ter to those whom Providence hath rendered our dependants."

Ellen listened to this with attention, and endeavoured to understand and
apply it; but both she and Matilda continued to pay the most affectionate
attentions to poor Zebby, whose disorder in a few days took a more
favourable turn than could have been expected, although the delirium did
not immediately subside, but rather affected her general temper, which,
under its influence, appeared as remarkably unpleasant and tormenting to
herself and all around, as it was formerly kind and obliging.

This period was indeed trying to Matilda, who was by no means sufficiently
confirmed in her virtuous resolutions, or good habits, to endure reproaches
where she merited thanks, even in a case where she was aware of deranged
intellect and real affection, either of which ought to have led her to
endure the wild sallies and troublesome pettishness of the suffering negro.
It must however be allowed, that if she did not do all she ought, she yet
did more than could have been once expected, and very greatly increased
the esteem and approbation of her friends.

Matilda, when she was not influenced by the bodily indolence which was
natural to her as a West-Indian, and which was rather a misfortune than her
fault, was apt to be too active and bustling for the stillness required in
a sick chamber; and whatever she did, was done with a rapidity and
noisiness, more in unison with her own ardent desire of doing good, than
the actual welfare of the person she sought to relieve; whereas Ellen never
for a moment lost sight of that gentle care and considerate pity, which was
natural to a mind attuned to tenderness from its very birth; and many a
time would she say--"Hush, Matilda! don't speak so loud; have a care how
you shut the door," &c.

One day they both happened to go in just as the nurse was going to give the
patient a basin of broth--"Let me give it her," said Matilda; "you know she
always likes me to give her any thing."

"Sometimes she does, when she knows you; but her head wanders to-day
sadly."

"Never mind," replied Matilda, in her hurrying manner, and taking the broth
from the woman in such a way that the basin shook upon the plate; on which
Ellen said--"Have a care, the broth seems very hot; indeed, _too_ hot for
Zebby to take."

Matilda fancied this caution an indirect attack upon her care, and she went
to the bedside immediately, and bolting up to the patient, who was