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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boarding School, by Unknown
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Boarding School
+       Familiar conversations between a governess and her pupils.
+       Written for the amusement and instruction of young ladies.
+
+Author: Unknown
+
+Release Date: January 14, 2009 [EBook #27804]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOARDING SCHOOL ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jacqueline Jeremy and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+    THE
+    BOARDING SCHOOL;
+
+    OR
+
+    FAMILIAR CONVERSATIONS
+    BETWEEN A
+    _GOVERNESS AND HER PUPILS._
+
+    WRITTEN FOR THE
+    AMUSEMENT AND INSTRUCTION
+    OF
+    YOUNG LADIES.
+
+    LONDON:
+    PRINTED FOR G. AND W. B. WHITTAKER,
+    AVE-MARIA LANE.
+    1823.
+
+
+    LONDON:
+
+    PRINTED BY COX AND BAYLIS, GREAT QUEEN STREET,
+    LINCOLN'S-INN FIELDS.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+Those persons whose time is devoted to the instruction of youth, have
+not only abundant opportunities of ascertaining the capacities of their
+pupils, but of observing their various dispositions, and of noticing the
+effects which have been produced on them by previous habit and example.
+It seldom happens that amiability of temper, respectful behaviour to
+superiors, or kindness to inferiors, distinguish children who in their
+infancy have been left to the care of menials, or who have been
+suffered, by the blind indulgence of parents, to gratify their forward
+inclinations; and it as rarely occurs that those who have had the
+benefit of good example and parental admonition in the "bud of life,"
+display much propensity to vice as they grow up, unless their morals
+become contaminated by afterwards forming improper companions. With
+reference to the effects of early education, it has been most truly
+said, that
+
+    "Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclin'd."
+
+And though a variety of causes may operate to form the character, or
+give a bias to the mind, it is a fact not to be controverted, that early
+impressions are never wholly eradicated, and the magic of some well
+remembered maxim or parental caution will often come very seasonably to
+the aid of the most experienced.
+
+In pourtraying the characters which are introduced in "THE BOARDING
+SCHOOL," the Author has endeavoured to represent, by contrast, the
+amiable and unamiable passions; and, by exhibiting them in their true
+colours, to render her fair and youthful readers as emulous to imitate
+the one, as they will doubtless be to avoid the other; while the
+narrative, being of the most familiar kind, will, it is hoped,
+contribute to their amusement.
+
+
+
+
+THE BOARDING SCHOOL.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+Elizabeth Adair was stooping to prop a rose-tree in a viranda, when she
+hastily turned to her sister, and exclaimed, "it is useless attending
+either to plants or flowers now: I must give up all my favourite
+pursuits."
+
+"But you will have others to engage your attention," returned Jane.
+
+"And will they afford me pleasure? You may as well say that I shall
+listen with joy to the foolish commands of some parents, and the
+haughty remarks of others."
+
+"Let this be our comfort," said Jane, "sensible people always treat the
+instructors of youth with respect; they neither command with pride, nor
+complain with insolence."
+
+"But think of the change! We, who have had every indulgence, and no
+cares to perplex us!"
+
+"My dear Elizabeth, in the day of prosperity we seldom rejoice with
+thankfulness; but in the time of adversity, when our path is darkened,
+then we can bitterly repine. Surely we should place our joys and our
+sorrows against each other, as a defence from a murmuring spirit."
+
+"It is not late trials that trouble me, but future vexations that I
+dread. You know that I have never been accustomed to stupid, drawling,
+spoiled children."
+
+"I hope," said Jane, "you will not have a class of this description to
+instruct."
+
+"O, all things will be easy to you, for you love children and love
+teaching; but I have never applied my mind to any thing of the kind: I
+shall not know how to ask the most simple question in nature."
+
+Jane smiled, as she said, "Since you are so very doubtful of your
+abilities, I think I will give a short lesson upon teaching. Suppose you
+ask your pupil if she has learned grammar: if she replies in the
+affirmative, desire her to explain the nature of the different parts of
+speech. Then try her abilities in the arithmetical tables, or from the
+history of England; tell her to relate some particular event in the
+reign of one of our kings, and go on to other subjects in a similar
+manner. In the first instance, however, always hear your pupil read;
+clear, distinct reading, with proper emphasis--I do not mean in a
+theatrical style--is one test of abilities; give her some pointed
+passage from history, or from any suitable book."
+
+"I want an example," said Elizabeth.
+
+"Now, sister, you are trifling, and will lead me to trifle in return."
+
+"In 1199 John signed Magna Charta, the bulwark of English liberty;" or,
+"the king wept when he found himself a prisoner; but the master of
+Glamis said--"
+
+"Go on, my dear Jane: the master of Glamis I will not have any thing to
+say to."
