Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1848-08-24
From Godey's Lady's Book
JESSIE HAMPTON.
BS KATE SUTHERLAND.

a handsomely furnished drawing-ro0m. She
laid aside the book which she was reading,
and without making any reply, rose up quick.
ly and retired Two ar three persons, NOM
bers Of the family were present. All observed
the effect of Mrs Freeman S words, yet no one
had heard what was sand. Nor would they
have been aware that more than request for
some service had been made, but for the lady s
remarks as the girl left the room.
] " | might as well begin at once, and let Jes-
sic know her place"
/ "What did you say to her ma asked a
young lady, who sat swinging herself IL
large rocking chair.
Il simply asked he, what she was doing
here"
I" What did she answerl"
"Nothing The way in which put the
question fully explained my meaning. ! am
sorry that there should have arisen a necessity
for hurting her feelings but il the girl doesn't
know her place, she must be told where 1t is. ."
"I don't see that she was doing any great
HARM" remarked an old gentleman, who sat
in front of the CRATE
"She was not in her place, brothef," said
Mrs. Freeman, with an air of dignity. " We
employ her as a teacher in the family, not as
companion. Her own good sense should
have taught her this"
You wouldn't have US make an equal Of
Jessie Hampton, would you, uncle Edward ~
inquired the young lady who sat in the rocking
chair
Z" You cannot make her your equal, Fanny
in point of worldly blessings. for. in tins mat
ter, Providence has dealt more hardly with her
than with you. As to cOmpani"nship, do
not see tha, she is less worthy now than she
was year ago"
"You talk strangely, Edward" +" said Mrs.
Freeman, in tone OF dissent.
I" In what way, sister "
"There has been very great change IN a
year Jessle's family no longer moves IL our
circle"
"True bu, Is Jessie any the less worthy
TO 81, in your parlor than she was then :"
/" think so, and that must decide the mat
ter" returned Mrs. Freeman, eylnclng some
temper
The old gentleman said no more but Fan
ny remarked
81 was not in favor of ticking Jessie, for |
knew how il would be but Mrs Carlton re-.
commended her so highly, and said so much
in her favor, that no room was left for refu-
sal. As for Jessie herself have no particu-
lar objection to her; but the fact of her once
'
for it leaves room for her to step beyond her
place, as she has already done, and puts upon
us the unpleasant necessity of reminding her
Of her error
"It don't seem to mo :" ferTarked Mr.. Free
man, who had ill how said nothing, " that
Miss Hampton was doing anything worthy Of
reproof She has been well raised, We know
is an educated, refined, and intelligent girl,
Al. a.. nhn bar a TO
rcpugnance, or to make her presence disagreed
Bile. 1t would be better, perhaps, if we looked
more to what persons are, than 10 things mere
ly external
" 1t is all very we'll TO talk in that way"
said MIS-. Freeman. But Miss Hampton is
poyerness in our family, and 1t is only right
that she should hold to MS tha, relation and
keep her place. What she has been, or what
she is, beyond the fact of ncr present position
here, is nothing to US"
Mr.. Freeman knew, from experience, that
no particular good would grow out of pro-
longed argument, ON this subject, and so said
nothing further, although he could not force
from his mind the image Of the young girl as
she rose up hastily and left the room, nor help
thinking how sad 4 change II would be for one
of hs own children, if reduced suddenly to her
condition.
A good deal more was said by Mrs Free
man. who did not feel very comfortable; al
though she fully justified herself for what she
had done.
The young gml who had been reminded 50
harshN of the error into which she had fallen,
went quickly up into her cold chamber, and
there. with burning cheek, sat down to think
as calmly as her disturbed feelings would per-
init. The weakness Of tears she did not IN
dulpe. Self-rcspect, rather than pride, Sns-
tanned her. Had she acted from the first I'M
pulse, she would have left the house immed!-
ately. never again to re-enter II. But reason
soon told her that, however strong her impulse
might be. duties and considerations far beyond
mere feeling, must come IN To restrain them.
Whatever have bcen," she said to hci-
self. as she sat and reflected, " am now SIM
ply roverness, and must steadily bear that III
mind. In this house am to receive no more
consideration than mere stranger. Have ] a
night to complain of this Have ! cause To be
offended at Mrs Freeman for reminding me OF
the fact' Her reproof was unkndy gwen
but false pride has IN 1t no genilcness, no re-
gard for anothcr's feelings. All me! thus Is
one more lesson of the many have TO learn.
But let me bear up with brave heart. There
is One who knows my PATH aud who Will see
that nothing therein need cause my feet to
stumble From this moment ] will think of
all here AZ strangers. will faithfully do owhat
have engaged to do, aud expect, therefore,
only the compensation agreed upon when
came. Have right to expect more ~
The bnghl color faded gradually from the
flushed checks OF Jessie Hampton, and with
calm, yet pcnsive face, she arose and went
down into the room which had been set apart
for her use when giving instruction to the chl-
dren Il was warmed and lighted, and had IN
1t a small library. Here she sat alone, read
ing and thinking, for a couple Of hours, and
then retired to her chamber tor the night.
! Al. was intimated in the conversation that
arose upon her leaving the drawing room Jcs-
sic Hamptons circumstances had suffered, ~ \
very short period, great change. A year be-
fore she WAS the equal and companion of Fan
nv Freeman. and more beloved aud respected
by those who knew her than Fanny was or cy-
or could be-. But unexpected rovorscs came.
The relative, who had been To her as a father
for many years, was suddenly deprived of all
his worldly goods, and reduced 50 low A. 10 he
in want ~ the comforts of life. So soon az
] y Il. L.. IL.