Page:Story of the robins.djvu/126

112 something for a present supply." Mrs. Benson then departed, as she was fearful of being late. Harriet was greatly affected at this scene, and could no longer help exclaiming against Mrs. Addis.

"She is deserving of great blame, indeed," said Mrs. Benson; "but I have the pleasure to say, such characters as hers are very uncommon—I mean in the extreme, though there are numbers of people who fall into the same fault in some degree, and make themselves truly ridiculous with their unnatural affections. I wish you, while you are young, to guard your mind against such a blameable weakness."

Harriet assured her mamma that she should never forget either Mrs. Addis or the lesson she had received on the subject, and then expressed her satisfaction that they had met the poor woman. "I rejoice sincerely," said Mrs. Benson, "at having been fortunate enough to come in time to assist this poor miserable family, and hope, my love, you will, out of your own little purse, contribute something towards their relief."

"Most willingly," said Harriet; "they shall be welcome to my whole store."

They kept talking on this subject till they arrived at home. Little Frederick, who sat up an hour beyond his time, came out to meet them, and assured