o Ellen's age, she was often
inclined to romp with him, when she should have minded her book; but she
was so fond of her mamma, and was educated with such a proper sense of the
duty and obedience she owed her, that a word or a look never failed to
restrain the exuberance of her spirits.

Children are alike naturally curious and fond of society; the moment,
therefore, Mr. Harewood mentioned their expected guest, every one had
some question to ask respecting her; but as Ellen's was uttered with most
mildness and modesty, she was first answered; and her brother Charles,
taking this hint, listened quietly to the following conversation, not
joining in it, till he felt that he had a right to do so, from having
practised a forbearance that cost him some effort.

_Ellen._--Pray, papa, what is this little girl's name, and how old is she?

_Father._--She is called Matilda Sophia Hanson: her father was a man of
good fortune, and she is an only child; I believe, however, his affairs are
in an unsettled state, as her mother is under the necessity of remaining
some time in the country, in order to settle them. It is at her earnest
request that I have been prevailed upon to accept the charge of her
daughter. I believe she is about a year younger than you; but as the growth
of people in warm countries is more rapid than in this, I expect to see her
quite as tall and forward as you, Ellen.

_Ellen._--But, dear papa, how will she get here from a place on the other
side of the globe? I mean, who will bring her? for I know, of course, that
she must come in a ship.

_Father._--She will be attended by a negro servant, who has always waited
upon her; and who will return after she is safely landed, I suppose.

_Ellen._--Poor thing! how she will cry when she leaves her own dear mamma,
when she is to cross the wide sea! and then again, when she parts with her
good nurse; I dare say she will kiss her very fondly, though she is a
black.

_Charles._--Oh, she will forget her sorrow when she sees so many things
that are quite new to her. I'm afraid she'll think Ellen, and us boys, very
silly, ignorant creatures, compared to her, who has seen so much of the
world: upon my word, we must be all upon our good behaviour.

_Father._--I hope you will behave well, not merely from conscious
inferiority, but because you would be both impolite and unkind, if you
omitted any thing in your power that could render a stranger happy, who is
so entirely throw