_Tho’ I am but a boy, yet I’ll do the best I can,
And I’ll try to earn something, altho I’m not a man;_
_But when I am older, nay_, Jenny, _do not cry,
For the loss of thy father and mother I’ll supply_.
_I’ll go to yon farm house, and beg a bit of bread;
And if I get a morsel, my_ Jenny _shall be fed;
Then do not weep so sore, for I hope we know the worst,
And to see you look so dismal my heart it will burst_.
_Old grannum she will help us, and work for to maintain;
And when I am bigger, I’ll pay it all again._
_Tho’ as yet I cannot dig, yet a gleaning I may go,
Then stop your tears, my_ Jenny, _for I cannot see them flow.
When I pass thro’ the church yard, where Daddy is at rest;
I cannot help sobbing, and a sigh will heave my breast:
And I think to myself, if my_ Jenny _too should die,
Ah! who would her place to her_ Richard _e’er supply.
Then, my sister, cheer thine heart, and do not look so sad;
If we can but live together, matters will not be so bad.
Now the blackberries are ripe, and I’ll gather some for thee;
And we’ll eat them, my_ Jenny, _beneath yon hollow tree.
I know too, my love, where some honey may be found;
For I have oft mark’d the place, which the bees do surround;
And I’ll take some for thee, for young_ Robin _taught me how,
One day when I followed in the field with his plow.
Then, my_ Jenny, _be but happy, and cheer us with a smile;
For I fain would make thee blest, and thy sorrows all beguile_.
_Tho’ poor Daddy is no more, yet_, Richard _loves his_ Jane,
_And all thy tears, my sister, can’t bring him back again_.
Perhaps it may be thought an uncommon effort for little _Dick_ to turn
poet at so early an age, and with so few advantages from education. But
there is no answering for the powers of natural genius, and many a one
may regard the attempt as _impossible_, merely because they are too
indolent to exert their faculties. _Richard_ had been taught to read and
write at the charity school of the parish where he lived: and as no
application had been wanting on his part, the progress he made did equal
credit to his own abilities, and the attention of his master, with whom
his merit made him a great favourite.
_Jenny_ was likewise put to a small school at a little distance, by the
benevolence of the vicar’s wife, (with whom such instances were very
frequent) and by her assiduity recommended herself to her mistress, who
would often propose her example as a pattern to the rest of her
scholars.
[Illustration]
The next morning, when mother _Trusty_ got up to her daily labour, she
kissed her grand-children, and told then to go to school early, and not
stay and play afterwards: but to return back again, for she would
probably come home to dinner. This they promised to do; and after they
had learned their lessons they affectionately hugged each other and
diligently set forward with their books in their hands. But _Jenny_ in a
few minutes returned to fetch me, in order to exhibit her new present to
her school-fellows. We soon arrived at a cottage, the apartments of
which were neither large nor numerous; but the exquisite cleanness of it
was truly admirable. The mistress, whose name was _Markall_, was dressed
in a blue and white striped gown, which was rather of the coarsest
materials; but was put on with the neatness of a Quaker, as was a
plain-bordered mob, with a white cloth binder, and a coloured silk
handkerchief; which, with the addition of a checked apron, and a black
petticoat, will give a pretty good idea of her appearance. She commended
_Jenny_ for coming early, and having inquired after her grandmother and
brother, heard her read, and repeat the lesson she had the day before
given her to learn. Soon after which, _Betsey Field_, _Nanny Hay_, and
the rest of the scholars arrived; among which number were likewise
several boys. As the room door (which indeed was the door of the house
too) was left open for the benefit of the air, and as one of the forms
where the girls were at work was placed on that side, they were many of
them better disposed to watch the passing of a cart, or a wheel-barrow;
or to attend the flight of birds, and butterflies, than to mind their
works: and Mrs. _Markall_ punished several of them, with a few strokes
of a little cane, which lay on her table for that purpose.
[Illustration]
After she had heard them read, they stood round her in a circle to
spell; and those who were so negligent as to mistake, lost their place
in the set, and exchanged with their more attentive companions. A
precedency in the ring was coveted with great ardour, and encouraged a
spirit of emulation among them, as to stand first, (which was my
mistress’s distinction) was regarded as an acknowledgement of superior
excellence. When they had finished their business, and the wished-for
hour of twelve struck, from the church clock, which was very near Mrs.
