y neglected, might have
been a sensible child. It instantly struck her, that his features disputed
her right; and, determined not to endure this from any one, she instantly
threw the beer in the face of poor Zebby, saying--"There's that for _you_,
madam."

It was not in the forbearance of the children to repress their feelings;
even Edmund exclaimed--"What a brute!"

Ellen involuntarily started up, and hid her face in her mother's lap, while
Charles most good-naturedly offered his handkerchief to the aggrieved
Zebby, kindly condoling with her on her misfortune.

Mr. Harewood now, for the first time, spoke.--"Zebby," said he, in a calm
but stern tone, "it is my strict command, that so long as you reside under
my roof, you never give that young lady any thing again, nor hold any
conversation with her: if you disobey my commands, I shall be under the
necessity of discharging you."

The young lady checked herself, and for a moment looked alarmed; but
recovering, she said--"She is not _yours_, and you sha'n't discharge her:
she is my _own_ slave, and I will do what I please with her; poor papa
bought her for me, as soon as I was born, and I'll use her as I please."

"But you know your mamma told you, that as soon as she arrived in England
she would be _free_, and might either return or remain, as _she_ pleased.
Now it so happens that she is much pleased with my family, and having a
sincere regard for your mother, she this morning requested Mrs. Harewood
to engage her in any service she could undertake: convinced that she was
worthy our protection, we have done this, and therefore all _your_ claims
upon her are over."

The little girl, bursting into a passionate flood of tears, ran out of the
room.

Poor Zebby, courtesying, said--"Sir, me hopes you will have much pity on
Missy--she was spoily all her life, by poor massa--her mamma good, very
good; and when Missy pinch Zebby, and pricky with pin, then good mississ
she be angry; but massa say only--'Poo! poo! she be child--naughty tricks
wear off in time.' He be warm man himself."

The poor negro's defence affected the little circle, and Mr. Harewood
observing it, said--"You perceive, my dear children, that this child is
in fact far more an object of compassion than blame, for she has been
permitted to indulge every bad propensity of her nature, and their growth
has destroyed that which was good; of course, her life has been unhappy in
itself, yet punishment has not pr