Harriet's eyes glistened with benevolence at seeing the woman, whose distress had so greatly affected her, thus comforted; and slipping her purse, which contained seven shillings, into her mamma's hand, she begged her to take it for the woman. "You shall have the pleasure of relieving her yourself, my dear," said Mrs. Benson; "give this half-crown to her." Harriet, with a delight which none but the compassionate can know, extended the hand of charity. The woman received the benefaction with grateful acknowledgments, and praying that the Almighty might shower down his choicest blessings on this worthy family, respectfully took leave and returned to her husband, who, by means of the nourishment Mrs. Benson supplied her with, gathered strength hourly.
As soon as she was gone, Mrs. Benson informed her son and daughter that she intended to take them with her to Farmer Wilson's, where she made no doubt they would pass a happy day; and desired them to go and get ready for the journey while she dressed herself. The young folks obeyed without hesitation; and having given their maid very strict injunctions to feed Robin and the linnet, they attended their mamma to the carriage. Leaving this happy party to enjoy their pleasant drive, let us