_Markall_’s house, they all made their rustic courtesies and bows to the
Dame, and poured, like a swarm of summer flies, into the lane. The whole
body of them stood a for a few moments to interchange their mutual
salutations: when some divided to the right hand, and the other party to
the left, which led to the church porch; where they seated themselves to
be sheltered from the intense heat of the sun; and _Jenny_, with a smile
of conscious satisfaction, produced me to her companions. Though she was
anxious to display what she was so well pleased with herself, yet she
began to be apprehensive for my safety, when the girls, with unpolished
rudeness, all scrambled for a sight of her present at the same time. At
last the two whole names were above-mentioned, pursued _Polly Chaunt_
who was in possession of me, and after scuffling on the grass, till
_Nanny Hay_ knocked her head with great violence against one of the tomb
stones, and _Betsey_ sprained her wrist in trying to wrench me from
_Polly_, she ran home with the prize with so much swiftness, as to
outstrip all her competitors. What became of poor _Jenny_ I cannot tell,
nor how she bore the loss of me; but I could not help reflecting how
much better it would have been, had these girls been sufficiently
polite, to have each satisfied their own curiosity, and then have
resigned me to the inspection of others. Whereas, by all eagerly
snatching me at once, they dirted my outside, and pulled me quite out of
shape; together with making them all very angry and foolishly commencing
a quarrel, of which the first consequences were the wounds I have
mentioned. _Polly Chaunt_, whose property I so unjustly became, was the
daughter of the parish clerk. He was by trade a shoemaker, and had three
children, two girls and a boy. His wife was a notable little woman, who
took care of some poultry, pigs, and asses, which were allowed to feed
upon a green before the house.
[Illustration]
As soon as my new mistress arrived at home, her mother ordered her to
prepare what was wanted for dinner, at the same time telling her, she
was much displeased that she did not return from school sooner. _Polly_
answered in a manner which convinced me, she was more pert than prudent;
and ran into a little back wash-house to her sister, who was taking a
piece of bacon out of the saucepan, and who likewise chid her delay;
adding, that dinner was ready, and she had been wanted to lay the table
cloth. In reply to this, she told the history I have just related, and
produced me to her sister, who wiping her hands on a bit of rag which
hung on a nail in the window, took me up to examine: When lo! _Polly_
who was at all times too hasty to attend to reason, nor chusing that
_Sukey_ should touch me for fear of spoiling my beauty, hastily snatched
me from her, and dropped me, not into the saucepan which I escaped, but
into a bason of soap and water which stood near it, and in which Mrs.
_Chaunt_ had just been washing her hands. Upon this arose a quarrel
between the sisters, which was terminated by the entrance of their
father, who insisted on their bringing his dinner immediately; and
_Polly_, after having carefully wiped, laid me on a clean handkerchief
to dry. I staid with this family some days, and was witness to many
disagreements between the different parties which composed it; but as I
do not think the recital of illiberal abuse could afford any
entertainment to my readers, I shall not trouble myself to repeat it.
But the folly of such behaviour must be evident to every reflecting
mind, when it is considered, that although the scenes I have mentioned
passed in the low-life of poverty, yet the same ill-humour, would
occasion equal animosity, in the most affluent circumstances. And though
no situation can justify fretful petulance, yet, it was certainly more
excusable in girls, who were untaught by education, and unpolished by
politeness, than in those, with whom the utmost care has been exerted,
and who have had all the advantages of reading and instruction to
contribute to their improvement. That it is possible for good-humour,
and a determined endeavour to please, in a great measure to supply the
deficiency of acquired graces, may be seen in the characters of
_Richard_ and _Jenny_, whose affection to each other must interest every
one in their favour: And the same sweetness of temper, will likewise
recommend to my readers’ esteem, the agreeable _Hannah Mindful_, to whom
I was given one _Sunday_ afternoon by _Polly Chaunt_, in a walk which
they took together after church. And sincerely glad was I to exchange
mistresses, as my last had been so ill-tempered and quarrelsome, and had
taken me in so unjustifiable a manner, from the good-natured little
_Jenny_. _Hannah_ was near fourteen years old and the eldest of six
children. Her mother was a very worthy woman, but was afflicted with
such bad health, that she was seldom able to leave her bed. Her father
had a small farm, and was very industrious in his business, and very
careful of his family; and I was quite astonished to think, of how much
service _Hannah_’s attention proved to her brothers and sisters; and
what a comfort it was to her sick mother, to have such a good girl, in
whom she could confide, and to whose care she could entrust them.
