stranger to before. From being unable to join
in any play requiring personal activity, she had been obliged to find her
amusement in reading; and as that most excellent and delightful work, "The
Parent's Assistant," by Miss Edgeworth, had been presented to her just
before, she made herself completely mistress of those admirable tales,
and by conversing much upon them with Mr. and Mrs. Harewood, with whom she
usually sat, she became deeply imbued with all the important precepts they
are intended to convey, as well as the stories they so agreeably relate.

One evening, when the whole family were assembled, the disorder which had
afflicted Zebby became the subject of conversation; Miss Campbell
observing, "that the poor woman had undoubtedly been as nervous as any fine
lady, and therefore given another proof, in addition to the multitude which
must affect every person of judgment and feeling, that there was indeed no
difference of constitution, feeling, or character, between white people and
black ones, when they were placed in similar circumstances."

"Certainly not," said Mr. Harewood, "and in a short time this doctrine will
be more fully proved by the emancipation of all the blacks, who will, I
trust, become diligent servants and happy householders, no longer the
slaves of tyrants, but the servants of upright masters."

"But I am told, mamma," said Edmund, "that the proprietors of West India
property will all be ruined; people say, this will come upon them as a
retribution for past sins; but as many of these sins were committed in days
that are past, and the present inhabitants, in many instances, have behaved
exceedingly well, I must own I wish sincerely this may not be the case. Can
you tell me any thing about it?"

"They all deserve to be ruined," interrupted Charles, "who have done such
bad things as the planters do. Oh, how I wish I could be there when all
the slaves are set at liberty! with what delight should I join in their
universal shout of joy and freedom, and in all their innocent festivals!"

Edmund shook his head--"I should like the slaves to be happy as well as
you; but I don't like for any body to be ruined, especially people who are
so nerveless and inactive as those who have resided in warm islands; surely
it is not true?"

Edmund looked again inquiringly.

"I am sorry to say," answered Mrs. Harewood, "that in many cases much
suffering may be apprehended; but our government will undoubtedly soften