The Barbadoes Girl | Page 7

with."
As she spoke she threw half-a-guinea on the table, with the air of one
desirous of exhibiting both generosity and wealth, and looked round
with an eye that asked for admiration.
No notice was taken. Mrs. Harewood opening her own purse, took out
half-a-crown, and then counted all that she had got. In doing it, Ellen
perceived not her sixpence, and she then, with modesty, but without
any shame, said--"I believe my sixpence must have slipped down."
"I did not know you gave me one, child."
"Yes, but she did, for I saw her," said Mr. Harewood, "though she was
not aware that I did. She gave it in silence, not from affectation, but a

kind motive towards one who could not appreciate it; but we will say
no more on this point. Ellen, you have gratified your father: I see in
your conduct the germ of a gentlewoman, and, what is infinitely more
precious, of a Christian."
Ellen sprung to her father's arms, and in his affectionate kiss found a
rich reward.
For a moment, Matilda thought to herself, what a piece of work is here
about sixpence, while they take no notice at all of a bright golden
half-guinea! but still her understanding combated this thought, for she
knew that all the present company saw beyond the surface, and
estimated the gift according to the spirit of the donor.
Betty now came in, and Mrs. Harewood gave her the money, telling her
to buy some frocks with it. Observing the servant eye the half-guinea,
she said--"That was the gift of Miss Hanson; she is very rich, it seems,
and gives out of her abundance. I am sure you will be grateful to her;
but if your fellow-servants, Betty, should spare, out of the little time
they have, enough to assist you in the making of these things, they will
be the best friends you meet with; for labour is much greater charity
than money."
Betty replied, that she was much obliged to all her friends, both above
and below, and especially to poor Zebby, who had offered, with her
lady's leave, to 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 exceedingly for leaving her to go after a
woman she had