edingly for leaving _her_ to go after a woman she had never seen in her
life: but the next day, it was apparent that the lesson she had received
was not lost upon her; she appeared ashamed of her ignorance, and willing
to learn; and as all her young friends were very willing to instruct her,
in whatever they had the power, she soon began to make some progress in her
education; she was a child of good capacity, and, when roused to exertion,
unusually quick; and being at an age when the mind expands quickly, it was
no wonder that she soon gave evident marks of improvement. It was observed,
that as her mind became enlightened, her manners were softened, and her
petulance less obtrusive, though she was seen to suffer daily from the
habitual violence of her temper, and the disposition to insolence, which
unchecked power is so apt to foster in young minds.

Mrs. Harewood found the care of Matilda greatly increase her task of
managing her family, as one naughty child frequently makes another, by
raising up a spirit of contention and ill-humour; and Charles was so
frequently led into sallies of passion, or tempted to ridicule the fault in
his new companion, that his parents often lamented that they had accepted
such a burdensome charge: but when they saw any symptoms of improvement in
her, they were ever happy to foster the good seed; and in the consciousness
that they were not only raising up a human mind to virtue and happiness,
but preparing an immortal soul for heaven, they thought little of their own
trouble, and were even truly thankful that she had been intrusted to their
careful examination and affectionate discipline.

CHAPTER IV.

At the end of the week, Zebby came home, according to appointment; and
having paid her respects to her excellent lady, she ran up stairs, and
entered the apartment where the two young ladies were getting the tasks
assigned them by Mrs. Harewood. When Matilda first beheld her she had a
great inclination to embrace her, for her heart bounded towards the only
creature she had been acquainted with from her cradle; but she suddenly
checked herself, and pretended to continue her reading; but Ellen spoke to
her kindly, though she told her that she was so situated, as not to be able
to chat at present.

Zebby comprehended this, and would have withdrawn; but not to have a single
word from her, whom in her heart, she still considered as her young
mistress, the faithful creature could not end