[Illustration]
After she had parted from my late owner, she was met in her way home by
the vicar, whose lady was mentioned as the benefactress of my favourite
_Jenny_, and who with her husband was returning to his house. He stopt
at the gate, and desired _Hannah_ to wait there, or amuse herself in the
garden, while he went to fetch a medicine which he had promised to send
to her mother; and at his return presented her with a couple of fine
peaches, which he told her to eat, as she was a good girl. She thanked
him very civilly, and after wishing him good-night, ran home as fast as
possible, for fear her mother should want her; to whom she immediately
presented her present, without offering to taste them herself. A niece
of Mr. _Mindful_’s lived at this time in his house, whose name was
_Sally Flaunt_; and who had been a half boarder at a great school near
_London_, where she was put by a relation, whose death had left her no
friend but her uncle. She was entirely unprovided for; yet was so
inconsiderately proud, as to make herself a burden to the family,
instead of trying to be of any service; which she might have had
sufficient opportunity of being, as she was near fifteen, and very tall
of her age. When _Hannah_ rose in the morning to assist in getting
breakfast, dressing her sisters; and making the beds, _Sally_ would
disdainfully turn round to sleep, because it was in her silly opinion,
unlike a lady to get up early. Without any fortune, or the slightest
recommendation but her industry, she was ever foolishly aiming at a rank
in life, to which she had no pretensions; and without sense to
distinguish, that it is gracefulness of manners, and superior learning,
that form the essential difference between high life and poverty; and
that merit is as much entitled to respect in the lowest circumstances of
indigence, as in the most exalted station, she was so weak as to
imagine, that by imitating some of those foibles she had seen in girls
who had more fortune than understanding, she should be thought to
resemble them, and meet with that regard which is not bestowed on
riches, but on the supposed worth of those who possess them. While
_Hannah_ went up stairs to carry some water-gruel to her mother, she
dispatched one of her little sisters to tell _Sally_ that breakfast was
ready; but as she had slept so long, it was some time before she could
make her appearance; and Mr. _Mindful_, who was justly displeased with
her indolence, told one of his children to carry her milk away; for that
those who were too lazy to provide for themselves, and to be ready at
the proper time, might go without food. When _Sally_ therefore came
down, she was much disappointed to hear, that a fast was for the present
enjoined as her portion; and looking very much out of humour, she walked
into the garden. He followed her out; and as she was turning round a
little yew hedge which fronted a field he took hold of her hand, and
pulling her in to the kitchen, told her, he was displeased at her
behaviour. “You are very foolish, _Sally_,” said he, “because you have
been to school, to imagine that you have nothing further to do, than sit
with your hands before you, and play the _fine lady_. You have no money
to provide for yourself, and there is no person will take care of you,
if you do not work hard to get your bread. Behave as you should, and I
will treat you as my own child: but if you have too much pride to know
your duty, and will not mind my advice, I will turn you out, to try
where you can live better than with me.”
[Illustration]
_Sally_ knew she durst not reply to this positive speech; and fearing
her uncle should become more angry, she promised to behave better, and
walked up stairs to _Hannah_, who was dusting the furniture in her own
room. To her she related the above particulars, with the tears running
down her cheeks, and with the most dismal sobs of distress and passion.
My good-natured mistress compassionately kissed her, and wept to see her
disturbance; but indeed, my dear _Sally_, said she, I wish you would try
to exert yourself, and as you _cannot_ be a lady you had better
endeavour to please my father. You see, we all live very happily, and I
am sure I would do all in my power to make you do so too: so cheer up
your spirits, and do not weep so sadly. “I cannot, replied _Sally_, very
crossly! indeed you may, who have never seen any higher life: but where
I was at school do you think any of the ladies scoured the rooms, or
milked the cow, or went to such work as washing and ironing? O!
_Hannah_, had you seen the caps, and feathers, and muslin and gauze
frocks, which they used to wear on a dancing day, and how smart they
looked in their silk shoes, or else red morocco ones, you would not
wonder that I do not like these great black leather things, (and she
scornfully tossed out her foot as she spoke.) Indeed, _Hannah_, I could
cry, whenever I see you and your sisters cloathed in such coarse gowns,
with your black worsted stockings, and with that check handkerchief on
your neck, and your round cloth caps, with that piece of linen for a
ribbon. I cannot bear it! and I wish I was any thing, but what I am.” O,
fie, _Sally!_ said _Hannah_, that is quite ungrateful for the good
things which you are blessed with, to talk in such a manner as that.
