every evil to the inhabitants, as far as they can do it consistent with
their views: you know the emancipation of the slaves takes place gradually,
and by that means enables people to collect their money, to divert the
channels of their merchandise, or to make themselves friends of those who
have hitherto been held by the arm of power only. The grand shout of a
multitude restored to freedom is undoubtedly very attractive, and enough
to warm the heart of a benevolent enthusiast like Charles; but it is not
advisable to set food in great quantities before a starving man, lest he
eat himself into a surfeit. Ignorance is always in danger of using power
very ill, since we see that even the enlightened are frequently prone to
misuse it."

"Then I hope, mamma, it will turn out better than people think; and there
will be very little individual suffering from it."

"I am sorry to say, my dear, that notwithstanding what I have said, I yet
fear many persons will suffer; I know a widow myself, who is returning to
this country nearly destitute, after living many years in a state of
luxury; very happily she has only one child, and has not suffered her past
prosperity so to unnerve her mind, as to render her useless and desponding
in the day of adversity. On the contrary, she has the magnanimity to
rejoice in the freedom of the slaves, although that freedom has destroyed
her fortune."

At this moment, every eye was involuntarily bent on Matilda, who, feeling
undoubtedly some degree of compunction and shame, when she either thought
on her own former conduct, or the state of her country, had kept aloof till
now. At this moment she started, and, with a look of most anxious inquiry,
she cried--"Oh, ma'am! surely you do not mean my poor mamma? And yet--yes,
certainly you mean her--she has lived many years in prosperity--she has but
one child, and she is possessed of a pious, good heart, and a kind,
generous spirit, and would not wish the poor negroes to remain slaves--she
would rather work herself than injure any body. Dear Miss Campbell, pray
make me clever and good like yourself, and then I will be a governess, and
get money, and support dear mamma--_indeed_ I will."

The amazing rapidity with which these words were uttered, and the
perturbation of spirits which accompanied them, prevented Matilda from
perceiving that Mrs. Harewood was anxious to interrupt her; and even when
that good friend began to speak, she was too much affected a