’AfterKitty’sdeath，Ilivedtolerablyeasy，tillIcametoschool。Thenthesamedesireofbeautyreturned，andIhatedallthemisseswhowerehandsomerthanmyself，asmuchasIhadbeforehatedmysister，andalwaystookeveryopportunityofquarrellingwiththem，tillIfoundmyownpeacewasconcerned，ingettingthebetterofthisdisposition;andthat，ifIwouldhaveanycontent，Imustnotrepineatmynotbeingsohandsomeasothers。’
WhenMissBettyFordceased，MissJennysaid，’Indeed，mydear，itiswellyouhadnotatthattimethepoweroftheeagleinthefable;foryourpoorsistermightthen，likethepeacock，havesaidinasoftvoice，\"Youare，indeed，agreatbeauty;butitliesinyourbeakandyourtalons，whichmakeitdeathtometodisputeit。\"’
MissBettyFordrejoiced，thatherpowerdidnotextendtoenablehertodomischief，beforeshehadseenherfolly。Andnowthislittlesociety，ingoodhumourandcheerfulness，attendedtheirkindgoverness’ssummonstosupper;andthen，aftertheeveningprayers，theyretiredtotheirpeacefulslumbers。
MONDAY。
THEEIGHTHDAY。
Earlyinthemorning，afterthepublicprayerswhichMrs。Teachumreadeveryday，ourlittlecompanytookawalkinthegardenwhilstthebreakfastwaspreparing。
Thefineweather，theprospectsroundthem，allconspiredtoincreasetheirpleasure。Theylookedatoneanotherwithdelight;
theirmindswereinnocentandsatisfied;andthereforeeveryoutwardobjectwaspleasingintheirsight。
MissJennyPeacesaid，shewassuretheywerehappierthananyothersocietyofchildrenwhatever，exceptwherethesameharmonyandlovewerepreserved，aswerekeptupintheirminds：’For（continuedshe）Ithinknow，mydearcompanions，Icananswerforyouall，thatnomischievous，nomaliciousplotsdisturbthetranquilityofyourthoughts;plots，whichintheend，constantlyfallontheheadofthosewhoinventthem，afterallthepainstheycostinforming，andendeavouringtoexecute。’
WhilstMissJennyPeacewastalking，MissDollyFriendlylookedatherveryearnestly。Shewouldnotinterrupther;butthemomentshewassilent，MissDollysaid，’MydearMissJenny，whatisthematterwithyou？youreyesareswelled，andyoulookasifyouhadbeencrying。Ifyouhaveanygriefthatyoukeeptoyourself，yourobusofthesharewehavearighttodemandinallthatbelongstoyou。’
’No，indeed（answeredMissJenny），Ihavenothingthatgrievesme;
though，ifIhad，Ishouldthinkitincreased，ratherthanlessened，byyourbeinggrievedtoo;butlastnight，afterIwentupstairs，I
foundamongstmybookstheplayoftheFuneral，or，Grief—a—la—mode;
wherethefaithfulandtenderbehaviourofagoodoldservant，whohadlonglivedinhislord’sfamily，withmanyotherpassagesintheplay（whichIcannotexplain，unlessyouknewthewholestory）mademecry，sothatIcouldhardlystopmytears。’
’Pray，MissJenny，letushearthisplay，thathadsuchaneffectonyou，’wasthegeneralrequest;andMissJennyreadilypromised，whentheymetintheirarbour，toreadittothem。
Theyeagerlyrantotheirarbourassoonasschoolwasover，andMissJennyperformedherpromise，andwasgreatlypleasedtofindsuchasympathybetweenhercompanionsandherself;fortheyweremostofthemaffectedjustinthesamemanner，andwiththesamepartsoftheplay，ashadbeforeaffectedher。
Bythetimetheyhadwipedtheireyes，andwererejoicingattheturnattheendoftheplay，infavourofthecharacterswithwhichtheyweremostpleased，Mrs。Teachumenteredthearbour，andinquiredwhattheyhadbeenreading。MissJennyimmediatelytoldher，adding，’Ihope，Madam，youwillnotthinkreadingaplayanimproperamusementforus;forIshouldbeverysorrytobeguiltymyself，orcausemycompanionstobeguilty，ofanythingthatwouldmeetwithyourdisapprobation。’Mrs。Teachumanswered，thatshewasnotatalldispleasedwithherhavingreadaplay，asshesawbyherfearofoffending，thatherdiscretionwastobetrustedto。’Nay（continuedthisgoodwoman），Ilikethatyoushouldknowsomethingofallkindsofwritings，whereneithermoralsnormannersareoffended;forifyoureadplays，andconsiderthemasyouought，youwillneglectanddespisewhatislightanduseless，whilstyouwillimprintonyourmind’severyusefullessonthatistobedrawnfromthem。Iamverywellacquaintedwiththeplayyouhavebeenreading;butthatImayseewhetheryougivetheproperattentiontowhatyouhaveheard，I
desire，mylittlegirls，thatoneofyouwillgivemeanaccountofthechiefincidentsintheplay，andtellmethestory，justasyouwoulddotooneofyourcompanionsthathadhappenedtohavebeenabsent。’
HeretheyalllookeduponMissJennyPeace，asthinkingherthemostcapableofdoingwhattheirgovernessrequired。ButMrs。
Teachum，readingtheirthoughtsintheirlooks，said，’IexcludeMissJennyinthiscase;forastheplaywasofherchoosingtoreadtoyou，Idoubtnotbutsheisthoroughlyenoughacquaintedwitheverypartofit;andmydesignwastotrythememoryandattentionofsomeoftheothers。’
Theyallremainedsilent，andseemedtowaitforamoreparticularcommand，beforeanyonewouldofferattheundertaking;notthroughanybackwardnesstocomplywithMrs。Teachum’srequest，buteachfromadiffidenceofherselftoperformit。
MissJennyPeacethensaid，thatshehadobservedagreatattentioninthemall;andshedidnotdoubtbuteveryonewasabletogiveaverygoodaccountofwhattheyhadheard。’But，asMissSukeyJennetistheeldest，Ibelieve，madam，（continuedshe），ifyouapproveit，theywillallbeveryreadytodeputeherastheirspeaker。’
EachsmiledatbeingsorelievedbyMissJenny;andMrs。Teachum，takingMissSukeyJennetbythehand，said，’Come，mydear，throwoffallfearandreserve;imaginemeoneofyourcompanions，andtellmethestoryoftheplayyouhavebeenreading。’
MissSukey，thusencouragedbyherkindgoverness，withoutanyhesitation，spokeinthefollowingmanner：
’IfIunderstandyourcommands，madam，bytellingthestoryoftheplay，youwouldnothavemetellyoutheactsandscenesastheyfollowedoneanotherforthatIamafraidIcanhardlyremember，asIhavehearditonlyoncebutImustdescribethechiefpeopleintheplay，andtheplotsandcontrivancesthatarecarriedonamongstthem。’
Mrs。Teachumnoddedherhead，andMissSukeythusproceeded：
’ThereisanoldLordBrumpton，whohadmarriedayoungwife，thathadlivedwithhimsomeyears，andbyherdeceitfulandcunningwayshadprevailedwithhimtodisinherithisonlysonLordHardy（whowasaverysensiblegoodyoungman）andtoleavehimbutashilling。AndthisLordBrumptonwastakeninafit，sothatallthehousethoughthewasdead，andhisladysentforanundertaker，oneMr。Sable，toburyhim。Butcomingoutofhisfit，whennobodybutthisMr。Sable，andanoldservant，calledTrusty，wereby，hewasprevaileduponbythegoodoldTrustytofeignhimselfstilldead（andtheundertakerpromisessecrecy）inordertodetectthewickednessofhiswife，whicholdTrustyassureshimisverygreat;