“What good things? retorted the haughty girl raising her voice, and
growing more angry. Do you call this dowlass shift, this coarse apron,
this linsey woolsey gown, _good things_? Or do you call the brown bread
we eat, or the hard dumplings you were making just now, _good things_?
And, pray this old worm-eaten bed without any curtains to it, and this
little widow which is too small to admit one’s head out, and what little
hole there is, quite crammed full of honeysuckles; or this propped up
chest of drawers, or that good for nothing chair with a great hole in
the bottom, which you know _Bet_ nearly fell through yesterday, when she
got upon it to reach the box which holds her _Sunday_ straw hat, do you
call these _good things_? because if you do, I am sorry you know no
better.” I should be sorry indeed, rejoined _Hannah_, with rather more
displeasure than was usual to her, if I knew so much of high life, as to
be discontented with what my father and mother can afford. I think our
bread is as good as any body need wish for? and I am sure the dumplings
you so scornfully mention, will be very well tasted and wholesome. As to
the furniture, if it is old, I will answer for its being clean, _Sally_;
and my father says, he can nail a piece of board over that chair, which
will last as many years as the back does. And as to our cloaths, I am
sure they are whole and tight; for I would work my fingers to the bone,
before I would see them otherwise. They are coarse to be sure; but they
are as good as our neighbours, and many a one would be thankful to have
such to put on: and though you speak so proudly of the house and every
thing in it, I have seen the ladies at _Oakly Hall_, who are worth as
much money as would buy all the villages for twenty miles round, come as
kindly and sit down in my mother’s room, and take hold of my hand, and
my sisters, and speak as prettily as if I had been a _lady_ too; without
looking at the chairs, or finding fault with the bed. And Miss
_Goodhall_, although she is dressed so handsomely, never seems to think
about it; and the last time she stopt here took the loaf out of my
father’s hand, and said, let me cut Mrs. _Mindful_ a piece of bread and
butter! I can do it very well, and it shall be thin, such as I know she
can eat. And she brought with her a cannister of sago, and went herself
to the fire, and poured the water to mix it, and put some wine into it,
which she brought with her; and showed me the way to do it; with so much
good-nature, that I do not think you need be so very proud, _Sally_, and
look so unhappy about your situation. And I assure you, she has
sometimes eaten our bread, and always said it was very good. _Hannah_
was here interrupted by one of her sisters, who came to call her to
assist her mother who was going to get up. She attended her immediately,
and taking me out of her pocket, into which she hastily put me at the
conclusion of the above conversation, she placed me on the table, while
she assisted Mrs. _Mindful_ in putting on a clean cap and bed-gown: and
after she had helped her to an old elbow chair, she made the bed; which,
as soon as she had finished, she went into the garden, and returning
with a nice nosegay of flowers, placed them in a little white stone mug
upon the table, in order, by their sweetness, to refresh and please her
mother, as she was very fond of them. She then kissed her with great
tenderness, and begged her to take an egg beat up with some milk, which
she immediately got ready. These little services were all performed with
so much alacrity and good-nature, and such visible pleasure in her
countenance, as doubled the merit of all her actions. It was impossible
indeed to see her, without thinking how very agreeable it is in the
power of good-nature and industry, to make those who have no other
advantages to recommend them.
