was taller, and considerably better
formed, as she had cured herself of stooping, and all her motions indicated
sprightliness and agility.

Whilst Mrs. Hanson congratulated herself on this appearance, Zebby tapped
at the door, and, on being admitted, said, with a very long face and
doleful accent--"Oh dear, Missy, very bad ting have happened; de milliner
have sentee home Miss Ellen new frock, and no sentee yours. She say she
cannot makee till next week, because she very busy for little girls that
losee their mamma, and must have blackee clothes to-morrow day."

Mrs. Hanson's heart sunk, and she felt as if her pleasure for this day at
least was over, for she fully expected to see Matilda fly into a rage with
the messenger, the milliner, and indeed all the house; and she could
scarcely believe her own senses, when Matilda replied calmly--"Well, Zebby,
it cannot be helped, and it does not signify much; I am sure Mrs. Harewood
will excuse my want of a new dress on this occasion. To be sure, I should
have liked to look the same as dear Ellen; but how can I think of such a
trifling disappointment, when I remember it was caused by those unhappy
children, who are now mourning for their mamma?"

So saying, she turned, and eagerly threw her arms round a mother, who, in
the course of her whole life, had not embraced her with equal satisfaction;
but before she had time to express her pleasure, and injure her who caused
it, by the exaggerated praise which sprung to her lips, Matilda had run
down stairs, just to peep at Ellen's new dress, speak of the delight she
experienced in having gained her mother's society, and consult Miss
Campbell as to the frock she must substitute for the one intended to be
worn; and when Mrs. Hanson was left alone, she almost fancied that the
foregoing scene was a kind of drama, which had been introduced for the
purpose of surprising and pleasing her.

But observation confirmed her hopes, and justified her happiness. She
descended at dinner-time, and was introduced to the children of the family,
who, although little seen among so large a party, yet won her regard, from
the unaffected kindness and ease with which they treated her daughter; and
she observed, with approbation, that Matilda and Ellen were dressed exactly
alike; the latter having declined wearing the frock bought for her, since
her friend's could not be procured. Mrs. Hanson could not fail to love
Ellen, in whose countenance the good temper,