andthenhecarrieshislordwhereheoverhearsadiscoursebetweenthewidow（asshethinksherself）andhermaidTattleaid;andhebearshisoncebelovedwiferejoicinginhissupposeddeath，andinthesuccessofherownartstodeceivehim。Thentherearetwoyoungladies，LadyCharlotteandLadyHarrietLovely，towhomthisLordBrumptonwasguardian;andhehadalsolefttheminthecareofthiswickedwoman。AndthisyoungLordHardywasinlovewithLadyCharlotte;andMr。Camply，averylivelyyounggentleman，hisfriend，wasinlovewithLadyHarrietandLadyBrumptonlockedthetwoyoungladiesup，andwouldnotletthembeseenbytheirlovers。Butthereatlasttheycontrived，bythehelpofoldTrusty，whohadtheirrealguardian’sconsentforit，bothtogetaway;andLadyHarrietmarriedMr。Camplydirectly;butLadyCharlottedidnotgetawaysosoon，andsowasnotmarriedtilltheendoftheplay。
ThisMr。Camplywasaverygenerousman，andwasnewlycometoalargefortune;andinthebeginningoftheplayhecontrives，inaverygenteelmanner，togivehisfriendLordHardy，whoverymuchwantedit，threehundredpounds;buthetakescaretoletusknow，thatmylordhadformerly，whenhewaitedhisassistance，beenverykindtohim。Andthereatlast，whenLadyBrumptonfindsoutthatthetwoyoungladiesaregone，shegoesawayinaragetoLordHardy’slodgings，andinaninsultingmannershepaysallduelegacies，asshecallsit，thatis，shegivesLordHardytheshilling，which，byherwickedarts，wasallhisfatherhadlefthim;andshewasinsultingtheyoungladies，andgloryinginherwickedness，whenhonestoldTrustycamein，andbroughtinoldLordBrumpton，whomtheyimaginedtobedead，andallbutLadyBrumptonweregreatlyoverjoyedtoseehimalive;butwhenhetaxedherwithherfalsehood，shedefiedhim，andsaidthatshehadgotadeedofgiftunderhishand，whichhecouldnotrevoke，andsheWOULDenjoyhisfortuneinspiteofhim。Uponwhichtheyalllookedsadlyvexed，tillthegoodoldTrustywentoutandcameinagain，andbroughtinamancalledCabinet，whoconfessedhimselfthehusbandtothepretendedLadyBrumpton，andthathewasmarriedtoherhalfayearbeforeshewasmarriedtomyLordBrumpton;butasmylordhappenedtofallinlovewithher，theyagreedtokeeptheirmarriageconcealed，inorderthatsheshouldmarrymylord，andcheathiminthemannershehaddone;andthereasonthatCabinetcametoconfessallthiswas，thathelookedintoaclosetandsawmylordwriting，afterhethoughthewasdead，and，takingitforhisghost，wasbythatmeansfrightenedintothisconfession，whichhefirstmadeinwritingtooldTrusty，andthereforecouldnotnowdenyit。Theywereallrejoicedatthisdiscovery，exceptthelatepretendedLadyBrumpton，whosneakedawaywithCabinetherhusband;andmyLordBrumptonembracedhisson，andgavehisconsent，thatheshouldmarryLadyCharlotte;andtheywereallpleasedandhappy。’
HereMissSukeyceased，andMrs。Teachumtoldhershewasaverygoodgirl，andhadrememberedagreatdealoftheplay。’But（saidshe）intime，withusingyourselftothiswayofrepeatingwhatyouhaveread，youwillcometoabettermanner，andamoreregularmethodoftellingyourstory，whichyouwasnowsointentuponfinishing，thatyouforgottodescribewhatsortofwomenthosetwoyoungladieswere，though，astoalltherest，youhavebeenparticularenough。’
’Indeed，madam，（saidMissSukey），Ihadforgotthat，butLadyCharlottewasaverysensible，graveyounglady，andladyHarrietwasextremelygayandcoquettish;butMr。Camplytellsherhowmuchitmisbecomeshertobesoandshehavinggoodsense，aswellasgoodnature，isconvincedofherfolly，andlikeshimsowellforhisreproof，thatsheconsentstomarryhim。’
Mrs。Teachum，addressingherselftothemall，toldthem，thatthiswasamethodshewishedtheywouldtakewithwhatevertheyread;
fornothingsostronglyimprintedanythingonthememoryassucharepetition;andthenturningtoMissJennyPeace，shesaid，’Andnow，MissJenny，Idesireyouwillspeakfreelywhatyouthinkisthechiefmoraltobedrawnfromtheplayyouhavejustread。’
MissJennybeingthussuddenlyaskedaquestionofthisnature，consideredsometimebeforeshegaveananswer;forshewasnaturallyverydiffidentofherownopinioninanythingwhereshehadnotbeenbeforeinstructedbysomeoneshethoughtwiserthanherself。Atlast，withamodestlook，andanhumblevoice，shesaid，’Since，madam，youhavecommandedmetospeakmysentimentsfreely，Ithinkbywhathappenedtoeachcharacterinthisplay，theauthorintendedtoprovewhatmygoodmammafirsttaughtme，andwhatyou，madam，sincehavesostronglyconfirmedmein;
namely，thatfolly，wickedness，andmisery，allthree，asconstantlydwelltogether，aswisdom，virtue，andhappinessdo。’
’’Tisverytrue（answeredMrs。Teachum）;butthismoraldoesnotariseonlyfromthehappyturninfavourofthevirtuouscharactersintheconclusionoftheplay，butisstronglyinculcated，asyouseeallalong，inthepeaceofmindthatattendsthevirtuous，eveninthemidstofoppressionanddistress，whiletheeventisyetdoubtful，andapparentlyagainstthem;and，onthecontrary，intheconfusionofmindwhichtheviciousaretormentedwith，evenwhilsttheyfalselyimaginethemselvestriumphant。’
Mrs。TeachumthentakingthebookoutofMissJenny’shands，andturningtothepassage，said，’HowdoesLadyBrumptonshowusthewretchedconditionofherownmind，whenshesays，’\"Howmiserable’tistohaveoneonehatesalwaysaboutone！Andwhenonecan’tendureone’sownreflectionsuponsomeactions，whocanbearthethoughtsofanotheruponthem？\"
’Thenwithwhatperturbationofminddoessheproceed，towishitwasinherpowertoincreaseherwickedness，withoutmakinguseenoughofherunderstanding，toseethatbythatmeansshewouldbutincreaseherownmisery。
’Ontheotherhand，whatanoblefiguredoesLordHardymake，when，bythiswickedwoman’scontrivances，hethinkshimselfdisinheritedofhiswholefortune，ill—treated，andneglectedbyafather，heneverhadinthoughtoffended！Hecouldgiveanopportunitytoasincerefriend，whowouldnotflatterhim，tosay，’No;youare，mylord，theextraordinaryman，who，onthelossofanalmostprincelyfortune，canbemasterofatemperthatmakesyoutheenvyratherthanpity，ofyourmorefortunate，notmorehappyfriends。\"
’Thisisafinedistinctionbetweenfortunateandhappy;andintimatesthishappinessmustdwellinthemind，anddependsuponnooutwardaccidents。
’Fortune，indeed，isablessing，ifproperlyused;whichCamplyshows，whenbythatmeanshecanassistandrelievehisworthyfriend。
’WithwhatadvantagedoesLadyCharlotteappearoverhersister，whenthelatteristriflinganddancingbeforetheglass，andtheformersays，’\"IfIamatfirstsosillyastobealittletakenwithmyself，I
knowitisafault，andtakepainstocorrectit。\"
’AndonLadyHarriet’ssaying，verygiddily，thatitwastoosoonforhertothinkatthatrate，LadyCharlotteproperlyadds，’\"Theythatthinkittoosoontounderstandthemselves，willverysoonfindittoolate。\"
’InhowridiculousalightdoesLadyHarrietappear，whilesheisdisplayingallthatfoolishcoquetry！Andhowdifferentafiguredoesshemake，whenshehasgotthebetterofit？
