r what the
good news was, which promised to benefit Sally, and make Matilda happy.

"I know," said Mrs. Harewood, "that the purchase of a mangle would set up
the poor woman in her profession as a washerwoman, and enable her to earn
at least ten shillings a-week more. It was my intention to purchase one for
her myself at Christmas; but I could not do it before, as my charity-purse
has been very much run upon lately. When Mr. Harewood comes in, I will ask
for the money, and to-morrow we will all go in the coach, and see Matilda
purchase it: but, my dear girl, suppose you just step and inform the poor
woman of your intention, which I am certain you had rather do without
witnesses; it will not only increase her pleasure, but enable her to
prepare her apartment for such a noble and useful piece of furniture."

Matilda left the room, but returned almost immediately.

"You have been very quick," said Ellen, in rather a murmuring voice; "I
wanted to know what she said and how she looked when you told her the good
news."

"I did not speak to her myself--I commissioned Zebby to do it, for I knew
it would give her quite as much pleasure as the poor woman herself could
receive; and surely she has a right to receive every good I can bestow, as
a slight atonement for the pain I have so very frequently given her."

Scarcely had Matilda given this proof of consideration and amiable feeling,
when Sally and Zebby rushed into the room together, followed by Betty, who
was truly grateful for the kindness thus bestowed on her sister.

Sally, with tears of joy, thanked her young benefactress; her words were
few, but they were those of respect and thankfulness, and showed she was
deeply sensible of the benefit she experienced.

Poor Zebby, delighted with the goodness of her young mistress, audibly
expressed her pleasure, with all the characteristic warmth of her country,
and not a little proud of those virtues which she fancied she had assisted
to nurture.--"Oh," cried she, "dis be my own beautiful Missy own goodness;
she makee joy in her mamma heart; she makee poor negro all happy--singee
and dancee every body; no more whip, massa Buckraman--every body
delight--every body glad--every body good Christian, when Missy go back!"

The spontaneous effusion of joy, uttered by this daughter of nature,
affected all the party, and the joyful bustle had not subsided when Mr.
Harewood entered. On being informed of the cause, he gave his full assent