MERCY BEGINS AT HOME

Sophie Amelia Prosser.  Sunshine or Cures for All Ills.  Boston & New York: American Tract Society, ca. 1860-1868. 

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This strikingly colored image is from the frontispiece to a book of didactic short stories.  The young maid on the right is being questioned by her master about her possibly stealing from valuables.  The story really focuses on housekeeper pictured in the center, who is hardened to the young girl’s crying.  The master of the house decides to give the girl a second chance by having her live in his country house under the virtuous eye of his wife.  The housekeeper eventually realizes that her master is right to be merciful. 

Adopted by William D. Wallace in memory of Norma Feingold