Page:Pleasant Memories of Pleasant Lands.djvu/341

 316 TRAINING DOMESTICS.

may no longer be actual annoyances, transient allies, or partial belligerents, but Christian friends.

We may not, indeed, expect under our form of gov ernment that precise definement of [rank, or degree of respectful observance, which prevail in England : yet, if it were possible, by any change of measures, or heightened intercourse of kindness, to secure a more permanent continuance and stronger personal attach ment, from those who serve us, such results would be worthy of earnest inquiry and strenuous effort. It was anciently the custom, in the New England States, for a young matron to take under her roof a female child, and train her up, as an useful adjunct in the household. She was sometimes an orphan, and this gave to the transaction a feature of benevolence. ^An assistant was thus secured, whom it might be hoped that every year would render more efficient and more attached to those who protected her. The usage is now less prevalent, and the reason alleged is, that it is too much trouble. Trouble ? Yes. There is doubtless trouble in forming the habits of a child, in correcting such infirmities as may be corrected, and having patience with the rest, and in faithfully teaching right principles for this life and the next. Trouble ? Yes. But is there not also the payment of witnessing its improvement, of profit ing by its exertions, of securing its affections, and of seeing it at last, if God will, a respectable member of the community ? Trouble ? Yes. And how many things are there in this world worth the having, that

�� �