hold at Brompton, she hastened
to invite Mr. and Mrs. Harewood and their family to spend an early day
with her, and was then introduced to Mrs. Weston, whom she knew well by
report, and for whose altered situation she was truly concerned, especially
after she became acquainted with her, as the suavity of her manners, the
quiet dignity of mind, and unaffected resignation with which she bore her
misfortunes, could not fail to prepossess her in favour of so wise and good
a sufferer, who was likewise so cheerful and willing to be happy.

Harriet was a little girl, about six years old at this time, a tolerably
good child but certainly subject to the same errors (though in a far less
degree) which had formerly distinguished Matilda; and as she wanted
incessantly somebody to do something for her, and there was no longer a
slave at her command, her mother was too frequently obliged to be that
servant--a circumstance which rendered the young Harewoods much less fond
of Harriet than they would otherwise have been, and which, at times, tried
the temper of even the gentle Ellen.

Matilda's whole mind was absorbed by this little girl, on whom she
continually cast looks of the deepest interest; her mother imputed the
serious air she wore to a regret very natural at her age, on revisiting
the house where she had been so happy, and she felt some fears lest it
should continue to haunt her mind: she had likewise many forebodings as to
the future education of her daughter, being sensible that she had enjoyed
advantages in Mr. Harewood's house of no common character; and she very
candidly related all that was passing in her mind to that kind lady, whose
maternal love for her child rendered her the most proper judge for the
future, as she had proved herself the truest friend for the past.

Mrs. Harewood very strenuously recommended her to procure a good governess
for her daughter, as it was hardly to be expected that she could bring
herself to part with her only child, otherwise a school might have been
more advantageous to a girl of such an active and social disposition; but,
above all, she pressed Mrs. Hanson to endeavour to preserve in her that
spirit of humility which never fails to produce obedience, subdue passion,
and open the mind for the reception and nurture of every virtue.

On the arrival of Mrs. Hanson, Mrs. Harewood had left the real improvements
of Matilda to be discovered by circumstances; and as the mother and
daughter we