovehim，whilstheinstructedmethatitwasmydutytopayhimthemoststrictobedience。
’Brunettawasdailyencouragedbyhermothertousemeill，andchieflybecausemyfatherlovedme;andalthoughshesucceededinallherdesignsofrevengeonme，yetwassheveryuneasy，becauseshecouldnottakeawaythecheerfulnessofmymind;forIborewithpatiencewhateverhappenedtome：andshewouldoftensay，\"mustIwithallmybeauty，power，andwisdom（forsoshecalledherlowcunning）besufferingperpetualuneasiness？andshallyou，whohaveneitherbeauty，power，norwisdom，pretendtobehappyandcheerful？\"Thenwouldshecryandstamp，andravelikeamadcreature，andsetherinventionatworktomakemymotherbeatme，orlockmeup，ortakefrommesomeofmybestclothestogivetoher;yetstillcouldnotherpowerextendtovexmymind：andthisusedtothrowheragainintosuchpassions，asweakenedherhealth，andgreatlyimpairedhersomuchboastedbeauty。
’Inthismannerwelived，tillonacertainday，afterBrunettahadbeeninoneofherrageswithmefornothing，myfathercameinandchidherforit;which，whenmymotherheard，shethrewherselfintosuchaviolentpassion，thatherhusbandcouldnotpacifyher。And，beingbigwithchild，theconvulsions，causedbyherpassions，broughthertohergrave。Thusmyfatherlosther，bythesameuncontrollableexcesses，thefataleffectsofwhichhehadbeforeruinedhisdaughtertopreserveherfrom。Hedidnotlongsurviveher;but，beforehedied，gavemealittlewand，which，bystrikingthreetimesontheground，hesaid，wouldatanytimeproducemeanynecessaryorconvenienceoflife，whichI
reallywanted，eitherformyself，ortheassistanceofothers;andthishegaveme，becausehewasverysensible，hesaid，thatassoonashewasdead，mysisterwouldneverresttillshehadgotfrommebothhiscastle，andeverythingthatIhadbelongingtome，init。\"But，\"continuedhe，\"wheneveryouaredrivenfromthence，bendyourcoursedirectlyintothepleasantwoodArdella;
therestrikewithyourwand，andeverythingyouwant，willbeprovidedforyou。Butkeepthiswandaprofoundsecret，orBrunettawillgetitfromyou;andthen（thoughyoucannever，whileyoupreserveyourpatience，beunhappy）youwillnothaveitinyourpowertobeofsomuchuseasyouwouldwishtobe，tothosewhoshallstandinneedofyourassistance。\"Sayingthesewords，heexpired，asIkneeledbyhisbedside，attendinghislastcommands，andbewailingthelossofsogoodafather。
’Inthemidstofthisourdistress，wesenttomyUncleSochus，myfather’sbrother，tocometous，andtoassistusinanequaldivisionofmydeceasedfather’seffects;butmysistersooncontrivedtomakehimbelieve，thatIwasthewickedestgirlalive，andhadalwayssetmyfatheragainstherbymyart，whichshesaidIpretendedtocallmywisdom;andbyseveralhandsomepresentsshesoonpersuadedhim（forhedidnotcareafarthingforeitherofus）tojoinwithherinsaying，that，asshewastheeldestsister，shehadafullrighttothecastle，andeverythinginit;butshetoldmeIwasverywelcometostaythere，andlivewithher，ifIpleased;andwhileIbehavedmyselfwell，sheshouldbeverygladofmycompany。
’Asitwasnaturalformetoloveeveryonethatwouldgivemeleavetolovethem，Iwasquiteoverjoyedatthiskindofferofmysister’s，andneveroncethoughtonthetreacheryshehadsolatelybeenguiltyof;andIhavesincereflected，thathappywasitforme，thatpassionwassomuchuppermostwithher，thatshecouldnotexecuteanyplot，thatrequiredadissimulationofanylongcontinuance;forhadhergoodhumourlastedbutonefour—and—twentyhours，itisveryprobablethatIshouldhaveopenedmywholehearttoher;shouldhaveendeavouredtohavebegunafriendshipwithher，andperhapshavebetrayedthesecretofmywand;butjustasitwassunset，shecameintotheroomwhereIwas，inthemostviolentpassionintheworld，accusingmetomyuncleofingratitudetohergreatgenerosity，insufferingmetoliveinhercastle。Shesaid，\"thatshehadfoundmeout，andthatmycrimeswereoftheblackestdye，\"althoughshewouldnottellmeeitherwhattheywere，orwhoweremyaccusers。Shewouldnotgivemeleavetospeak，eithertoaskwhatmyoffencewas，ortojustifymyinnocence;andIplainlyperceived，thatherpretendedkindnesswasonlydesignedtomakemydisappointmentthegreater;andthatshewasnowdeterminedtofindmeguilty，whetherIpleaded，ornot。Andaftershehadravedonforsometime，shesaidtomewithasneer，\"Sinceyouhavealwaysboastedofyourcalmandcontentedmind，youmaynowtrytobecontentedthisnightwiththesoftnessofthegrassforyourbed;forhereinmycastleyoushallnotstayonemomentlonger。\"Andsosaying，sheandmyuncleledmetotheoutercourt，andthrustingmewithalltheirforcefromthem，theyshutupthegates，boltingandbarringthemascloseasiftokeepoutagiant;andleftme，atthattimeofnight，friendless，and，astheythought，destituteofanykindofsupport。
’Ithenrememberedmydearfather’slastwords，andmadewhathasteIcouldtothiswood，whichisnotaboveamiledistantfromthecastle;andbeing，asIthought，aboutthemiddleofit，I
struckthreetimeswithmywand，andimmediatelyuprosethisgroveoftrees，whichyousee，thishouse，andalltheotherconveniences，whichInowenjoy;andgettingthatverynightintothismyplainandeasybed，IenjoyedassweetareposeaseverI
didinmylife，onlydelayed，indeed，ashorttime，byafewsighs，forthelossofsogoodaparent，andtheunhappystateofaself—tormentedsister，whoseslumbers（Ifear）onabedofdown，weremorerestlessandinterruptedthatnightthanminewouldhavebeen，evenhadnotmyfather’spresentofthewandpreventedmefromthenecessityofusingthebedofgrass，whichshe，inherwrath，allottedme。Inthisgrove，whichIcallPlacidGrove，iscontainedallthatIwant;anditissowellsecuredfromanyinvaders，bythethickbriarsandthornswhichsurroundit，havingnoentrancebutthroughthattenderjessamine，thatIliveinnoapprehensionsofanydisturbance，thoughsonearmysister’scastle。Butonce，indeed，shecamewithalargetrain，and，whilstIwasasleep，setfiretothetreesallaroundme;andwaking，Ifoundmyselfalmostsuffocatedwithsmoke，andtheflameshadreachedonepartofmyHouse。Istartedfrommybed，andstrikingonthegroundthreetimeswithmywand，therecamesuchaquantityofwaterfromtheheavens，assoonextinguishedthefire;andthenextmorning，byagainhavingrecoursetomywand，allthingsgrewupintotheirconvenientandproperorder。