“If you gave vent to such sinful words before your mother,” replied Mrs. Hamilton, gravely, “I do not wonder at your aunt’s suggesting what she did.  How often have I entreated you to leave the room when your sister commences her unkind endeavours to excite your anger, and thus give your mother a proof of your consideration for her present state of health, and evince to your sister, that if you cannot calmly listen to her words, you can at least avoid them.”

“Mamma never takes any notice, however much I may endeavour to please her; if she would only caress me, and praise me sometimes, I know I should be a very different girl.  Then I could bear all Annie’s cruel words; but I will not, I will never put up with them, and permit either her or Miss Malison to govern me and chain down my spirit, as they try all they can to do.  No one can ever know the constant ill-treatment which I receive from both; everything I do, every word I speak, is altered to suit their purpose, and mamma believes all they say.  They shall feel my power one day when they least expect it.  I will not be made so constantly miserable unrevenged.”

“Lilla, dear Lilla,” exclaimed Ellen, imploringly, “do not speak thus; you do not know what you say.  You would not return evil for evil, and on your sister.  Do not, pray do not let your anger, however just, obtain so much dominion.”

“Annie never treats me as a sister, and I do not see why I should practise such forbearance towards her; but I will do all I can, indeed I will, if you will persuade papa not to send me from home.  Oh, do not look at me so gravely and sadly, dearest, dearest Mrs. Hamilton,” continued the impetuous and misguided but naturally right feeling child.

“I can bear any one’s displeasure but yours; but when you look displeased with me I feel so very, very wretched.  I know I deserve to lose all your kindness, for I never follow your advice; I deserve that you should hate me, as every one else does; but you do not know all I have to endure.  Oh! do not let me go from home.”

“I cannot persuade your father to let you remain at home, my dear girl,” replied Mrs. Hamilton, drawing her young companion closer to her, and speaking with soothing tenderness, “because I agree with your aunt in thinking it would be really the best thing for you.”

“Then I have lost every hope,” exclaimed the impatient girl, clasping her hands despairingly.  “Papa would never have consented, if you had advised him not, and you, you must think me as wicked as aunt Augusta does;” and the tears she had checked now burst violently forth anew.

“You mistake me, my love, quite mistake me; it is not because I believe you are not fitted to associate with your domestic circle.  I believe if she were but properly encouraged, my little Lilla would add much to the comfort of both her parents; and I do not at all despair of seeing that the case.  But at present I must advise your leaving home for a few years, because I really do think it would add much to your happiness.”