atched her up in his
arms, and ran away with her. All my cries were to no purpose; for he was
out of sight with her in a moment, and there was no method to trace his
steps. The cruel wretches, for sport, as they called it, hunted it the
next day from one to the other, in the most barbarous manner; till at
last it took shelter in that house that used to be its protection, and
came and expired at my feet.

'I was so struck with the sight of the little animal dying in that
manner, that the great grief of my heart overflowed at my eyes, and I
was for some time inconsolable.

'My indulgent mamma comforted without blaming me, till she thought I
had sufficient time to vent my grief; and then, sending for me into her
chamber, spoke as follows:

'"Jenny, I have watched you ever since the death of your little
favourite cat; and have been in hopes daily, that your lamenting and
melancholy on that account would be at an end. But I find you still
persist in grieving, as if such a loss was irreparable. Now, though
I have always encouraged you in all sentiments of good nature and
compassion; and am sensible, that where those sentiments are strongly
implanted, they will extend their influence even to the least animal;
yet you are to consider, my child, that you are not to give way to
any passions that interfere with your duty; for whenever there is any
contention between your duty and your inclinations, you must conquer the
latter, or become wicked and contemptible. If, therefore, you give way
to this melancholy, how will you be able to perform your duty towards
me, in cheerfully obeying my commands, and endeavouring, by your lively
prattle and innocent gaiety of heart, to be my companion and delight?
Nor will you be fit to converse with your brother, whom (as you lost
your good papa when you were too young to know that loss) I have
endeavoured to educate in such a manner, that I hope he will be a father
to you, if you deserve his love and protection. In short, if you do
not keep command enough of yourself to prevent being ruffled by every
accident, you will be unfit for all the social offices of life, and be
despised by all those whose regard and love are worth your seeking. I
treat you, my girl, as capable of considering what is for your own good;
for though you are but eleven years of age, yet I hope the pains I have
taken in explaining all you read, and in answering all your questions in
search of knowledge, has not been so much