hardening
their hearts against the claims of humanity, in a short time become capable
of every possible enormity."

An awful silence, strikingly contrasted with the late lively dance and
its following conversational bustle, now sat on every tongue; the
self-convicted were ashamed of their conduct, the doubtful satisfied, and
the friendly delighted; and desirous of stamping an important lesson, in
the moment of awakened feeling and intelligence, Mr. Harewood continued to
say--"Human nature, alas! is full of bad propensities; and when situation
and the power of indulgence strengthen them, no wonder that man becomes
selfish first, then hard-hearted, and lastly, even ferocious towards
others. When, enlightened by education and taught by religion, he rises
from this state of barbarity, and becomes not only civilized, but humane,
gentle, condescending, and charitable, he merits great praise, for he has
achieved great labour--he has conquered great difficulty; the very angels
in heaven rejoice over him; and this child, this blushing, trembling,
self-condemning, but self-corrected child, has done this. Look up, my dear
Matilda! let who will sneer at you, I am proud of you; and there is not one
person present who would not honour themselves, if they could secure your
friendship. I was the first to correct you, nor will I ever flatter you;
but I will always protect and defend you, so long as you continue to merit
the high regard I now feel for you."

The sweetest tears she had ever shed now ran down the cheeks of Matilda,
as Mr. Harewood pronounced this eulogy; and it will be easily conceived,
that all the really good and sensible part of the company eagerly sought
to soothe her spirits, and convince her of their regard, while her late
tormentors either slunk away, as much ashamed as they were despised, or
by an ingenuous confession of error, paved the way for returning esteem.

Miss Holdup arrogated to herself great praise for having defended what she
called the right side; and so delighted was poor Ellen with every body and
every thing which favoured her young friend, that she began to take a great
fancy to the silly affected girl, merely because she thought that she loved
Matilda; but Matilda herself felt that her severest pang had arisen from
the very defence thus adopted; and while she thanked Miss Holdup for her
good wishes, she yet shrank more than ever from forming an intimate
acquaintance with one whom she considered as