Meyrick's Promise, Or, Little Fugitives from the Jamaica Rebellion in 1865 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1881. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER LX. "OLD MOTHER." It was very strange to watch the twins together How much very early association, example, training, or want of training, will do, they showed to perfection. These twin-brothers of four years old were strangely alike in face, but as strangely unlike--not in disposition, for these two little branches, off-shoots of the same trees, were really disposed to grow the same way--but in behaviour, for the little branch that had received training was, as it were, growing straight; the other, that had had no training at all, was beginning to bear thorns instead of fruit. Francis spoke the truth naturally, and would not have understood what a falsehood meant. If ever he did anything that was wrong, he owned his fault at once. With little Sydney it was already a habit to hide any wrong that he might have done, and not to care to speak the truth. He had seen deceptions practised, he had heard lies spoken, so unknowingly he had learnt to follow the example that was set him. Francis said his prayers night and morning. Sydney had all this to begin to learn Little Francis had been taught to be obedient. Little Sydney had been accustomed to be spoilt, and to have his own way Francis talked baby English, had learnt his letters and could already spell easy little words. Sydney talked baby negro, and had learnt to spell no words at all But there was plenty of time for the reading and spelling, for the proper English too--there was time for everything if the little boy were taken in hand at once, and wisely, kindly, firmly, judiciously trained and led. Here was another, and a somewhat difficult task before Old Mother, which she would fulfil, God helping her, to the best of her ability, and if Sydney shall live to grow a big boy, it is to be hoped t...