Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-05-30

closure. 4 never supposed it possible that
you could have been guilty Of such meanness
and injustice, Matilda, as to remain silent
when an act OF yours was attributed to an.
other, who unable 10 clear herself, was made
to suffer for it. How bitter will be your
modification now when the disgracelul truth
is acknowledged, as it must be, 70 exonerate
the innocent
oh, spare her, my husband: be merci(ul
rs well as jus, said the weeping wife-for
Matilda seemed almost fainting.
1T is not mercy TO be TOO lenient. She
must he made to feel for her sefsbness.-
Take her to her chamber and let her remain
there after nights cool reflection, shall
he better able TO decide how to treat this very
unpleasant matter.
Matilda, however, had taken the contagious
fever TO which she had been exposed. Her
proud spirit had become so excited Mt the
idea Of having to confess herself guilty Of
having acted in a manner so unworthy Of one
possessing the advantages Of enlightened cul-
lure and good moral training, that this asi-
talion, added to remorse for the unexpected
result of the dismissal Of the hired girl, had
prepared her TO become prey to fever which
quickly interviewed.
In her delerium, she accused herself far
more bitterly than her friends would have
done-but they learnt lesson therefrom that
was of use TO them-for, in her incoherent
rawlings, she would sometimes say, 'Oh !!
Clementina will fly into such passion, dare
not tell
Then again she would exclaim, 1T is easy
for MIR. Churchill to look stern and say, you
must be exposed for your meanness, for he
has no faults All .if had not been afraid
Of his dreadful frown, and her anger, Sally
would still be alive and well-now I am her
murderer!
This latter horrid idea had taken posses
sion ofpoor Matida's disordered brain, and
caused her real agony-but youth and care
prevailed. 1t was ordained in mercy thai
she should recover her health, and being pu-
rified by the Christening rod Of affection, be-
come blessing and an ornament to the fam
ily,who themselves also profited by the warn.
ing.
As soon as the young lady could compre-
hend the soothing intelligence, her mind was
set at rest, both as regarded Sally and herself
for the crisis had passed safely over with
the former also and as all needful comforts
were supplied to the family, by the liberality
Of Mr.. Churchill, The grateful domestic made
point of calling to thank Matilda for her
goodness in coming to see her. and to express
her sin cere coincidence for the sad conse-
quence Ito herself) of that friendly visit.
The gratitude Of the warm hearted but un-
tutored Irish girl sent pang to the heart Of
the enfeebled and contrte Matilda. The fact
Of her having broken the China cup, had not
been deemed necessary TO be made known to
any one, not even to Sally, who tout of con-
sideration to the fair peniteni) was simply
Informed that they were satisfied of her in
nocence-and she retained the belief that the
cat had occasioned the disastrous accident
The illness of Matilda, attended as il was by
SO much sorrow and contrition, was consid-
cred sufficient penalty without the additional
modification OF exposure.
The precautions taken in the first stages,
prevented the extension Of the sickness to
other members of the household, and if, in
future, Mrs. Churchill was tempted to unrea-
sonable ebullitions of temper, thought Of
the broken cup would still the incipien,
storm. GentleDess was added TO strictness,
in the reproofs of the high-minded and we'll
intended merchant whenever he was called
upon to notice misdemeanors, for he Temem-
bered that appearances may be very decep-
tive, and that harshness nigh; beget deceit.
Sally no longer considered it a misfortu-
nate cup, for so many comforts were show
cred on her family, that she hardly knew
how to be thankful enough for these abun-
dant favors. Another place was found for
her, as Matilda begged to be spared the con-
;inual reminder other repented fault, which
occurred in the undeserved praises and bless
ings which were laSfshed on her young ben
efactress by the grateful servant.
In short time health revisited Matida's
frame. and peace returned 10 her BOSOM
With her principles strengthened by judi
cious counsel and kind treatment, she re-
sumed her accustomed round Of duties and
pleasures, and the varied lessons inculcatet
BY the incident of the broken tea.cup, and the
consequences arising from SO apparently
trivial circumstance,w were Of great and last
ing service to ;he young girl and to her guar
dians; others, too, by this recital, may learn
an interesting and useful moral, in a very ia
miliar way, in which case the time spent on
this subject will, by no means, have beer
lost.