human
The large saloon was lighted up when we entered, and there were a great many people assembled, all gaily dressed, and walking up and down whilst the band was playing. My brother was noticed by every one, and was evidently considered the chief person, and I felt that I should have been happy to be him; but then Miss Harwood's words recurred to my mind, and I became thoughtful; for I knew that although he might be the heir of earthly grandeur, yet that, if he were to do wrong, and lose the promise of heaven, he must be miserable. We were not allowed to stay very long, Amy, and therefore I cannot give you a great description of the ball. I only remember how very tired I was when I went to bed, and that my last thoughts were of my conversation with Miss Harwood, and of my brother and the poor man.
gpt
Is that all, mamma?
human
Yes, my dear, replied Airs Herbert;
gpt
I did not mean that, mamma, said Amy;
human
Only once, replied Mrs Herbert;
gpt
And what became of his mother?
human
She is living still in the village, and in the same cottage; for although it is almost a hovel, she cannot afford anything more comfortable: and I hardly think she would change it if she could; for she has often said to me, that it was there her husband and her child died, and she should never love any place so well. But you have frequently seen her, my dear; do you not remember the little thatched cottage next the blacksmith's shop, and the old woman we often notice spinning at the door?
gpt
Oh yes, said Amy,--
human
She has the same cause for cheerfulness that her son had, replied Mrs Herbert.
gpt
But now, Amy, do you understand from my story why I said that the mother of the poor little ragged girl we saw just now has probably as great a prospect of future happiness as your uncle Harrington?
human
Yes, mamma, if she has been baptized: but we are not sure of that.
gpt
We may hope that she has been, replied her mother;
human
Everybody who is grown up talks of having had a great deal of sorrow, mamma, said Amy;
gpt
I am afraid, my dear, that your cousins arrival may make a great change in many of your ideas. They have been brought up very differently from you, and you will see them dressed in fine clothes, and with servants to wait on them, and carriages to drive about in; and then, perhaps, you will become envious and discontented.
human
Oh mamma! exclaimed Amy,
gpt
I wish I could teach you, my love, how much better it is to be the child of God than to be my child, replied Mrs Herbert.
human
I should have no fears for you then; for you would not care for the grandeur and riches which you will see your cousins possess, and you would always be happy whether I were with you or not.
gpt
Mamma, said Amy,
human
You must not give way to this kind of feeling, my dear child, answered her mother;
gpt
I do not like to leave you, said Amy,
human
You need not be afraid, replied Mrs Herbert, with a half smile, though she well knew what was uppermost in her child's mind;