llected Matilda's scanty dinner. Thomas once
handed it all round, and Mr. Harewood then said--"Set it down; when the
children want it, they will ask you for it."

All the children remembered poor Matilda's wants, and in order that she
might have plenty, without any more being ordered, or any thing in
reference to the past being mentioned, with true delicacy of feeling,
forbore to eat any more, so that Matilda could not repeat their words in
asking, which she now determined to do. She was very hungry, and the toast
looked very tempting, as it stood before the fire.

Matilda looked at the toast, and then at the footman; her cheek glowed, her
eye was subdued, but her tongue did not move. Thomas, however, handed her
the toast, and she then articulately said--"Thank you."

This was heard, but no notice was taken; they knew that much false shame
attends the first efforts to subdue pride and passion, and they feared lest
even approbation should be misconstrued.

In order to divert the general attention, Mrs. Harewood said--"I forgot to
ask Betty what made her run in such a hurry as to occasion her accident,
for I gave her leave to go out, and stay till nine o'clock, and it is only
seven now, I believe."

"I believe, madam," said Thomas, very respectfully, "she came home in
haste, because her sister has twins; and as you promised her some caudle,
she came to tell the cook to make it, and likewise to get some little
matter of clothing, from her own clothes, for the baby that is
unprovided."

"Poor woman!" said Mrs. Harewood; "we must all help; this little stranger
has a claim on us."

Ellen clapped her hands--"Oh, mamma, may I make it a nightcap?"

"Yes, my dear; I will get some old linen, and cut out a few things, after
tea."

"I will give you a crown, my dear," said Mr. Harewood; "as I cannot assist
in sewing, I must help to buy needles and thread."

"And I will give you a shilling, mamma," said Edmund, "if you please."

"Oh dear," said Charles, "I am very sorry, but I have only fourpence,
because I spent all my money on my new kite; but if that will do any good,
mamma----"

"It will do good, Charles, and I will not grieve you by refusing it,
because I see you are sorry that you have no more, which will teach you
another time to be provident, and then you will not be under the necessity
of giving your last farthing, or refusing to be charitable, when such a
case occurs again."

Ellen handed Charles's fourpence