’MyLadyBrumpton，whenalarmedwiththeleastnoise，breaksoutintoalltheconvulsivestartsnaturaltoconsciousguilt。
’\"Ha！whatnoiseisthat——thatnoiseoffighting？——Run，Isay。——
Whitherareyougoing？——What，areyoumad？——Willyouleavemealone？——Can’tyoustir？——What，youcan’ttakeyourmessagewithyou！——Whatever’tis，Isupposeyouarenotintheplot，notyou——
northatnowthey’rebreakingopenmyhouseforCharlotte——Notyou。——Goseewhat’sthematter，Isay;IhavenobodyIcantrust。——
OneminuteIthinkthiswenchhonest，andthenextfalse。——WhithershallIturnme？\"
’Thisisapictureoftheconfused，themiserablemindofaclose，malicious，cruel，designingwoman，asLadyBrumptonwas，andasLadyHarrietveryproperlycallsher。
’Honestyandfaithfulnessshineforthinalltheirlustre，inthegoodoldTrusty。Wefollowhimthroughoutwithanxiouswishesforhissuccess，andtearsofjoyforhistenderness。Andwhenhefindsthatheislikelytocomeatthewholetruth，andtosavehislordfrombeingdeceivedandbetrayedintounjustlyruininghisnobleson，youmayrememberthathemakesthispiousreflection：
Allthatisours，istobejustlybent;
AndHeaveninitsowntimewillblessth’event。
’Thisisthenaturalthoughtthatproceedsfrominnocenceandgoodness;andsurelythisstateofmindishappiness。
’Ihaveonlypointedoutafewpassages，toshowyou，thatthoughitisthenatureofcomedytoendhappily，andthereforethegoodcharactersmustbesuccessfulinthelastact;yetthemoralliesdeeper，andistobededucedfromaproofthroughoutthisplay，thatthenaturalconsequenceofviceismiserywithin，eveninthemidstofanapparenttriumph;andthenaturalconsequenceofgoodnessisacalmpeaceofmind，eveninthemidstofoppressionanddistress。
’Ihaveendeavoured，mylittledears，toshowyou，asclearlyasI
can，notonlywhatmoralistobedrawnfromthisplay，butwhatistobesoughtforinallothers;andwherethatmoralisnottobefound，thewriterwillhaveittoanswerfor，thathehasbeenguiltyofoneoftheworstofevils;namely，thathehasclothedviceinsobeautifuladress，that，insteadofdeterring，itwillallureanddrawintoitssnarestheyoungandtendermind。AndI
amsorrytosay，thattoomanyofourdramaticperformancesareofthislattercast;whichisthereason，thatwiseandprudentparentsandgovernorsingeneraldiscourageinveryyoungpeoplethereadingofplays。AndthoughbywhatIhavesaid（ifitmakesaproperimpression）Idoubtnotbutyouwillallhaveajustabhorrenceofsuchimmoralplays，insteadofbeingpleasedwiththem，shouldtheyfallinyourway;yetIwouldadviseyourathertoavoidthem，andnevertoreadanybutsuchasareapprovedof;
andrecommendedtoyoubythosewhohavethecareofyoureducation。’
HeregoodMrs。Teachumceased，andleftherlittlescholarstoreflectonwhatshehadbeensaying;whenMissJennyPeacedeclared，forherpart，thatshecouldfeelthetruthofhergoverness’sobservations;forshehadratherbetheinnocentLordHardy，thoughshewastohavebutthatoneshillingintheworldwhichwassoinsolentlyofferedhimashisfather’slastlegacy，thanbetheLadyBrumpton，eventhoughshehadpossessedthefortuneshesotreacherouslyendeavouredtoobtain。
’Nay（saidMissDollyFriendly）IhadratherhavebeenoldTrusty，withalltheinfirmitiesofage，followingmyLordHardythroughtheworld，hadhispovertyanddistressbeeneversogreat，thanhavebeenthemaliciousLadyBrumpton，intheheightofherbeauty，surroundedbyacrowdofloversandflatterers。’
MissHennyFretthendeclaredhowgladshewasthatshehadnownomaliceinhermind;thoughshecouldnotalwayshavesaidso，asshewouldinformtheminthehistoryofherpastlife。
THEDESCRIPTIONOFMISSHENNYFRET。
MissHennyFretwasturnedofnineyearsold。Shewasveryprettilymade，andremarkablygenteel。Allherfeatureswereregular。Shewasnotveryfair，andlookedpale。Herupperlipseemedrathershorterthanitshouldbe;foritwasdrawnupinsuchamanner，astoshowherupperteeth;andthoughthiswasinsomedegreenatural，yetithadbeenverymuchincreasedbyherbeingcontinuallyonthefretforeverytriflingaccidentthatoffendedher，oroneverycontradictionthatwasofferedtoher。
Whenyoucametoexamineherface，shehadnotonefeaturebutwhatwaspretty;yet，fromthatconstantuneasinesswhichappearedinhercountenance，itgaveyousolittlepleasuretolookather，thatsheseldomhadcommonjusticedoneher，buthadgenerallyhithertopassedforalittleinsignificantplaingirl，thoughherveryfacewassoalteredsinceshewasgrowngoodnatured，andhadgotthebetterofthatfoolishfretfulnesssheusedtobepossessedof，thatsheappearedfromhergood—humouredsmilesquiteadifferentperson;and，withamildaspect，thusbeganherstory：
THELIFEOFMISSHENNYFRET。
’Ihadonebrother，’saidMissHenny，’aswellasMissJennyPeace;butmymanneroflivingwithhimwasquitethereversetothatinwhichshelivedwithherbrother。Allmypraiseorblamewastoarisefrommybeingbetterorworsethanmybrother。IfI
wasguiltyofanyfault，itwasimmediatelysaid，\"Oh！fie，miss！
MasterGeorge（thatwasmybrother’sname）wouldnotbeguiltyofsuchathingfortheworld。\"Ifhewascarriedabroad，andI
stayedathome，thenIwasbemoanedover，thatpoorMissHennywasleftathome，andherbrothercarriedabroad。AndthenIwastold，thatIshouldgoabroadoneofthesedays，andmybrotherbeleftathomesothatwheneverIwentabroad，mygreatestjoywas，thathewasleftathome;andIwaspleasedtoseehimcomeouttothecoach—doorwithamelancholyairthathecouldnotgotoo。Ifmybrotherhappenedtohaveanyfruitgivenhim，andwasinapeevishhumour，andwouldnotgivemeasmuchasIdesired，theservantthatattendedmewassuretobidmetakecare，whenIhadanythinghewaited，nottogivehimany。SothatIthought，ifI
didnotendeavourtoberevengedofhim，Ishouldshowawantofspirit，whichwasofallthingswhatIdreadedmost。Ihadabettermemorythanmybrother，andwheneverIlearntanything，mycomfortwastolaughathimbecausehecouldnotlearnsofast;bywhichmeansIgotagooddealoflearning，butnevermindedwhatI
learnt，nortookanypainstokeepit;sothatwhatIwaseagertolearnoneday，toshowGeorgehowmuchIknewmorethanhe，I
forgotthenext。AndsoIwentonlearning，andforgettingasfastasIlearnt;andallthepainsItookservedonlytoshowthatICOULDlearn。
’Iwassogreatafavourite，thatIwasneverdeniedanythingI
askedfor;butIwasveryunhappyforthesamereasonthatMissDollyFriendly’ssisterwasso;andIhaveoftensatdownandcried，becauseIdidnotknowwhatIwouldhave，tillatlastI
ownIgrewsopeevishandhumoursome，thatIwasalwaysonthefret，andharbouredinmymindakindofmalicethatmademefancywhatevermybrothergot，Ilost;andinthisunhappyconditionI
