er I was out of humour; and when I had abused her, if she dared
to grumble, or make the least complaint, I thought it the greatest
impudence in the world; and, instead of mending my behaviour to her,
I grew very angry that she should dare to dispute my power: for my
governess always told her, that she was but a servant's girl, and I was
a gentleman's daughter; and that therefore she ought to give way to me;
for that I did her great honour in playing with her. Thus I thought the
distance between us was so great, that I never considered that she could
feel: but whilst I myself suffered nothing, I fancied everything was
very right; and it never once came into my head, that I could be in the
wrong.

'This life I led till I came to school, when I was eleven years
old. Here I had nobody in my power; for all my schoolfellows thought
themselves my equals: so that I could only quarrel, fight, and contend
for everything: but being liable to be punished, when I was trying to be
revenged on any of my enemies, as I thought them, I never had a moment's
ease or pleasure, till Miss Jenny was so good to take the pains to
convince me of my folly, and made me be reconciled to you, my dear
companions.'

Here Miss Sukey ceased; and Miss Jenny smiled with pleasure, at the
thoughts that she had been the cause of her happiness.

Mrs. Teachum being now come into the arbour, to see in what manner
her little scholars passed their time, they all rose up and do her
reverence. Miss Jenny gave her an account how they had been employed;
and she was much pleased with their innocent and useful entertainment;
but especially with the method they had found out of relating their past
lives. She took little Polly Suckling by the hand, and bidding the rest
follow, it being now dinner time, she walked towards the house, attended
by the whole company.

Mrs. Teachum had a great inclination to hear the history of the lives
of all her little scholars: but she thought, that being present at those
relations might be a balk to the narration, as perhaps they might be
ashamed freely to confess their past faults before her; and therefore,
that she might not be any bar in this case to the freedom of their
speech, and yet might be acquainted with their stories (though this was
not merely a vain curiosity, but a desire by this means to know their
different dispositions), she called Miss Jenny Peace to her parlour
after dinner, and told her, she would have her get the l