in its absence. But one day the poor little creature followed me
to the door; when a parcel of schoolboys coming by, one of them
catched her up in his arms, and ran away with her. All my cries
were to no purpose; for he was out of sight with her in a moment,
and there was no method to trace his steps. The cruel wretches,
for sport, as they called it, hunted it the next day from one to
the other, in the most barbarous manner; till at last it took
shelter in that house that used to be its protection, and came and
expired at my feet.

'I was so struck with the sight of the little animal dying in that
manner, that the great grief of my heart overflowed at my eyes,
and I was for some time inconsolable.

'My indulgent mamma comforted without blaming me, till she thought
I had sufficient time to vent my grief; and then, sending for me
into her chamber, spoke as follows:

'"Jenny, I have watched you ever since the death of your little
favourite cat; and have been in hopes daily, that your lamenting
and melancholy on that account would be at an end. But I find you
still persist in grieving, as if such a loss was irreparable.
Now, though I have always encouraged you in all sentiments of good
nature and compassion; and am sensible, that where those
sentiments are strongly implanted, they will extend their
influence even to the least animal; yet you are to consider, my
child, that you are not to give way to any passions that interfere
with your duty; for whenever there is any contention between your
duty and your inclinations, you must conquer the latter, or become
wicked and contemptible. If, therefore, you give way to this