But indeed, Madam, returned Miss Ellen, my sister is as cross to me, as I am to her; and therefore it is out of my power to do what you advise; for I cannot bear to do every thing for her, when she will do nothing for me!--You are both much to blame, said Mrs. Placid; but as you are the elder, it is your place to set a good example; and you do not know, Ellen, how far that incitement will prevail. When you have refused her one request, she is naturally, by way of retaliation, induced to deny you another; this increases your mutual dissatisfaction, and commences new quarrels; by which means your anger is continued, so that neither is inclined to oblige or condescend. But if she finds you continue to be good-natured, she will catch the kind impression, as she used to imbibe the ill-habits of malevolence and rage. In every case you should consider, that the errors of another person are no excuse for the indulgence of evil in yourself. [Illustration] The conversation was here concluded by the entrance of Mr. Wagstaff and his son; and as they stayed the rest of the day, there was no farther opportunity to resume it. While the young folk were all at play in the evening in the summer house, Ellen ran away with Sam's hat, and he pursued her for some time without overtaking her; but at last a scuffle ensued, as she held it fast, and sometimes put it under one arm, sometimes under the other; then knelt upon it; and afterwards sat down upon it. In this last attitude, as Master Wagstaff was struggling, she endeavoured to rise, but his foot being upon her frock, she tore a sad rent in it; and one of his buttons having caught in her ribbon, did as much damage to that likewise. This accident put an end to the contest, and her good-humour at the same time. She got up immediately, tossed away the subject of contention, with the illiberal epithet of--"Take your nasty hat! I wish I had never touched it!"--And the more he endeavoured to sooth her, the more vexed she appeared; calling him a careless, mischievous monkey, and asking, how he thought the rent was to be mended? [Illustration] Jemima likewise tried every method in her power to moderate her resentment; representing, that it was no fault of Master Wagstaff's, and advising her to be more composed, and to join in their play again; but all in vain, she would only fret, grumble, and interrupt their entertainment. So Sam retired to a bench in the alcove, and sitting down with the Master Placids, left her to her ill-humour, while he wrote the following verses:--