lived，tillIcametoschool，andhereIfoundthatothermisseswantedtohavetheirhumoursaswellasmyself。ThisIcouldnotbear，becauseIhadbeenusedtohavemyownwill，andnevertotroublemyselfaboutwhatothersfelt。ForwheneverIbeatorabusedmybrother，hispaindidnotmakemecry;butIbelieveitwasthinkingwrongmademeguiltyofthesefaults;forIdon’tfindIamill—natured;fornowIhavebeentaughttoconsiderthatmycompanionscanfeelaswellasmyself，Iamsorryfortheirpain，andgladwhentheyarepleased，andwouldbegladtodoanythingtoobligethem。’
HereMissHennyceased，andMissJennyPeacethentoldherhowgladshewastohearthatshehadsubduedallmaliceinhermind，adding，’Theseweeds，mydear，unlessearlypluckedup，are（asI
haveheardourgoodgovernessobserveuponalikeoccasion）veryapttotakesuchdeeproot，astochokeeverygoodseedaroundthem;andthenwhocantellwhether，withthesameopportunities，theymightnotbecomeLadyBrumptonsbeforetheendoftheirlives？’
LittlePollySucklingrememberedthatallthecompanyhadtoldthestoryoftheirpastlives，exceptherself;andshethoughtshewouldnotbeleftout;butyetshehadamindtobeaskedtotellit，hopingthathercompanionsthoughtherofconsequenceenoughnottoleaveheroutofanyscheme;therefore，addressingherselftoMissJenny，shesaidshethoughtitwasverypleasanttohearanybodytellthehistoryoftheirownlives。MissJennysawhermeaning，andanswered，’Soitis，mylittledear;andnow，ifyouplease，youshallobligeuswithrelatingthehistoryofyours。’
Pollysmiledatthisrequest，andsaidshewasreadytocomply。
THEDESCRIPTIONOFMISSPOLLYSUCKLING。
MissPollySucklingwasjustturnedofeightyearsold，butsoshortofherage，thatfewpeopletookhertobeabovefive。Itwasnotadwarfishshortness;forshehadthemostexactproportionedlimbsintheworld，verysmallbones，andwasasfatasalittlecherub。Shewasextremelyfair，andherhairquiteflaxen。Hereyesaperfectblue，hermouthsmall，andherlipsquiteplumpandred。Shehadthefreshnessofamilkmaid;andwhenshesmiledandlaughed，sheseemedtoshowanhundredagreeabledimples。Shewas，inshort，theverypictureofhealthandgood—humour，andwastheplaythingandgeneralfavoriteofthewholeschool。
THELIFEOFMISSPOLLYSUCKLING。
’Now，’saidlittlePolly，’Iwilltellyouallmywholehistory。
IhardlyrememberanythingbeforeIcametoschool，forIwasbutfiveyearsoldwhenIwasbroughthither。
’AllIknowis，thatIdon’tlovequarrelling，forIlikebettertoliveinpeaceandquietness。ButIhavebeenalwayslessthananyofmycompanions，eversinceIhavebeenhere;andsoIonlyfollowedtheexampleoftherest;andasIfoundtheycontendedabouteverything，Ididsotoo。Besides，Ihavebeenalwaysinfearthatmyschoolfellowswantedtoimposeonme，becauseIwaslittle;andsoIusedtoengageineveryquarrel，ratherthanbeleftout，asifIwastoolittletogiveanyassistance;but，indeed，Iamverygladnowweallagree，becauseIalwayscamebytheworstofit。And，besides，itisagreatpleasuretometobeloved，andeveryMissiskindandgoodtome，andreadytoassistmewheneverIaskthem。AndthisisallIknowofmywholelife。’
WhenlittlePollyceased，shewaskissedandapplaudedbythewholecompany，fortheagreeablesimplicityofherlittlehistory。
Andthusendedtheeighthday’samusement。
TUESDAY。
THENINTHDAY。
MissJennyroseearlyinthemorning，and，havingcollectedthelivesofhercompanions（whichshehadwrotedowneachday，astheyrelatedthem）shecarriedthem，aftermorningschool，accordingtoherpromise，tohergoverness。
Mrs。Teachum，whenshehadperusedthem，wasmuchpleased;andsaidthatsheperceived，bythemannerinwhichherscholarshadrelatedtheirlives，howmuchtheywereinearnestintheirdesignofamendment。’For（continuedshe）theyhaveallconfessedtheirfaultswithoutreserve;andtheuntowardlybentoftheirminds，whichsostronglyappearedbeforethequarrel，hasnotbrokeoutinthesetheirlittlehistories;but，onthecontrary，theyallseem，accordingtotheircapacities，tohaveendeavouredatimitatingyourstyle，intheaccountyougaveofyourownlife。I
wouldhaveyoucontinuetoemployyourleisurehoursinthemanneryouhavelatelydone，onlysettingapartapropertimeforexercise;andtodayIwilldispensewithyourattendanceintheschool—roomandindulgeyouthisafternooninanotherwalk，eithertothedairyhouse，ortothecherry—garden，whicheveryouallagreeon。ButasIshallnotgowithyoumyself，andshallonlyfindaservanttotakecareofyou，Ihopetohearfromyou，MissJenny，sogoodanaccountofthebehaviourofyourlittlefriendsandcompanions，thatIshallhavenocausetorepentmyindulgence。’
MissJennyPeacerespectfullytookleaveofhergoverness，andhastenedtothearbour，whereherlittlefriendsweremet，inexpectationofhercoming。Shetoldthemhowwellpleasedtheirgovernesswaswiththemall，fortheingenuousconfessionoftheirfaultsintheirpastlives;andshethendeclaredMrs。Teachum’skindpermissiontothemtotakeanotherwalkthatafternoon。
Asnoonehadatpresentanystorytoreadorrelate，theyemployedtheirtimetilldinner，someinwalkingandrunningaboutthegarden;othersinlookingafterandtendingsomeplantorflower，thattheyhadtakenparticularlyundertheircare，whichMrs。Teachumbothpermittedandencouragedthemin，whilstMissJennyPeace，MissSukeyJennett，andMissDollyFriendly，remainedinthearbour，thetwolatteraskingathousandquestionsoftheformer，bothconcerningalltheinstructionsshehadeverlearnedfromhermamma，andbywhatmeanstheyshouldbestbeabletopreservethatfriendshipandhappiness，whichhadoflatesubsistedamongstthem;saying，howpleasedtheirfriendsandrelationswouldbe，toseesuchachangeintheirtemperandbehaviour，andhowmuchtheyshouldbebelovedbyeveryone。
Whentheymetatdinner，Mrs。Teachumaskedthem，whethertheyhaddetermineduponthechoiceshehadgiventhemintheirafternoon’swalk;andtheywerealldesirousofgoingtothedairyhouse;forlittlePollysaid，shelongedtoseethegood—humouredoldwomanagain，and，indeed，shewouldnotnowsayanythingtoherofhershakinghead，orhergreyhair。Mrs。Teachumwaspleased，thatlittlePollysogratefullyrememberedtheoldwoman，whohadbeensokindtoher;andreadilyconsentedtotheirchoice，andapprovedoftheirdetermination。
Beingsoonequippedfortheirwalk，theysetout，attendedbytwomaidservants;andassoonastheyarrived，thegoodoldwomanexpressedthehighestjoyonseeingthem，andtoldlittlePolly，thatsheshouldhaveplentyofcreamandstrawberries，forherdaughterhadbeenthatdayinthewood，andhadbroughthomethreebasketsofveryfineones。Mrs。Nelly，herdaughter，saidverycrossly，thatshesupposedtherewouldbefineworkamongstthem，nowtheirgovernesswasnotwiththem;but’twashermother’sway，toletallchildrenbeasrudeastheypleased。MissSukeyJennett，withsomeindignationinherlook，wasgoingtoanswerher;butMissJennyPeace，fearingshewouldsaysomethinglessmildthanshewished，gaveheranod;and，turningtotheyoungwoman，withgreatmodestyandtemper，thussaid：’Youshallsee，Mrs。Nelly，thatourgoodgoverness’sinstructionsareofmoreforcewithus，thantolosealltheireffectwhenweareoutofherpresence;andIhopeyouwillhavenocause，whenwegoaway，tocomplainoftheillbehaviourofanyofus。’
