her. I was the person to blame, not
he; and many years of anguish have I lamented my folly and my
wretchedness."

"You loved him too much, mother, but it was a fault on the right side."

"No, Jack, that is an error of yours; it was a fault on the wrong side.
There is no credit to a mother in loving her children, for she cannot
help it. It is a natural instinct implanted in the mother's heart by the
Almighty, and in following this instinct we do no more than the beasts
of the field. The duty of a mother is to check that feeling as far as it
interferes with the happiness and well-doing of her children, and it is
her duty to do so, and to punish herself in correcting her children.
Jack, it is a selfish feeling which induces mothers to spoil their
children."

"At all events my mother has never spoiled me," replied I.

"No, Jack, she has not; but observe the consequence. You said just now
that excessive tenderness was a fault on the right side; now, how
completely have you proved the contrary! I do not intend to defend your
mother's conduct toward you; she has been unkind to you in your
childhood, and has never shown the affection that a mother ought; but is
not her fault a fault on the right side? Jack, you recollect my saying
'what a difference,' when you told me what you had done for your mother;
I then referred to my son and to you. I indulged him in everything,
sacrificed everything, and he robbed me and left me a beggar. Your
mother has been severe upon you, and yet the first time you have the
means of showing your duty you give her all the money you have in the
world. You mother may not be right, Jack, but I was dreadfully wrong,
and the result has proved it."

"Well, mother, go on, pray."

"My story is now soon told. I struggled on how I could for more than two
years by selling my furniture and a few ornaments, then the blow came.
When I heard it I would not remain in the town; I left for London,
picked up my living how I could and where I could, till at last I came
down here. Time was as a dream; reflection was too painful. I felt that
it was all my fault, all my own doing. My heart became hardened, and
continued so till I loved you, Jack; and now I have better feelings, at
least I think so."

"But, mother, what was the blow? Is he dead?"

"Yes, Jack, dead--dead on the gibbet. He was hanged for piracy at Port
Royal, Jamaica. Jack," said Nanny, seizing my hand, and pressing it in
her long fingers, "this is