Produced by Charles Franks and the Distributed Proofreaders Team
1859.
"Who amongst this merry party will become sufficiently sober to assistme in a work of charity?" was Mrs. Hamilton's address, one afternoon, asshe entered her daughter's room, where Emmeline, her young friends LadyFlorence and Lady Emily Lyle, and even the usually quiet Ellen, wereemploying themselves in drawing, embroidery, and such light amusementsas diligently as the merry speech, the harmless joke, and the joyouslaugh of truly innocent enjoyment would permit.
"A case of extreme distress has come before me," she continued, "forwhich alms and other relief will not be sufficient; clothing isprincipally required. Can any of you consent to put aside these prettythings for a few days, merely for the sake of obliging me and doinggood? I have set every hand to work, and now for further assistance cometo you. To whom shall I appeal?"
"To me—to me—to me!" every voice exclaimed spontaneously, and theyeagerly crowded round her to know what she required, what case ofdistress had occurred, for whom they were to work.
Gratified and pleased at their eagerness, Mrs. Hamilton smilinglyimparted all they wished to know. The simple tale drew from the artlessgroup many exclamations of pity, combined with the earnest desire torelieve in whatever way their kind friend would dictate, and their taskwas received by all with every demonstration of pleasure.
"You, too, Ellen," said Mrs. Hamilton, smiling; "I thought you once saidyou had no time for work."
"Not for ornamental work, aunt! but I hope you have never asked in vainfor my assistance in such a case as this," answered Ellen, blushing asshe spoke.
"No, love; my words did you injustice. But you appear to have found timefor ornamental work also, if this very pretty wreath be yours," saidMrs. Hamilton, bending over her niece's frame, and praising the delicacyof her flowers.
"Oh, I have time for any and everything now," exclaimed Ellen, in a toneof animation, so very unusual, that not only her aunt but her youngcompanions looked at her with astonishment.
"Ellen, yon are becoming more and more incomprehensible," said Emmeline,laughing. "If Edward do not come home soon, as I suspect thisextraordinary mood is occasioned by the anticipation of his arrival, Iam afraid your spirits will carry you half way over the Channel to meethim. Mamma, take my advice, and keep a strict watch over the person ofyour niece."
"You know, Ellen, you are as full of fun and mischief as I am, quiet anddemure as we once thought you," said Lady Emily.
"Is she? I am glad of it," said Mrs. Hamilton, playfully. "Do not lookso very much ashamed of your mirth, my dear Ellen, and bend over yourwork as if you had been guilty of some extraordinary misdemeanour. Youknow how pleased I always am to see you happy, Ellen," she added, in alower voice, as she laid her hand sportively on her niece's head, whichwas bent down to conceal the confusion Emmeline's words had calledforth.
Some little time longer Mrs. Hamilton remained with the young party,entering with her usual kindness into all their pl