Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/114

This page has been validated.
(94)

lute, and could not fix on any employment, requeſted Caroline to aſſiſt her to make ſome clothes, that a poor woman was in want of, and while we are at work, ſhe added, Mary will read us an entertaining tale, which I will point out.

The tale intereſted the children, who chearfully attended, and after it was finiſhed, Mrs. Maſon told them, that as ſhe had ſome letters to write, ſhe could not take her accuſtomed walk; but that ſhe would allow them to repreſent her, and act for once like women. They received their commiſſion, it was to take the clothes to the poor woman, whom they were intended for; learn her preſent wants; exerciſe their own judgment with reſpect to the immediate relief ſhe ſtood in need of, and act accordingly.

They returned home delighted, eager to tell what they had done, and how thankful and happy they had left the poor woman.

Obſerve now, ſaid Mrs. Maſon, the advantages ariſing from employment; three hours ago, you were uncomfortable, without being ſenſible of the cauſe, and knew not

what