[Illustration]
_Hannah Mindful_ was a healthy looking country girl, her complexion was
burnt by the sun, and her hands hardened by laborious toil: she was not
ornamented by dress, though her person was at all times made agreeable
by neatness: she had never been taught those graces, which so forcibly
recommend the possessor to general observation; but a constant
cheerfulness, and a desire of obliging, which was never interrupted by
petulance, made her beloved by every one who knew her. To be as
good-natured as _Hannah Mindful_, was the highest praise of every girl
in the village; and every mother was ready to propose her conduct, as an
example to her own children. If there was a piece of bread, which her
sisters liked better than the rest of the loaf, she would save it for
them by turns, whenever she had opportunity. If any of them went out to
play, and forgot the business which fell to their share, or which their
mother had ordered them to do, she would either fetch them home again,
or, (if in her power) do it for them herself. By this she often saved
them from punishment. One day when her father had brought two ribbons
from a fair, for her sister _Molly_ and herself, he gave _Hannah_ the
liberty of chusing first. She directly took a pink, which was her
favourite colour; and left a dark green, which was what she most
disliked: but afterwards finding her sister wished for the one she had
chosen, she gave it to her immediately, with as much readiness, as if
she had approved of the exchange from the preference to the colour she
disliked. _Sally_ told her she thought it was foolish to give up what
she had in her possession; but _Hannah_, with a generosity which did
great credit to the goodness of her disposition, replied, that she
should never have worn with comfort, what she evidently saw her sister
was desirous to obtain: and I declare, added she, I feel a much higher
gratification in the idea of giving pleasure to my dear _Molly_, than I
should receive from any difference of colour, or from a present of much
greater value. _Sally_ was not of that opinion; for, the indulgence of
pride is the occasion of selfishness, and the cause of the most
despicable meanness. By wishing for greater riches, and despising that
way of life to which she was destined, her heart was constantly agitated
by anxious vexation. Whereas, _Hannah_ was always cheerful,
good-humoured, and contented: and the same incidents, which to the one
were the occasion of dissatisfaction and complaint, the other submitted
to, without repining, and rejoiced with gratitude at the felicity of her
lot.
[Illustration]
And thus, my young readers, will it be with persons of higher rank, than
those of whom I am now writing. If you make yourself unhappy, because
some of your companions have, more elegant cloaths, or a greater variety
than yourself: or because it may suit the fortune of their parents, to
make more splendid entertainments, than the choice or circumstances of
yours will admit; if they ride in their father’s carriage, while you
walk on foot and unattended, remember, that is no rational cause of
uneasiness. It is not the _station_, but the propriety with which it is
sustained, that is the real matter of concern. A _beggar_ may be more
respectable than a _Prince_, if he is sunk to indigence by misfortune;
and exerts his utmost powers, to act with industry, and maintain the
proper conduct which his situation requires. Let me advise you then, not
to wish for that finery, which would be unsuitable to your
circumstances; but to submit to the discretion of your parents, because
they must know best what is proper for you. _Sally Flaunt_ had not the
power to make her uncle’s brown bread in the least degree whiter,
although she was too fretful to eat it with satisfaction. She could not
enlarge the rooms, or repair the furniture, by her discontent; but she
might have been as happy as her cousin, had she been disposed to be good
humoured. When any business is necessary to be performed, if it is done
with sullenness and ill-will, it becomes the most laborious toil and
most irksome employment; but if it is executed with cheerfulness, it is
much sooner dispatched, and the fatigue is considerably abated. It is
time, however, to return to my own adventures, without trespassing
longer on your patience by my advice.
[Illustration]
I had continued some time with my mistress, when Mr. _Goodall_ (whose
daughter I believe I have before mentioned, gave an entertainment to his
tenants, on account of her attaining her eighteenth year. Mr. _Mindful_,
out of kindness to his family, determined to stay at home himself, and
take care of his wife, while he dispatched all the young ones who were
of a proper age, to enjoy an amusement which would afford them so much
pleasure. _Hannah_ dressed herself and two sisters, as neat as rustic
simplicity could adorn them. They had each of them light brown stuff
gowns, white aprons and handkerchiefs, with straw hats; her own with
green and her sisters with pink ribbons. They had all a nosegay of
flowers in their bosoms, and with the freshness of innocence and health
glowing in their cheeks, prepared to set out for _Oakly Hall_. _Hannah_
did not forget to get ready every thing she thought her mother might
want in her absence; and with a kiss off filial affection bade her
adieu.
[Illustration]
_Jack Mindful_, her brother, was a lad of about thirteen, very active
and sprightly, and sometimes apt to be extremely mischievous. I have had
no opportunity before this to introduce him to the notice of my readers;
but the part he took in dressing his cousin for the intended sport, will
make it necessary to exhibit him on the present occasion. _Sally_, whose
attention was wholly engrossed by the pride of excelling her companions
in the finery of her cloaths, had been for some days busily employed in
mending an old silk coat, which had been given her during her stay at
school. It had originally been ornamented with gauze cuffs, which were
grown dirty and yellow with keeping: the rest of the trimming was
sufficiently decayed, to make it a rather despicable garb: and Mrs.
