Forgotten Tales of Long Ago

ly

nded, the secretar

ia, for raising contention among her schoo

of the charge laid against her. I would, however, recommend you to go through this business with the utmost candour, to advance nothing through prejudice, to conceal nothing through a mistaken tenderness; and to yo

erling, please to

d to give your evidence, to ask you whether either of the

erefore became my business, though a principal evidence against her

that young lady in whom f

sending us a basket of sweetmeats, which she intended to be equally divided; but an unlucky accident turned this kind intention into a scene of sorrow, and raised in their hearts nothing but strife. There happened to be a piece of candied angelica, which seemed very beau

the first who talked

t was impossible for either of them to get it. A profound silence ensued, and I took that opportunity to reason with them on the folly of quarrelling about such trifles. My admonitions were in vain, for the contention broke out more violently, and the dispute now was, not who should have it, but who ought to have had it. Sally Delia was the first who renewed the strife, and not being able to give vent to her passion in words alone, gave Nan

you act in this fra

he presence of her governess, tore two handkerchiefs and an apron. The fear of punishment now began to take place of anger, and each, ashamed of the trophies of victory she held in her hands, let them fall to the ground. Our governess for some time stood astonished, little thinking that what sh

tless, please to co

ou know, Polly,

xamination before Lucy Sterling. Her governess had ordered Lucy Sterling to examine her, and in ca

hat passed at t

ntention about a piece of sweetmeat. Sally Delia replied that she should not answer her question; th

y did Lucy Sterl

e did not set up to govern others, or to prove herself wiser than they; that she only wanted to persuade her to learn to

lly Delia mak

her governess and having her clothes torn; that she did not value the sweetmeat, but that she had

endeavour any further to

ve incurred the high displeasure of her governess. Sally Delia was at a loss for an answer, but she was so obstinate that she did not care to own herself in the wrong. At last she replied: 'I think I am as capable of judging what is right as y

racter of Sally Delia

quarrelsome, too full of her high bi

endly, please to com

ow, Betsy Friendly, c

nation of the accused before Lucy Sterling, and, to the

u know anyth

she came on her trial. I found her divided between obstinac

what passed

and tears in her eyes. I asked her what she thought of Lucy Sterling's advice, and whether it woul

t reply di

terling's observations, and she seemed to fear that her reason would at last oblige h

our to convince her of th

conquer her spirit. She would not, at last, give me a word of

bserved with respect t

tinate and quarrelsome, but at other

Lenox, please t

ou know in respe

ber it, for my cambric apron, which had cost

inion of the general b

h-at least, so long as you will listen t

Graceful, please

urt, Anne Graceful, of what yo

o complain of my loss; my musl

form the court who

disputing who ought to have had the favourite sweetmeat, Sally Delia urged her high birth and fortune, and concluded that if reason could not st

d you act on

and in my anger, mistaking Susan Lenox fo

, but that it may lead into such mistakes as may be attended with serious conseq

d pardon, and offered to repair all injuries. The for

will please to answer me on your word. Was there not

ked her; there was something in her so pr

alter her conduct, should

e a reasonable girl, she will become dear

enox, come forward

u know, Henry Len

t they were at. I instantly climbed up into a tree, and scarce had I taken my seat, when the engagement began. I saw Sally Delia strike Anne Graceful in the face; that young lady turned about and pulled off my sister's cap, and part of her ha

ord, declare that Sally

. I am cert

what have you to s

me mean-born wretch; but out of conformity to your customs I submit

ll of them were sorry for what they had done, except Sally Delia, who persisted in her fault, and was to be prevailed on by no entreaties or arguments. Polly Artless says that she was not present at the fray, but attended Sally Delia on her examination before Lucy Sterling, and corroborates everything which that young lady had advanced, but more particularly points out the care Lucy Sterling took to bring her to reason. I may add, the character this evidence gives Sally Delia is not at all to her reputation. Betsy Friendly, who visited the accused before her trial, seems to speak something in her favour by saying she showed some marks of contrition, but at last left her in an obstinate condition. Susan Lenox stood next to the accused at the time she struck Anne Graceful, an

and returned again i

all agreed in

y.

y Delia guilty

. Gu

punishment d

llowed to walk twice a day in the garden, at those times when none of the scholars are there; that, after that time is expired, she be brought into the large hall, and there

ou would inform me and the whole court from what source those tears flow: whether from a just sense of your crimes, or only from the apprehensions of your punishment? Why should you delay to humble that haughty spirit, to

judge recommended her to the jury, who left the matter entirely to him. He ordered her to be confined only

fellows, who just before had been evidences aga

hated by her companions, to obtain the love of them all. She kept her w

isfied with the candid manner in which