modesty, and sensibility which
characterized her, were strongly expressed; but she had not much time to
comment upon it, for the young party were now coming in, and attention
was in some degree divided. In a short time dinner was announced, and the
company, about thirty in number, were soon commodiously arranged round the
hospitable table.

Mrs. Harewood had thought it right to disperse her own family among her
guests, in order that they might pay proper attention to those near them,
as by that means she hoped that none of the invited would be neglected; and
according to this arrangement, which was made the preceding day, Matilda
took the place appointed for her, which happened to be at some distance
from her mamma, who sat, of course, next to Mrs. Harewood. In the bustle of
so large a party, Mrs. Hanson could scarcely observe even her daughter at
the beginning of the meal; but when the second course came in, she saw with
some pain a large dish of custards placed exactly before Matilda; and on
one of the company observing she had never seen such a noble dish of
custards before, Mrs. Hanson said--"Matilda is remarkably fond of them; I
am sorry they are so near her, for they are not wholesome."

"We seldom have such things on that account," said Mrs. Harewood; "but I
must own I think them well placed, because Matilda can help her friends
to them with ease."

These words drew the attention of the young ones, and Matilda soon received
so many plates to supply, that there appeared little probability of her
sharing in the feast. Edmund was near her, and gladly receiving his
mother's approving smile, he secured one for Matilda, which he put upon
her plate just before the last was demanded.

Ellen was equally busy distributing tarts near the bottom of the table. The
footman brought her a custard, which he said Miss Hanson had sent for her.

"She is very good," said Ellen, "but I had rather take a jelly, if she will
excuse my returning it."

The happy mother perceived that Matilda had sent Ellen the very custard
which Edmund's kindness had ensured for _her_. Delicious tears sprang to
her eyes; she perceived that Matilda was indeed a different creature; that
she had not only conquered a disgraceful propensity, but acquired a habit
of generous attention to others, of which there was at one period no hopes
in her character.

The dancing now commenced, and the West Indian acquitted herself with great
propriety; for although s