oyous laughter, angry
words and complaining cries sounded through the apartment.

As Mr. Abercrombie left the house, Mrs. Abercrombie entered the
nursery, attracted by the notes of discord. Had there been sunshine
on her countenance, and firm but gentle remonstrance on her tongue,
a quick change would have become apparent. But, ere this, the
shadows she had thrown around her had darkened the atmosphere of her
dwelling, and were now reflected back upon her heart, enshrouding it
in deeper gloom. The want of harmony among her children increased
her mental disturbance, obscured her perceptions, and added to her
state of irritability. She could not speak calmly to them, nor
wisely endeavour to restore the harmony which had been lost. Her
words, therefore, while, by their authoritative force, they subdued
the storm, left the sky black with clouds that poured down another
and fiercer tempest the moment her presence was removed.

But this state of things could not be permitted. The mother
reappeared, and, after some hurried inquiries into the cause of
disturbance among her children, took for granted the statement of
those who were most forward in excusing themselves and accusing
others, and unwisely resorted to punishment--unwisely, in the first
place, because she decided hastily and from first appearances; and
in the second place, because she was in no state of mind to
administer punishment. The consequence was, that she punished those
least to blame, and thereby did a great wrong. Of this she was made
fully aware after it was too late. Then, indignant at the false
accusation by which she had been led into the commission of an
unjust act, she visited her wrath with undue severity, and in
unseemly passion, upon the heads of the real offenders.

By this time the children were in a state of intimidation. It was
plain that their mother was fairly aroused, and each deemed it best
to be as quiet and inoffensive as possible. The reappearance of
harmony being thus restored, Mrs. Abercrombie, whose head and heart
were now both throbbing with pain, retired in a most unhappy state
of mind to her chamber, where she threw herself into a large chair,
feeling unutterably wretched.

And what was the origin of all this discord and misery? Why came
that cloud, in the beginning, to the brow of Mrs. Abercrombie--that
cloud, whose shadow had already exercised so baleful an influence?
The cause was slight, very slight. But do not, fair reader,