Original Stories

Chapter 25 : Mrs. Mason’s Farewell Advice to her Young Friends
The day before Mrs. Mason was to leave her pupils, she took a hand of each, and pressing them tenderly in her own, tears started into her eyes—I tremble for you, my dear girls, for you must now practice by yourselves some of the virtues which I have been endeavoring to inculcate; and I shall anxiously wait for the summer, to see what progress you have made by yourselves. We have conversed on several very important subjects; pray do not forget the conclusions I have drawn.  I now, as my last present, give you a book, in which I have written the subjects that we have discussed.  Recur frequently to it, for the stories illustrating the instruction it contains, you will not feel in such a great degree the want of my personal a... (From : Gutenberg.org.)

Chapter 24 : Visit to a Poor Family in London.—Idleness the Parent of Vice.—Prodigality and Generosity Incompatible.—The Pleasures of Benevolence.—True and False Motives for Saving.
After the impression which the story, and the sight of the family had made, was a little worn off; Caroline begged leave to buy one toy, and then another, till her money was quite gone.  When Mrs. Mason found it was all expended, she looked round for an object in distress; a poor woman soon presented herself, and her meager countenance gave weight to her tale.—A babe, as meager, hung at her breast, which did not seem to contain sufficient moisture to wet its parched lips. On inquiry they found that she lodged in a neighboring garret.  Her husband had been out of employment a long time, and was now sick.  The master who had formerly given him work, lost gradually great part of his business; for his best customers were ... (From : Gutenberg.org.)

Chapter 23 : Charity.—Shopping.—The Distressed Stationer.—Mischievous Consequences of Delaying Payment.
As they walked in search of a shop, they both determined to purchase pocket-books; but their friend desired them not to spend all their money at once, as they would meet many objects of charity in the numerous streets of the metropolis.  I do not wish you, she continued, to relieve every beggar that you casually meet; yet should any one attract your attention, obey the impulse of your heart, which will lead you to pay them for exercising your compassion, and do not suffer the whispers of selfishness, that they may be impostors, to deter you.  However, I would have you give but a trifle when you are not certain the distress is real, and reckon it given for pleasure.  I for my part would rather be deceived five hundred times, ... (From : Gutenberg.org.)

Chapter 22 : Journey to London.
The girls were visibly improved; an air of intelligence began to animate Caroline’s fine features; and benevolence gave her eyes the humid sparkle which is so beautiful and engaging.  The interest that we take in the fate of others, attaches them to ourselves;—thus Caroline’s goodness inspired more affection than her beauty. Mary’s judgment grew every day clearer; or, more properly speaking, she acquired experience; and her lively feelings fixed the conclusions of reason in her mind.  Whilst Mrs. Mason was rejoicing in their apparent improvement, she received a letter from their father, requesting her to allow his daughters to spend the winter in town, as he wished to procure them the best masters, an adv... (From : Gutenberg.org.)

Chapter 21 : The Benefit of Bodily Pain.—Fortitude the Basis of Virtue.—The Folly of Irresolution.
The children had been playing in the garden for some time, whilst Mrs. Mason was reading alone.  But she was suddenly alarmed by the cries of Caroline, who ran into the room in great distress.  Mary quickly followed, and explaining the matter said, that her sister had accidentally disturbed some wasps, who were terrified, and of course stung her.  Remedies were applied to assuage the pain; yet all the time she uttered the loudest and most silly complaints, regardless of the uneasiness she gave those who were exerting themselves to relieve her. In a short time the smart abated, and then her friend thus addressed her, with more than usual gravity.  I am sorry to see a girl of your age weep on account of bodily pain; it i... (From : Gutenberg.org.)

The Treatment of Animals.—The Difference Between them and Man.—Parental Affection of a Dog.—Brutality Punished.
After breakfast, Mrs. Mason gave the children Mrs. Trimmer’s Fabulous Histories; and the subject still turned on animals, and the wanton cruelty of those who treated them improperly.  The little girls were eager to express their detestation, and requested that in future they might be allowed to feed the chickens.  Mrs. Mason complied with their request; only one condition was annexed to the permission, that they did it regularly.  When you wait for your food, you learn patience, she added, and you can mention your wants; but those helpless creatures cannot complain.  The country people frequently say,—How can you treat a poor dumb beast ill; and a stress is very properly laid on the word dumb;—for dumb... (From : Gutenberg.org.)

The Inconveniences of Immoderate Indulgence.
The children were allowed to help themselves to fruit, when it made a part of their meal; and Caroline always took care to pick out the best, or swallow what she took in a hurry, lest she should not get as much as she wished for.  Indeed she generally eat more than her share.  She had several times eaten more than a person ought to eat at one time, without feeling any ill effects; but one afternoon she complained of a pain in her stomach in consequence of it, and her pale face, and languid eyes, plainly shewed her indisposition.  Mrs. Mason gave her an emetic, and after the operation she was obliged to go to bed, though she had promised herself a pleasant walk that evening.  She was left alone, for Mary was not permitte... (From : Gutenberg.org.)

Anger.—History of Jane Fretful
A few days after these walks and conversations, Mrs. Mason heard a great noise in the play-room.  She ran hastily to inquire the cause, and found the children crying, and near them, one of the young birds lying on the floor dead.  With great eagerness each of them tried, the moment she entered, to exculpate herself, and prove that the other had killed the bird.  Mrs. Mason commanded them to be silent; and, at the same time, called an orphan whom she had educated, and desired her to take care of the nest. The cause of the dispute was easily gathered from what they both let fall.  They had contested which had the best right to feed the birds.  Mary insisted that she had a right, because she was the eldest; and Carol... (From : Gutenberg.org.)

Lying.—Honour.—Truth.—Small Duties.—History of Lady Sly, and Mrs. Trueman
The little girls were very assiduous to gain Mrs. Mason’s good opinion; and, by the mildness of their behavior, to prove to her that they were ashamed of themselves.  It was one of Mrs. Mason’s rules, when they offended her, that is, behaved improperly, to treat them civilly; but to avoid giving them those marks of affection which they were particularly delighted to receive. Yesterday, said she to them, I only mentioned to you one fault, though I observed two.  You very readily guess I mean the lie that you both told.  Nay, look up, for I wish to see you blush; and the confusion which I perceive in your faces gives me pleasure; because it convinces me that it is not a confirmed habit: and, indeed, my children, I... (From : Gutenberg.org.)

Anger.—Folly Produces Self-contempt, and the Neglect of others
Mrs. Mason had a number of visitors one afternoon, who conversed in the usual thoughtless manner which people often fall into who do not consider before they speak; they talked of Caroline’s beauty, and she gave herself many affected airs to make it appear to the best advantage.  But Mary, who had not a face to be proud of, was observing some peculiarities in the dress or manners of the guests; and one very respectable old lady, who had lost her teeth, afforded her more diversion than any of the rest. The children went to bed without being reproved, though Mrs. Mason, when she dismissed them, said gravely, I give you to-night a kiss of peace, an affectionate one you have not deserved.  They therefore discovered by her beha... (From : Gutenberg.org.)