“This story was believed by Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd for some time, and Betsey who had at first been very unhappy at the thoughts of such a wicked deceit, at length grew reconciled as she found herself undetected. She therefore ventured upon a second transgression, from the encouragement which she foolishly imagined the secresy her first fault had given her; and with her intimate Miss Hannah took another walk, without any person to have the care of them. But during their absence from home, an unexpected accident punished the imprudent Miss Lloyd for her disobedience and untruth, in a manner which will give her cause for repentance to the latest period of her life; for as she was crossing a road in her return, a horse which had been tied to the rails of a house a little distance, broke the bridle which confined him, and gallopped away full speed, unrestrained by any opposition, till in his passage the unfortunate Miss Lloyd, who did not perceive his approach, was thrown down, and broke her leg in such a terrible manner, as to occasion her being a cripple ever after. She has since confessed, the consciousness of her falsehood was such a conviction to her mind of the wickedness of her conduct, (when she was made sensible that the accident was the consequence of her disobedience to her parents) that it was more difficult to support, than any bodily uneasiness she had suffered; and the reflections that they would never be able to confide in her for the future, was the occasion of so much self-reproach, as to deprive her of every enjoyment. This instance may serve to convince you, that a slight error is very frequently without any previous intention; and when least expected, the occasion of such crimes, as in the cooler moments of thought (that is, when you have time to reflect on the wickedness of the action) you would never be capable of committing; and as none can be sure they would be able to resist temptation, it is best never to do any thing which you know to be wrong, though it may appear to be in the smallest instance, since the desire of concealing a trifling fault, may lead you to hide it by a falsehood, which is one of the greatest you can be guilty of.”
Miss Meekly was convinced of the truth and propriety of this argument, and promised to be more attentive for her future conduct. She then joined her companions with that cheerful good-humour, which distinguished her character, and attended them into the great parlour, where they usually spent the morning. When they had concluded their work, writing, &c. Mrs. Stanley always made them read to her, and encouraged them to ask any question which occurred to them; to make their own observations upon those passages in history which struck their imaginations; or to propose to her any objection, which arose in their minds. She desired them to ask the meaning and origin of those customs they did not comprehend; and by so doing, had frequent opportunities of improving their understandings. Instances of this kind very frequently occurred, and supplied them with subjects of conversation. Miss Una was working a map of England, and inquired one day how long the island had been divided into shires and counties. Mrs. Stanley applied to the young ladies to know if any of them could resolve the question, but as they were all silent, “you should endeavour, my dears, said she, to remember what you read, or it will be of very little advantage. I believe Harriet, you read an account of this division a few months ago, when you were going through the reigns of the Saxon Monarchs. Do not you remember that the great King Alfred, in the year 886 repaired the city of London, which had been burnt by the Danes in 839, and that he afterwards divided the kingdom into shires, hundreds, and tithings?” “I did not recollect it,” said Miss Una. “But pray,” added Miss Saxby, “did the same king set up all the crosses, for I remember something about their being erected, though I have forgotten when it happened.” “Your memory is very short I am afraid,” replied Mrs. Stanley; “but if you were to write down such particulars, you would find it of great assistance: as it appears very illiterate to be unacquainted with those facts, which have occurred in the history of your native country. All the crosses you mention, were erected by King Edward the first, in every place where the funeral procession of his Queen stopped from Lincolnshire (where she died) to Westminster. There were in all ten, I think. One at Lincoln, Grantham, Stamford, Geddington, Northampton, Stony Stratford, Dunstable, St. Albans, Waltham, and Westminster, called Charing Cross. You should always endeavour to observe what you read; but those things which relate to the island in which you live, have a particular claim to your remembrance. For this purpose I think your present work is singularly useful, as it will so strongly impress the geography of your country upon your mind, that I hope, my dear Harriet, you will never forget it.” As nothing material happened to my mistress, and very little variation occurred in her manner of living, I shall pass over the usual events of every day, which my readers can easily imagine; such as her taking me out of her pocket during the time of dressing, and restoring me to that place of confinement when she had concluded, and proceed to relate an accident in which I was very nearly concerned.
The kitten I have before-mentioned, who was a great favourite with Miss Meekly, was never allowed to enter her bed-chamber; but one day, the weather being extremely warm, and the door left open, it walked in, and laid itself down at a little distance from the window, in a spot where the sun shone; the shutters being half closed to exclude the heat. Eliza was employed in putting a pair of ruffles into her jacket, and I lay in her lap securely as I imagined, till a carriage stopping at the gate, she precipitately jumped up to look out at the visiters, and in her haste let me fall upon the floor. Her motion was so sudden and unexpected that I could not save myself, or check the velocity with which I was impelled. So that I unfortunately rolled on, till I touched the edge of a bookcase; and discovered myself to Mrs. Puss, who hooked me with her claws, and twisted me round several times, with as much dexterity as if I had been spinning; or, to use a more proper simile, as if I had represented a mouse. I afforded her great, entertainment for some time, till at last I found myself a second time under one of the feet of the bookcase, and so fast wedged in, that it was beyond the art of even a kitten’s invention, to extricate me from my situation. Mrs. Stanley coming up stairs, Miss Meekly turned out my antagonist, and with unavailing care searched for me in every drawer, on every table, and upon the bed.
Long have I remained in this dull state of obscurity and confinement, unable to make known my distress, as I want the power of articulation: at least my language can be only understood to things inanimate as myself. A pen, however, which fell down near me, engaged to present these memoirs to the world, if ever it should be employed by the hand of kindness, to rescue my name from oblivion. Should the eye of youth read this account with any pleasure, it is hoped the candour of generosity will over look its imperfections; and should fate, in some fortunate moment of futurity, again restore me to the possession of Miss Meekly, or any of her companions, my gratitude will engage me to thank the public for its indulgence, and to continue the account of my adventures.
If I am not so happy as to meet with approbation, I shall at least have the consolation to reflect, that these pages have suggested no wrong ideas to the youthful mind, have given no encouragement to vanity, nor exhibited any improper example with commendation; which is what better Authors, and works of higher genius cannot always be happy enough to boast. Such as it is, I submit this account of myself to the world, and only desire them to remember, in the words of the admired Gay, That
“From objects most minute and mean,
A virtuous mind may morals glean.”