Thegoodoldwomandeclaredsheneversawsuchsweet—temperedchildreninallherlife;andaftertheyhadeattheirstrawberriesandcream，andwereloadedwithpinksandrosesbythegoodwoman’sbounty（fortheydidnotgatheronewithoutherpermission），theytooktheirleavewiththeutmostcivility，andMissJennyhandsomelyrewardedtheoldwomanforhergoodcheer。
Mrs。Nellyherselfwassopleasedwiththeirregularandinoffensivebehaviour，thatshecouldnothelptellingMissJenny，thatshe，andallhercompanions，had，indeed，behavedaswellasiftheirgovernesshadbeenwiththem：onwhichMissJenny（astheywerewalkinghome）observedtoMissSukeyJennett（whomshehadpreventedfrommakinganyreplytoMrs。Nelly’sspeechhowmuchbetteritwastogainanother’sgoodwillbyourownendeavourstobeobliging，thantoprovokethemtobemorecross，byourangryanswersandreproaches。
Whenthislittlecompany，employedinpleasingtalkandlivelyobservations，werecomewithinaboutamileofMrs。Teachum’shouse，andwithinviewofanobleman’sfineseat，MissJennysaid，thatthenexttimetheirgovernesspermittedthemtowalkout，shewouldaskherleave，thattheymightgoandseethatfinehouse;
forsometimeagoshehadtoldthem，thattheyshouldgothitherwhenthefamilywereabsent。Mrs。Wilson，thehousekeeper，whobychancewaswalkingthatway，andheardwhatMissJennysaid，cameuptothem，andtoldMissJennythatherlordandladywerenowbothabsent，havingsetout，oneforLondon，andtheotherforanotherfineseat，fortymilesoff，thatverymorning;andassheknewthemtobeMrs。Teachum’swell—regulatedfamily，theyshouldbewelcometoseethehouseandgardensnow，iftheylikedit。
MissJennythankedher，andsaid，asitwasneartwohourssoonerthantheirgovernessexpectedthemhome，shewouldacceptofherkindoffer。Thehousekeeperledthemthroughanavenueoftallelm—treesintothismagnificenthouse，inwhichweremanyspaciousapartments，furnishedwiththeutmostgrandeurandelegance。Someoftheroomswereadornedwithfinepictures，otherswerehungwithtapestryalmostaslivelyasthosepaintings，andmostoftheapartmentsabovestairswerefurnishedwiththefinestsortsofneedle—work。Ourlittlecompanywerestruckintoasortofsilentwonderandadmirationatthesplendidappearanceofeverythingaroundthem;norcouldtheyfindwordstoexpressthevariousreflectionsthatpassedintheirminds，onseeingsuchavarietyofdazzlinggaudythings：butwhentheycametotheneedlework，MissJennycouldnothelpsmiling，toseehoweveryoneseemedmostfixedinattentionuponthatsortofwork，whichsheherselfwasemployedin，andshesawineveryfaceasecretwish，thattheirownpieceofworkmightbefinishedwithequalneatnessandperfection。Thehousekeeperwasgreatlypleasedtoseethemsomuchdelighted，andansweredalltheirquestionsconcerningthestoriesthatwererepresentedinthepicturesandtapestryasfullyasthetimewouldpermit;butMissJenny，beingfearfulofexceedingthehourinwhichtheywouldbeexpectedhome，toldthemtheymustnotnowstayanylonger，butiftheirgovernesswouldgivethemleave，anditwouldnotbetroublesometoMrs。Wilson，theywouldcomeanothertime。Sheanswered，thatitwassofarfrombeingtroublesome，thatsheneverhadmorepleasureinherlife，thantoseesomanywell—behavedyoungladies，whoallseemednotonlypleasedwithwhattheysaw，butdoublydelighted，andhappy，inseeingeachotherso;andforherpart，shecouldwishtheyweretostaywithheralltheirlives;and，inshort，theyshouldnotgotilltheyhadbeeninherroom，andeatsomesweetmeatsofherownmaking。Thegoodwomanseemedtotakesomuchdelightingivingthemanypleasure，thatMissJennycouldnotrefuseacceptingheroffer;and，whentheywereallinherroom，PollySucklingsaid，’Well，thisisamostcharminghouse;I
wishwecouldalllivehereforever。Howhappymustthelordandladyofthisfineplacebe！’
’Indeed，mylittlePolly，’saidMissJenny，’youmaybeverymuchmistaken;foryouknowourgoodgovernesshastaughtus，thatthereisnohappinessbutinthecontentofourownminds;andperhapswemayhavemorepleasureinviewingthesefinethings，thantheownershaveinthepossessionofthem。’
’Itisverytrue，’saidthehousekeeper，’formylordandladyhavenodelightinallthismagnificence;for，bybeingsoaccustomedtoit，theywalkthroughalltheseapartments，andneversomuchasobserveoramusethemselveswiththework，thepictures，oranythingelse，oriftheyobservethematall，itisratherwithalookthatdenotesasortofweariness，atseeingthesamethingscontinuallybeforethem，thanwithanykindofpleasure。’Andthen，withadeepsigh，sheadded，’Youare，indeed，younglady，perfectlyintheright，whenyousaygrandeurandhappinessdonotalwaysgotogether。’Butturningoffthediscourse，Mrs。Wilsonforcedthemtotakeasmanydriedsweetmeatsastheycouldcarryawaywiththem，andinsistedupontheirpromise（withMrs。Teachum’sconsent）thattheyshouldcomeanothertimetoseethegardens。Theythentooktheirleavewithmanythanks，andthegreatestcivility;anddiscoursedallthewayhome，onthefinethingstheyhadseen。MissBettyFordsaid，thatthefinegilding，andsomanyglitteringlooking—glasses，madeherthinkherselfinBarbarico’sgreathall，wherehekeptallhistreasure。
’No，’saysMissNancySpruce，’itwasnothalfsomuchlikethat，asitwaslikeBrunetta’sfinecastle;andIcouldnothelpthinkingmyselfthePrincessHebe，andhowmuchIshouldhavebeenpleasedwithsuchafineplaceatfirst，justasshewas。’
’Indeed，’saysMissBettyFord，’youareintherightofit，MissNanny;for’twasmuchmorelikethedescriptionofBrunetta’scastle，thanwhatIsaidmyself。’
MissJennywaspleasedtohearMissBettysoreadytoownherselfmistaken;andsaidtoMissNannySpruce，’Iamglad，mydear，tofindthatyousowellrememberwhatyouread;foritisbyrecallingfrequentlyintoourmemoriesthethingswehaveread，thattheyarelikelytobeofanyservicetous。’
Beingnowcomehome，theyenteredintothepresenceoftheirgovernesswiththatpleasure，andproperconfidence，whicheverattendsinnocenceandgoodness;andMrs。Teachumreceivedthemwithapleasingsmile。
MissJennygavehergovernessafaithfulaccountofallthathadpassed，withtheagreeableentertainmenttheyhadaccidentallymetwith，ofseeingLordX——’sfinehouse，andthegreatcivilityofMrs。Wilson，’WhichIhope，madam，’saidMissJenny，’Ididnotdowronginaccepting。’’Youdidveryproperly，mydear，’saidMrs。
Teachum，’forwhenanypersoniswillingtoobligeyou，withoutanyinconveniencetothemselves，itisalwaysrighttoaccepttheiroffer，asyoutherebygratifythem，byputtingitintheirpowertogiveyoupleasure。’
