Page 110 - Child's own book

GOODY TWO-SIIOES.

A>,l the world must have brant of Goody Two-Shoes; so
renowned did this little girl become, that her life has been
written by more than one author, and her story lias heen told
differently by different writers. The father of Goody Two-
Shoes was born in England ; and everyhody knows, that in
this happy country the poor are to the full as much protected
by our excellent laws, as are the highest and the richest nobles
in the hind; and the humble cottager enjoys an equal share of
the blessings of English liberty with the sons of the king him­
self. The real name of little Cioodv Two-Slmes was Margery
Mean well. Her father was a farmer in the parish of Mould wet],
and at one time in very good circumstances; but it pleased
Providence to afflict him with so many misfortunes, that he
became very poor, and was at last reduced to want, The farm
of poor Mr. Mean well was sold to pay his creditors; for he
was too noble-minded to retain a property which now could
not justly be called his. His creditors admired such conduct,
and all cheerfully accepted their dividend as a compensation of
their debt, cxcept Sir Thomas Gripe, who, though possessed of
great riches, was of a very miserable disposition; in short, he
was a miser, and resolved to have a Uw-suit against poor
Meanwell. in order to obtain the money which was due to him,
or throw him into prison. Poor Meanwell, to avoid the perse­
cutions of this unfeeling man, retired with his wife and children
into another county. Here, his upright conduct not being
known, he could not readily obtain employment; and having
caught ft severe cold, for want of necessary covering, this, added
to the grief and anxiety he felt for the distress of his family,