Taught

This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design. Ruth Lamb's moral tale opens in a household where strict discipline and genuine care collide. Mrs. Bateson, a firm but loving mistress, tries to guide her servants toward order, gratitude, and conscience, while Fanny Ellis, the upper housemaid, treats rules as oppression and mocks the expectation that servants attend church. Her rebellious spirit quickly threatens Kate Evans, the younger under-housemaid, whose conscience is tender but whose gratitude can be shaken by ridicule. Once poor, ignorant, and in need, Kate has been patiently educated, clothed, and supported by Mrs. Bateson, yet Fanny's influence turns shame into resentment and breeds disobedience. When Kate misses church and is told she must leave in a month, she is devastated by guilt, especially at the thought of disappointing her mother. Fanny tempts her with talk of independence and a better post, and Kate eventually accepts a place with Mrs. Maybrick, though it means abandoning the home she had hoped to revisit. A letter from home changes everything: scarlet fever has struck her siblings, her family is in distress, and Mrs. Bateson's quiet kindness to them is revealed. At last Kate repents, confesses, and is forgiven, leaving in prayerful reconciliation and with a humbler heart.