MissJennythenwithgreatcheerfulnessandfreedom，toldhergovernessallthathadpaledinconversation，bothintheirwalktothedairyhouse，andatLordX——’s，whatlittlePollyhadsaidinthehousekeeper’sroom，asalsoMrs。Wilson’sanswer;andsaid，byMrs。Wilson’sdowncastlook，shewasafraidthatpoorLordX——
andhisladywerenotsohappyasmightbewished。’But，’
continuedshe，’IdidnotaskMrs。Wilsonanyquestions，becauseyouhavetaughtme，madam，carefullytoavoidtheleastappearanceofimpertinentcuriosity。’
’Youwasveryright，mydear，’saidMrs。Teachum，’inaskingnofartherquestions;norwouldshe，Idaresay，assheisaprudentwoman，havegratifiedyouifyouhad;forthoughtheunhappystoryistoowellknownalloverthecountry，yetitwouldhavebeenveryunbecominginoneofthefamilytohavepublishedit。’Mrs。
Teachumsawinherlittlescholars’eyes，asecretwishofknowingwhatthisstorywas;and，afterashortpause，shesaid，’SinceI
findyoudisposed，mygoodgirls，tomaketheproperuseofwhatyouhear，Iwillindulgeyourcuriosity。
’LordX——andhisladyhavebeenmarriedsevenyears;LordX——isthewretchedestcreaturebreathing，becausehehasnochildren，andthereforenoheirtohistitleandlargeestate。Hewasnaturallyofahaughtyimpetuoustemper，andimpatientofanytheleastdisappointment;andthisdispositionnotbeingsubduedinhisyouth，hasledhimintoallsortofexcesses。Hisladyisnotmuchbettertemperedthanhimself，andvaluingherselfhighlyuponherbeauty，andthelargefortuneshebroughthim，greatlyresentshissometimesinsolent，andalwaysneglectfulusageofher。Theyhavehithertolivedoninthemostjarring，disputingmanner，andtooknocaretoconcealtheirquarrelsfromtheworld;butatlasttheyhaveagreedtopartbyconsent，andthedifferentjourneystheythismorningtook，Isuppose，waswithanintentoffinalseparation。
’Thatgrandeurandhappinessdonotalwaysgotogether（asMrs。
Wilsonobservedtoyou）isseenbythisstory，whichIwasthemorewillingtotellyou，asitwasaproperintroductiontoafableIhavebeencollectingtogetherfromothers，foryouruse。
Youknowthatallmyendeavourstomakeyougood，areonlyintendedtomakeyouhappy;andifyouthoroughlyreflectuponthetruthofthismaxim，whichIsooftenendeavourtoinculcate，youwilldoubtlessreapnosmalladvantagefromit。’
HereMrs。Teachumceasedspeaking，and，givingMissJennyPeaceapaper，shebidherreaditaloud;whichshedid，anditcontainedthefollowingfable：
THEASSEMBLYOFTHEBIRDS。
AFABLE。
Inancientdays，therewasagreatcontentionamongstthebirds，which，fromhisownperfections，andpeculiaradvantages，hadthestrongesttitletohappiness;andatlasttheyagreedtoreferthedecisionofthedebatetotheeagle。
Adaywasappointedfortheirmeeting;theeagletookhisseat，andthebirdsallattendedtogiveintheirseveralpleas。
Firstspoketheparrot。Hervoicesodearlyresemblinghumanspeech，andwhichenabledhertoconversewithsuchasuperiorrace，shedoubtednot（shesaid）wouldhaveitsjustweightwiththeeagle，andengagehimtograntadecreeinherfavour;andtothispleashealsoadded，thatshedweltinafinecageadornedwithgold，andwasfedeverydaybythehandsafairlady。
’Andpray，Mrs。Poll，’saidtheeagle，’howcomesit，sinceyoufaresosumptuously，thatyouaresoleanandmeagre，andseemscarcelyabletoexertthatvoiceyouthusmakeyourboastof？’
’Alas！’repliedtheparrot，’poorPoll’sladyhaskeptherbedalmostthisweek;theservantshaveallforgottofeedme;andI
amalmoststarved。’’Prayobserve，’saidtheeagle，’thefollyofsuchpride！Hadyoubeenabletohaveconversedonlywithyourownkind，youwouldhavefaredincommonwiththem;butitistothisvauntedimitationofthehumanvoice，thatyouoweyourconfinement，andconsequently（thoughlivinginagoldencage）
yourdependenceuponthewillandmemoryofothers，evenforcommonnecessaryfood。’
Thusreproved，theparrot，withshame，hastilyretiredfromtheassembly。
Nextstoodforththedaw，and，havingtrickedhimselfinallthegayfeathershecouldmustertogether，onthecreditoftheseborrowedornaments，pleadedhisbeauty，asatitletothepreferenceindispute。Immediatelythebirdsagreedtodivestthesillycounterfeitofallhisborrowedplumes;and，moreabashedthantheparrot，hesecretlyslunkaway。
Thepeacock，proudofnativebeauty，nowflewintothemidstoftheassembly。Hedisplayedbeforethesunhisgorgeoustail。
’Observe（saidhe）howthevividblueofthesapphireglittersinmyneck;andwhenthusIspreadmytail，agemmybrightnessstrikestheeyefromaplumagevariedwithathousandglowingcolours。’Atthismoment，anightingalebegantochantforthhismelodiouslay;atwhichthepeacock，droppinghisexpandedtail，criedout，’Ahwhatavailsmysilentunmeaningbeauty，whenIamsofarexcelledinvoicebysuchalittlerusset—featheredwretchasthat！’And，byretiring，hegaveupallclaimtothecontended—forpreference。
Thenightingalewassodelightedwithhavinggotthebetterofthepeacock，thatheexertedhislittlevoice，andwassolostintheconceitofhisownmelody，thathedidnotobserveahawk，whoflewuponhim，andcarriedhimoffinhisclaws。
Theeaglethendeclared，’Thatasthepeacock’senvyhadtakenawayallhisclaim，sonolesshadthenightingale’sself—conceitfrustratedallhispretensions;forthosewhoaresowrappedupintheirownperfections，astomindnothingbutthemselves，areforeverliabletoallsortsofaccidents。’And，besides，itwasplain，bytheexultationthenightingaleexpressedonhisimaginedgloryoverthepeacock，thathewouldhavebeenequallydejectedonanypreferencegiventoanother。
Andnowtheowl，withanaffectedgravity，andwhootingvoice，pleadedhiswell—knownwisdom;andsaid，’Hedoubtednotbutthepreferencewouldbegrantedtohimwithoutcontest，byallthewholeassemblyforwhatwassolikelytoproducehappinessaswisdom？’
Theeagledeclared，’That，ifhistitletowisdomcouldbeproved，thejusticeofhisclaimshouldbeallowed;andthenaskedhim，howhecouldconvincethemofthetruthofwhathehadadvanced？’
Theowlanswered，’Thathewouldwillinglyappealtothewholeassemblyfortheirdecisioninthispoint;forhewaspositivenobodycoulddenyhisgreatsuperiorityastowisdom。’Beingseparatelyasked，theymostofthemdeclared，thattheyknewnoonereason，eitherfromhiswordsoractions，topronouncehimawisebird;thoughitwastrue，thatbyanaffectedsolemnityinhislooks，andbyfrequentdeclarationsofhisown，thathewasverywife，hehadmadesomeverysillybirdsgivehimthatcharacter;but，sincetheywerecalledupontodeclaretheiropinions，theymustsay，thathewasevertheobjectofcontempttoallthosebirdswhohadanytitletocommonunderstanding。Theeaglethensaid，’Hecouldbynomeansadmitaplea，whichasplainlyappearedtobecounterfeit，aswerethejay’sborrowedfeathers。’Theowl，thusdisappointed，flewaway，andhaseversinceshunnedthelightofthesun，andhasneverappearedinthedaytime，buttobescornedandwonderedat。