_Mindful_, who justly thought such shabby finery very improper for her
niece’s situation, infilled upon her going in a new garnet coloured
stuff, which she had lately bought her. This _Sally_ was much distressed
at, and communicated her intention to her cousin _Jack_, who promised to
assist her in her design; which was, after she had taken leave of Mrs.
_Mindful_, to carry her cloaths to a barn at some distance, and there
put on the _silk coat_, which she imagined would make her so much better
respected by the family at _Oakly Hall_. To this place she then
repaired, her heart beating with expectation, and flattered with the
imagination of outshining all her companions. She had made up a new cap
for the occasion; and as she was very tall and womanly in her
appearance, thought if she could make any substitute for a cushion it
would much improve her fashionable appearance. On this great occasion,
she borrowed me of _Hannah_, who went before her cousin; as she did not
chuse to have any witness but _Jack_, who was the only person entrusted
with this important secret. At the barn then we soon arrived, and her
stuff gown was thrown off with disdain, while she prepared, with the
assistance of an old triangular bit of a broken looking glass, to equip
for the desirable expedition. After placing the cushion, which, she had
taken great pains to complete, and pinning her hair over it with a piece
of black ribbon, she put on her cap; which exhibited the most taudry
collection of old gauze, bits of ribbon, and slatternly tassels, that
can well be imagined. At last came the trial of the coat, which as it
had been made very long behind, was in that respect tolerable; but its
appearance in front was so short, as to be really ridiculous. During the
time she was looking at her head in the glass, _Jack_ in turning round
hastily threw it down a hole which he had purposely contrived, and where
it was impossible to regain it, as it was so instantly out of sight,
that _Sally_ had not an idea where it had vanished, her search was
totally in vain, and she could only finish her dress by _Jack_’s
direction. He pretended to admire her appearance extremely, and to make
it the more complete, he had before tied a couple of sheep’s feet to a
piece of ribbon, which he now pinned to her shoulders, fastening them
close to her back with another string which he likewise pinned down; and
by way of addition to the streamers in her cap, he suspended a number of
bits of straw, which he had tied together with a piece of pack-thread.
With these burlesque ornaments she hurried with him to the _Hall_; and
as she was entering the door which led to the house, under pretence of
fastening a piece of the trimming which he said he could improve, he
undid the lower pins, and let the sheeps feet dance about on her back,
to the unspeakable entertainment of every beholder. The laugh which her
appearance occasioned covered her with confusion: and her pride was
mortified in the highest degree, to find her finery treated with such a
degree of contemptuous mirth; instead of that admiration, with which she
had flattered herself.
[Illustration]
The boys were eager to dissect her head dress, and _Polly Chaunt_, who
was of the party, very maliciously pinned one of her cuffs to the table
cloth, as she was lolling her head on her hand to hide those tears of
vexation which she could not forbear. Unfortunately she rose in some
haste, upon the appearance of Mr. _Goodall_, who entered the room to
welcome his guests, and dragged down the salt-seller, and several
plates, knives, forks, and spoons; which had they been brittle materials
would have been certainly demolished; but as the whole service was of
pewter, they escaped unhurt. The bustle which this accident occasioned,
still more disconcerted the unfortunate _Sally Flaunt_; who bursting
into tears very hastily left the room. In the angry jirk, with which she
walked away from the company, her two shoulders were saluted with the
sheeps feet, in such a manner, as to make her imagine she had received a
blow, which she turned round very quickly in order to resent: but the
agility of her motions, only served to repeat the imagined offence, the
author of which, however, she found it impossible to discern. But as she
was going through an apartment which led to the garden, she discovered
her own figure in a large pier glass; the sight of which so fully
completed her vexation, that she determined to hurry home immediately;
and snatching her handkerchief from her pocket to wipe her eyes, she
whirled me out with it to a considerable distance, and without
perceiving her loss, left me to enjoy my own reflections. The thought of
_Sally_’s ridiculous vanity entirely took up my attention. How happily
might she have passed the day had she been contented to do so in her
proper character; but by assuming a superiority to her companions, she
excited the contempt of _Jack Mindful_, who was determined to mortify
her pride, by making her an object of ridicule; and though his
mischievous intention was certainly extremely blameable, yet it was her
own folly which put the execution of it into his power. Had she not
determined so meanly to deceive, and disobey her aunt, by pretending to
comply with her advice at the very moment she was preparing to act in
opposition to it, she would have escaped that mortification, which,
however, it might excite pity, was undoubtedly deserved.
