Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/167

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boy, he is ſhut up with ſuch a number of profligate wretches, who laugh at what is right. Every farthing I ſend him he ſpends in liquor, and uſed to make his poor wife pawn her clothes to buy him drink—ſhe was happy to die; it was well for her not to live to hear the babe ſhe gave ſuck to deſpise her!

A paſſion of tears relieved the ſufferer, and ſhe called her grandchildren—Theſe innocent babes, ſaid ſhe, I ſhall not be able to keep them, they muſt go to the workhouſe. If the quality did but know what they make us poor induſtrious people ſuffer, ſurely they would be more conſiderate.

Mrs. Maſon gave her ſomething to ſupply her preſent wants, and promiſed to call on her again before ſhe left town.

They walked ſilently down two or three ſtreets—I hope you have learned to think, my dear girls, said Mrs. Maſon, and that your hearts have felt the emotions of compaſſion; need I make any comments on the ſituation of the poor woman we have juſt left. You perceive that thoſe who

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neglect