. . .And how was I to know that that mischief-maker would repeat it?’ said Jane.

‘I do not mean to say,’ said Mr. Devereux, ‘that you actually committed a greater sin than you may often have done, by talking in a way which you knew would displease your father.  I know we are too apt to treat lightly the beginnings of evil, until some sudden sting makes us feel what a serpent we have been fostering.  Think this a warning, pray that the evil we dread may be averted; but should it ensue, consider it as a punishment sent in mercy.  It will be better for you not to come to school to-morrow; instead of the references you were to have looked out, I had rather you read over in a humble spirit the Epistle of St. James.’

Jane’s tears by this time were flowing fast, and finding that she no longer attempted to defend herself, her cousin said no more.  He joined the others, and Jane, escaping to her own room, gave way to a passion. . . Read More