sit up all night with her sister.

"She has not only my leave, but my approbation, especially as your accident
has rendered you unable. Tell Zebby I will spare her for a week, on this
truly charitable occasion."

With many thanks, Betty withdrew, and Ellen was soon, like her mamma, busy
with her needle. Mr. Harewood, drawing a celestial globe towards him, began
to give his sons some instruction, which interested them exceedingly; all
were employed, all happy, but Matilda, whose uneasiness was in fact
considerably augmented by the idea of Zebby leaving the house; for though
she used her ill, she had a regard for her, the extent of which she was not
aware of till now that her heart was a little softened, and her judgment
enlightened, by the transactions of the day.

After fidgeting about for some time, she at length took up a needle and
threaded it, and then drawing more timidly towards Mrs. Harewood, she
said--"I don't mind if I do sew a little bit."

Eager to seize upon any good symptom, Mrs. Harewood gave her a little cap,
carefully doubled down, saying--"You see this is double; in these
countries, the babies, or pickaninnies, as you call them, must be kept
warm."

"I called that woman's twins pickaninnies, because I thought she was
poor--a kind of servant; we do not call white children so--only little
negroes."

"They are all the same with us, and will be so with you, I hope, by and by;
indeed they always were with sensible good people. But, Matilda, what long
stitches you are taking! I shall have all your work to pick out again."

"I believe I cannot sew, indeed."

"So it appears; nor can you play a tune, nor read a French lesson, nor
write, nor draw: poor little girl! you have a great deal to learn: but,
however, keep up your spirits; if you are diligent and tractable, you will
conquer all your difficulties; humility and industry will enable you to
learn every thing."

"How very strange it is," said Matilda to herself, "that these people
appear to pity me, instead of envying me, as they used to do in Barbadoes,
and as I thought they would do here! besides, they are not angry with me,
even when they find fault with me, and they seem to wish me to be good for
the sake of being happy."

These thoughts somewhat soothed the perturbed bosom of the poor child until
the hour of rest, when the remembrance of the good-tempered negro's
destination rose to her mind, and she lamented her absence, and blamed her
exce