Itwouldheendlesstorepeatalltheseveralpleasbroughtbythebirds，eachdesiringtoprove，thathappinessoughttobehisownpeculiarlot。Buttheeagleobservingthattheargumentsmadeuseoftoprovetheirpointwerechieflydrawnfromthedisadvantagesofothers，ratherthanfromanyadvantageoftheirown，toldthem，’Therewastoomuchenvyandmaliceamongstthem，forhimtopronounceanyofthemdeservingorcapableofbeinghappy;butI
wonder，’sayshe，’whythedovealoneisabsentfromthismeeting？’’Iknowofoneinhernesthardby，’answeredtheredbreast，’shallIgoandcallher？’’No，’saystheeagle，’sinceshedidnotobeyourgeneralsummons，’tisplainshehadnoambitionforapublicpreference;butIwilltaketwoorthreechosenfriends，andwewillgosoftlytohernest，andseeinwhatmannersheisemployingherself;forfromourownobservationsupontheactionsofanyone，wearemorelikelytoformajudgmentofthem，thanbyanyboaststheycanmake。’
Theeaglewasobeyed，and，accompaniedonlybythelinnet，thelark，thelapwing，andtheredbreastforhisguide，hestolegentlytotheplacewherethedovewasfoundhoveringoverhernest，waitingthereturnofherabsentmate;and，thinkingherselfquiteunobserved，[*]Whileo’erhercallowbroodshehung，Shefondlythusaddress’dheryoung：
’Yetenderobjectsofmycare，Peace！peace！yelittlehelplesspair。
Anon！hecomes，yourgentlesire，Andbringsyouallyourheartsrequire;
Forus，hisinfantsandhisbride，Forus，withonlylovetoguide，Ourlordassumesaneagle’sspeed，And，likealion，darestobleed：
Noryetbywintryskiesconfin’d，Hemountsupontherudestwind，Fromdangertearsthevitalspoil，Andwithaffectionsweetenstoil。
Ah！cease，toovent’rous，ceasetodare;
Inthine，ourdearersafetyspare。
Fromhim，yecruelfalconsstray;
Andturn，yefowlers，faraway，——All—givingPow’r，greatsourceoflife，Oh！heartheparent，hearthewife：
Thatlifethoulendestfromabove，Thoughlittle，makeitlargeinlove。
Oh！bidmyfeelingheartexpandToev’ryclaimonev’ryhand，Tothose，fromwhommydaysIdrew，Totheseinwhomthosedaysrenew，Toallmykin，howeverwide，Incordialwarmthasbloodallied。
Tofriendsinsteelyfetterstwin’dAndtothecruelnotunkind;
Butchiefthelordofmydesire，Mylife，myself，mysoul，mysire，Friends，children，allthatwishcanclaim，Chastepassionclasp，andrapturename。
Oh！sparehim，sparehim，graciousPow’r：
Oh！givehimtomylatesthour，Letmemylengthoflifeemploy，Togivemysoleenjoymentjoy。
Hisloveletmutualloveexcite;
Turnallmycarestohisdelight，Andev’ryneedlessblessingspare，Whereinmydarlingwantsashare。
——LetoneunruffledcalmdelightThelovingandbelov’dunite;
Onepuredesireourbosomswarm;
Onewilldirect，onewishinform;
Throughlifeonemutualaidsustain;
Indeathonepeacefulgravecontain。’
While，swellingwiththedarlingtheme，Heraccentspour’danendlessstream。
Thewell—knownwingsasoundimpartThatreach’dherear，andtouch’dherheart。
Quickdropp’dthemusicofhertongue，Andforth，witheagerjoy，shesprung。
Asswiftherent’ringconsortflew，Andplum’d，andkindledattheview。
Theirwings，theirsouls，embracing，meet，Theirheartswithansw’ringmeasurebeat，Halflostinsacredsweets，andbless’dWithrapturesfelt，butne’erexpress’d。
StraittoherhumbleroofsheledThepartnerofherspotlessbed;
Heryoung，aflutt’ringpair，arise，Theirwelcomesparklingintheireyes，Transported，totheirsiretheybound，Andhang，withspeechlessaction，round。
Inpleasurewrapt，theparentsstand，Andseetheirlittlewingsexpand;
ThesirehislifesustainingprizeToeachexpectingbillapplies;
Therefondlypoursthewheatenspoil，Withtransportgiv’n，thoughwonwithtoil;
While，allcollectedatthesight，Andsilentthroughsupremedelight，Thefairhighheav’nofblissbeguiles，Andonherlordandinfantssmiles。
[*]TheseversesareaquotationfromthattenderfableoftheSparrowandtheDove，inthe’FablesfortheFemaleSex。’
Theeaglenow，withoutanyhesitation，pronouncedthedovetobedeservedlythehappiestofthefeatheredkind;andhoweverunwillingtherestofthebirdsweretoassenttothejudgmentgiven，yetcouldtheynotdisputethejusticeofthedecree。
HereMissJennyceasedreading，andallthelittlecompanyexpressedbytheirlooks，thattheywereoverjoyedattheeagle’sdetermination;fortheyhadallintheirownmindsforestalledtheeagle’sjudgment，ofgivingthepreferencetothedove。’Now，mygoodchildren，’saidMrs。Teachum，’ifyouwillpassthroughthislifewithrealpleasure，imitatethedove;andremember，thatinnocenceofmind，andintegrityofheart，adornthefemalecharacter，andcanaloneproduceyourownhappiness，anddiffuseittoallaroundyou。’
Ourlittlecompanythankedtheirgovernessforherfable;and，justatthatinstant，theyheardachariotdriveintothecourt，andMrs。Teachumwentouttoseewhatvisitorcouldbearrivedsolateintheevening;foritwasneareighto’clock。
Theyallremainedintheroomwheretheirgovernessleftthem;fortheyhadbeentaughtnevertorunouttothedoor，ortothewindows，tolookatanystrangersthatcame，tilltheyknewwhetheritwasproperforthemtoseethemornot。
Mrs。Teachumsoonreturnedwithaletteropeninherhand，andremainedsomelittletimesilent;butcastoneveryoneroundsuchatenderandaffectionatelook，atearalmoststartingfromhereye，thatthesympathisingsorrowseemedtospreadthroughthewholecompany，andtheywereallsilent，andreadytocry，thoughtheyknewnotforwhatreason。’Iamsorry，mylittledears，’
saidMrs。Teachum，’togiveyourtenderbosomstheuneasinessI
fearthecontentsofthisletterwilldo，asitwilldepriveyouofthatyourheartssojustlyholdmostdear。’And，sosaying，shedeliveredtoMissJennyPeace，thefollowingletter：——
’ToMissJennyPeace。
’Mondaynight，June24。
’Mydearniece，——Iarrivedsafeatmyownhouse，withyourcousinHarriet，lastSaturdaynight，afteraverytediousvoyagebysea，andafatiguingjourneybyland。IlongtoseemydearJennyassoonaspossible，andHarrietisquiteimpatientforthatpleasure。
’Ihaveorderedmychariottobewithyoutomorrownight;andI
desireyouwouldsetoutonWednesdaymorning，asearlyasyourinclinationshallpromptyoutocometo’Yourtrulyaffectionateaunt，’M。NEWMAN。
’Ihavewritaletterofthankstoyourkindgoverness，forhercareofyou。’
ItisimpossibletodescribethevarioussensationsofMissJenny’smind，onthereadingthisletter。Herrisingjoyatthethoughtsofseeingherkindauntsafelyreturnedfromalongandtediousvoyage，wassuppressedbyasorrow，whichcouldnotberesisted，onpartingwithsuchdearfriends，andsogoodagoverness;andthelustrewhichsuchajoywouldhavegiventohereye，wasdampedbyrisingtears。Herheartforsometimewastoofullforutterance。Atlast，turningtohergoverness，shesaid，’Andisthechariotreallycome，tocarrymetomydearaunt？’
Then，afterapause，thetearstricklingdownhercheeks，’AndmustIsosoonleaveyou，madam，andallmykindcompanions？’
