Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/88

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82
THE TWIN SISTERS.

to pass the whole evening quietly with me." And the whole evening did she keep the two poor children seated, without the least employ or amusement till an hour considerably past their usual time of going to bed, pale and tired enough: when at length she allowed them to leave the apartment. Such was Mrs. Dalton's character—unkind, selfish and tyrannical: she delighted in the exercise of petty authority. How many children, discontented with the exercise of needful authority, might learn submission and thankfulness from the lot of others; such a temper as that we have been describing is very uncommon; the treatment of children oftener errs on the side of over-indulgence than aught else. How many might be taught better to appreciate the blessings which surround them by considering what some, less fortunate than themselves, are called upon to endure! Weary as they were, before they retired to rest, the twins resolved to rise early the following morning, and to take their purposed walk. "I shall not be able to go as far as Mrs. Whyte's, but Ellen will