pillow was strewed with those thorns which solicitude
had planted there.

CHAPTER XII.

The following morning the young people arose early, and were surprised to
find Mrs. Harewood also stirring; her amiable, affectionate heart promised
itself a treat, in witnessing the sweet emotions of Matilda, on hearing
the joyful tidings of her mother's arrival; nor was she disappointed--the
delighted girl manifested all the rapture of which her warm susceptible
heart was capable; and on hearing her mother slept in the crimson room, was
hastily bending her steps to the chamber, thus named from the colour of the
bed.

"But, my dear, it is yet early; your mamma was much fatigued with her long
journey from Falmouth: is it not a pity to disturb her, especially as she
has already seen and kissed you, although she would not awake you?"

Matilda stopped--"I do _so_ wish to see mamma," said she, "and to hear her
speak! but then to awake her for my own pleasure would be selfish, as I
used to be--I won't be selfish."

"That's right, my dear--you are now proving yourself truly
affectionate--you are preferring mamma to yourself."

"But I may just stand at the door and listen to her breathing, and so wait
till she moves."

"Certainly, my dear."

Away flew Matilda, happiest of the happy; and she had scarcely been ten
minutes on her station when Mrs. Hanson's bell rang, and Matilda instantly
opened the door, in silent but delightful expectation.

"Is my daughter awake?" said the fond mother.

"Oh, yes, yes, dear mamma, I am here!" cried she, springing to the
outstretched arms of her loved parent, who, in embracing her joyfully,
yet felt solicitude mingle with her joy, from the consciousness that her
earthly happiness was centred in this single object, and that upon her
future conduct rested the peace of both.

Mrs. Hanson did not rise for some hours, and her daughter breakfasted with
her, and spent the time principally in making inquiries after their old
friends in Barbadoes, so that Mrs. Hanson had no opportunity of observing
how her daughter was looked upon in the family, and on this eventful day,
the ball in the evening was naturally the subject uppermost on Matilda's
mind, so that there was yet no development of her real improvement.

At length Mrs. Hanson arose; her maid came in to dress her, and whilst this
took place, the mother beheld with delight the improvement which had taken
place in her darling's person, which