[Illustration]
I lay unperceived by the door of a little closet till the next morning;
when Mr. _Betty_, who came to sweep the room, picked me up, and laid me
for some time on a marble slab; after she had finished her business, I
accompanied her to breakfast. My new mistress was a pleasing young
woman, who was a housmaid in Mr. _Goodall_’s family. She sat down with
the laundry-maid, whose name was _Joice_, and who complained very much
of the heat of the weather, I have been so ill for some days past, said
she, that I can with difficulty stand to wash; and the heat of the fire
when I am ironing makes me much worse than I should otherwise be: and
then Miss _Sophy_ is so careless, she never considers what will dirt her
cloaths, nor how much work she occasions. I am sure her sister at her
age was always neat and nice, with half the number of frocks and
petticoats which she requires. I wonder that a young lady should not
have more compassion for a poor servant. “That is because they do not
know the trouble it is, replied _Betty_; but indeed _Joice_, Miss
_Sophy_, is the same in every thing. If she is cutting a piece of gauze,
or paper, she is sure to make a litter all over the room; and I have
often seen her cut a card into a thousand bits on the carpet, without
making any use of it at all: and if she is undoing her work, or picking
her doll’s cloaths to pieces, she will strew the threads on the floor,
without thinking how much trouble it gives me to take them up again. But
if she would but put her bits of rubbish into a piece of paper, it might
be taken away without any difficulty.”
[Illustration]
She will never be beloved like her sister, said _Joice_. And then she
does not look so much like a young lady; for _Jerry_ says, that when he
is waiting at dinner, he cannot help looking at her, to see how she
leans against the table, (that is one way in which she makes her frock
so dirty) and takes such great mouthfuls, and eats so exceeding fast, as
if she were starving, and thought she should lose her dinner; and
sometimes she drinks without wiping her mouth, and very frequently when
it is not empty. “O! I have seen her myself, interrupted _Betty_; I have
seen her when I have waited at breakfast, grasp the spoon in her hand
quite down to the bowl of it, and my mistress has told her it looked
very unmannerly: and then she altered it for a minute, but has soon held
it as awkwardly as ever. But what I am most angry with her for, is
slopping her milk, or tea, on the tables, just after I have rubbed them
till they are as bright as looking-glasses; and then she smears her
hands across, and all my labour goes for nothing. I wonder how she would
like this hot day to have such violent exercise. But ladies have often
little consideration for their servants feelings.” To be sure, said Mrs.
_Joice_, my master and mistress, and Miss _Goodall_, are very
good-natured, _Betty_; and Miss _Sophy_ will I hope, think more of the
consequence of her actions when she is older. I would do any thing in
the world for my mistress she speaks so kindly, and when I am ill, she
says, “Take your time, _Joice_, and do not fatigue yourself to-day, I
hope you will be better to-morrow.” I do not care how I slave when
people are considerate, and seem to think I do my duty. During the
latter part of this conversation, Mrs. _Betty_ had laid me on the table,
and was pinning her gown close, which had before hung loose, only
fastened with one pin at the top, and the two sides turned behind; and
at the conclusion of it, Mrs. _Joice_ who had been clearing away the
breakfast things, folded me up in the table-cloth, and carrying me under
her arm to the poultry yard, shook me out with the crumbs. She turned
round at the same time, to speak to a gardener, who was emptying some
seeds out of his blue apron upon the dunghill, and did not see my fall.
After her departure, I was pecked at alternately by almost all the
fowls, till at last I was tossed by a bantam hen, under a little water
tub, where I have lain ever since. My last unfortunate adventure has so
dirtied my outside, that I should not now be known. But if the recital
of what has hitherto befallen me has at all engaged the readers regard,
I hope I shall not lose their approbation, from a change of situation or
appearance.
[Illustration]
The catastrophe which has thus reduced me, was entirely unexpected; and
should teach them, that no seeming security can guard from those
accidents, which may in a moment reduce the prospect of affluence to a
state of poverty and distress; and therefore it is a mark of _folly_, as
well as _meanness_, to be proud of those distinctions, which are at all
times precarious in enjoyment, and uncertain in possession.