Mrs。Teachum，onseeingMissJenny’stenderstrugglesofmind，andallhercompanionsatonceburstingintotears，stoodup，andlefttheroom，saying，’Shewouldcometothemagainaftersupper。’
Forthisprudentwomanwellknew，thatitwasinvaintocontendwiththeveryfirstemotionsofgriefonsuchanoccasion，butintended，atherreturn，toshowthemhowmuchitwastheirdutyandinteresttoconquerallsortsofextravagantsorrow。
Theyremainedsometimesilent，asquitestruckdumbwithconcern，tillatlastMissDollyFriendly，inbrokenaccents，criedout，’Andmustweloseyou，mydearMissJenny，nowwearejustsettledinthatloveandesteemforyou，whichyourgoodnesssowelldeserves？’
MissJennyendeavouredtodryuphertears，andthensaid，’AlthoughIcannotbutbepleased，mydearcompanions，ateverymarkofyouraffectionforme;yetIbegthatyouwouldnotgivemethepaintoseethatImakesomanydearfriendsunhappy。Letussubmitcheerfullytothisseparation（which，believeme，isasdeeplyfeltbymeasanyofyou）becauseitisourdutysotodo;
andletmeentreatyoutobecomforted，byreflecting，howmuchmygoodaunt’ssafereturnmustbeconducivetomyfuturewelfare;
norcanyoubeunhappy，whileyoucontinuewithsogoodagoverness，andpersistinthatreadinesstoobeyher，whichyouhavelatelyshown。Shewilldirectwhoshallpresideoveryourinnocentamusementsinmyplace。Iwillcertainlywritetoyou，andshallalwaystakethegreatestdelightinhearingfromeachofyou，bothwhileyoucontinuehere，andwhenyourdutyanddifferentconnectionsshallcallyouelsewhere。Wemaysome，andperhapsall，ofus，happenoftentomeetagain;andIhopeafriendship，foundedonsoinnocentandsogoodafoundationasoursis，willalwayssubsist，asfarasshallbeconsistentwithourfuturesituationsinlife。’
MissJenny’sfriendscouldnotanswerherbutbysobsandtears;
onlylittlePollySuckling，runningtoher，clungaboutherneck，andcried，’Indeed，indeed，MissJenny，youmustnotgo;Ishallbreakmyheart，ifIloseyou：sureweshan’t，norwecan’t，behalfsohappy，whenyouaregone，thoughourgovernesswastentimesbettertousthansheis。’
MissJennyagainentreatedthemtodryuptheirtears，andtobemorecontentedwiththepresentnecessity;andbegged，thattheywouldnotlettheirgovernessseethemsooverwhelmedinsorrowonherreturn;forshemighttakeitunkindly，thattheyshouldbesoafflictedatthelossofoneperson，whiletheystillremainedunderherindulgentcareandprotection。
Itwaswiththeutmostdifficulty，thatMissJennyrefrainedfromsheddingtearfortearwithherkindcompanions;butasitwasherconstantmaximtopartakewithherfriendsallherpleasure，andtoconfinehersorrowsasmuchaspossiblewithinherownbosom，shechoserathertoendeavour，byherowncheerfulnessandinnocenttalk，tostealinsensiblyfromthebosomsofherlittlecompanionshalftheirsorrow;andtheybegintoappeartolerablyeasy。
Aftersupper，Mrs。Teachumreturned;and，seeingthemallstrivingwhoshouldmostconcealtheirgrief，forfearofgivinguneasinesstotherest，yetwithadeepdejectionfixedineverycountenance，andlittlePollystillsobbingbehindMissJenny’schair，shewassomovedherselfwiththeaffectingscene，thatthetearsstolefromhereyes;andthesympathisingcompanyoncemoreeasedtheiralmostburstinghearts，byanothergeneralflowofmeltingsorrow。
’Mydearchildren，’saidMrs。Teachum，’IamnotatallsurprisedatyourbeingsomuchconcernedtopartwithMissJenny。Ilovehermyselfwithamotherlyaffection（asIdoallofyou，andshallevercontinuetodosowhileyousowelldeserveit）;andI
couldwish，formyownsake，nevertopartwithheraslongasI
live;butIconsider，thatitisforheradvantage，andIwouldhaveyouallremember，inherabsence，toletherexampleandfriendshipfillyourheartswithjoy，insteadofgrief。Itisnowprettylateintheevening，andasMissJennyistosetoutveryearlyinthemorning，Imustinsistuponshorteningyourpain（forsuchisyourpresentsituation），anddesireyouwouldtakeyourleaveofthisyourengagingfriend。’
Theynoneofthemattemptedtospeakanotherword，fortheirheartswerestilltoofullforutterance;andMissJennytookeveryonebythehandastheywentoutoftheroom，salutedthemwiththetenderestaffection，minglingtearswiththosewhichflowedfromeverystreamingeye;and，wishingthemallhappinessandjoytilltheirnextmeeting，theyall，withheavyhearts，retiredtorest。
MissJennyreturnedthewarmestandmostgratefulacknowledgmentstohergoodgoverness，forallhercareofher;andsaid，’Ishallattributeeveryhappyhour，madam，thatImayhereafterbeblessedwith，toyourwiseandkindinstruction，whichIshallalwaysrememberwiththehighestveneration，andshalleverconsideryouashavingbeentomenolessthanafondandindulgentmother。’
Mrs。TeachumkeptMissJennyintheroomwithhernolongerthantoassureherhowsincerelysheshouldregretherabsence，andconfessedhowmuchoftheregularityandharmonyofherschoolsheowedtohergoodexample，forsweetnessoftemper，andconformitytorules。
THEENDOFTHENINTHDAY。
THECONCLUSIONOFTHEHISTORYOFMRS。TEACHUM，&C。
AlthoughMissJennyPeacedidnotreturnanymoretoschool;yetsheevergratefullyrememberedthekindnessofhergoverness，andfrequentlycorrespondedwithallhercompanions。Andastheycontinuedtheirinnocentamusementsandmeetingsinthearbour，whenevertheweatherwouldpermit，therewasnodaythoughttobebetteremployedthanthatinwhichtheyreceivedaletterfromtheirabsentinstructivefriend，whosenamewasalwaysmentionedwithgratitudeandhonour。
Mrs。Teachumcontinuedthesamewatchfulcareoveranyyoungpersonswhowereentrustedtohermanagement;andsheneverincreasedthenumberofherscholars，thoughoftenentreatedsotodo。Allquarrelsandcontentionswerebanishedherhouse;andifeveranysuchthingwaslikelytoarise，thestoryofMissJennyPeace’sreconcilingallherlittlecompanionswastoldtothem;sothatMissJenny，thoughabsent，stillseemed（bythebrightexamplewhichsheleftbehindher）tobethecementofunionandharmonyinthiswell—regulatedsociety。Andifanygirlwasfoundtoharbourinherbreastarisingpassion，whichitwasdifficulttoconquer，thenameandstoryofMissJennyPeacesoongainedherattention，andleftherwithoutanyotherdesirethantoemulateMissJenny’svirtues。
Inshort，Mrs。Teachum’sschoolwasalwaysmentionedthroughoutthecountry，asanexampleofpeaceandharmony;andalsobythedailyimprovementofallhergirls，itplainlyappearedhowearlyyoungpeoplemightattaingreatknowledge，iftheirmindswerefreefromfoolishanxietiesabouttrifles，andproperlyemployedontheirownimprovement;forneverdidanyyoungladyleaveMrs。
Teachum，butthatherparentsandfriendsweregreatlydelightedwithherbehaviour，asshehadmadeitherchiefstudytolearnalwaystopaytohergovernorsthemostexactobedience，andtoexerttowardshercompanionsallthegoodeffectsofamindfilledwithbenevolenceandlove。