+
+"You forget," said Jane, "that we are not to finish a sentence with to,
+or for, or any word so insignificant. Let a little girl read, 'remember
+now thy Creator in the days of thy youth,' or something in the same
+easy, impressive style. But consult my mother: she will give you the
+best information upon the subject of teaching."
+
+"Ah," said Elizabeth, "my spirits fail when I think of the task! I only
+wish the first week were over."
+
+"It will pass away like all other things. We have only to be resolute in
+doing our duty, and leave the rest to Providence. Let us at all times
+remember our own excellent instructress: her 'authority, when most
+severe, and mustering all its force, was but the graver countenance of
+love, watering at once and nourishing the plant.'"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+It will, perhaps, here be necessary to say something of Mrs. Adair; I
+will not, however, enter upon her motive for opening a boarding-school.
+It is a well known fact that the loss of fortune, contracted incomes, or
+troubles in one shape or another, are the origin of almost all female
+seminaries. I never heard but of one lady beginning a school, and
+persevering to the conclusion of a protracted life, without any motive
+but benefiting a friend. To her credit let me remark, that she never
+regretted this, as it may justly be styled, "labour of love."
+
+Mrs. Adair's personal appearance and manner were calculated to excite
+respect and deference from pupils. The general cast of her countenance
+was serious, to a degree bordering upon severity; but when she did
+unbend, the cheerfulness that beamed in her features, and the benevolent
+expression of her dark and pleasing eyes, invited confidence and regard
+from every beholder. She had been a widow several years, and was going
+to commence a school patronized by respectable friends. I shall not
+attempt to describe her daughters, for beauty is of so perishable a
+nature, and of so little value without good qualities, it is but time
+wasted dwelling on the subject. Jane, the youngest, had been some time
+in a delicate and declining state of health; and, viewing life as
+uncertain in its tenor, had wisely adapted her mind to passing
+circumstances. Next to her brightest hopes, was her desire to be useful
+whilst she remained upon earth.
+
+Elizabeth had high health and spirits, and could ill brook the idea of
+the restraint and confinement of a school. But the evening was now
+arrived previous to beginning "the irksome task," as she styled it.
+
+Mrs. Adair had been looking over her folio, and her daughters were
+seated at their work, when she observed, "We may consider ourselves
+particularly fortunate, for I have now the promise of fifteen pupils.
+Several things, however, we must take into consideration. Elizabeth, you
+are sometimes a little petulant in temper: remember you must never be
+rash in deciding, or hasty in punishing; curb the bold, but encourage
+the timid. We must likewise be cautious to treat the parents of every
+child with equal respect; not allow ourselves to be dazzled with
+glittering equipages, or dashing manners. And let us be tender and
+careful of children who are deprived of a mother: give them all the aid
+in our power, to make them a credit to their father's house."
+
+"And I think, my dear mother," said Elizabeth, "it will be necessary to
+fix children of weak capacities in one class: let all the dunces go
+together."
+
+"But we must first weigh their talents justly," returned Mrs. Adair;
+"and always recollect, that 'children of the present age are the hope of
+the one to come.'
+
+"There is one thing I particularly charge you to avoid: never speak in a
+tone of ridicule of any lady who has previously instructed a pupil;
+there is something contemptible in trying to depreciate the talents of
+another. We are not to consider ourselves as supreme in wisdom, for our
+abilities are moderate; if we can do good, I believe it is the chief
+merit we can claim."
+
+"I hope one thing," said Elizabeth, "that the young ladies must never be
+allowed to learn their lessons at meals; for I am persuaded they will
+think more of the present participle _loving_ than of declining the verb
+_to love_. And I trust likewise, my dear mother, that you will never let
+them read their own themes at public examinations: for the voice I am
+certain will tremble when hundreds are listening."
+
+"We will not talk of public examinations, my dear, until we have tried
+our own abilities at teaching. But I must caution you never to criticize
+letters from parents or friends; nor look upon a teacher as a solitary
+being, without friends and without feelings."
+
+"I hope you do not think I would exact too much, or be unreasonable in
+any command to a teacher," said Elizabeth.
+
+"I do not say that you will do so; I only wish to remind you, that we
+should have due consideration for those persons who are dependent upon
+us. And now I have only to observe, that we must not think entirely of
+the time our pupils are to be with us, but extend our thoughts to the
+period when they will be enabled to judge by what spirit we were
+actuated. In teaching, punishing, or rewarding, let us always consider
+whether the means we then pursue will be useful to the young lady in
+future life."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+Elizabeth with some degree of impatience stood at the drawing-room
+window, looking for their first pupil, on the morning the school was
+opened. At length a carriage drove hastily to the door, and she returned
+to her seat.
+
+With a flushed and agitated countenance she had now to welcome one of
+her mother's earliest friends. Colonel Vincent advanced into the room
+with two daughters, and in a cheerful tone exclaimed, "I hope, my dear
+Miss Adair, we are your first scholars; we have strained every nerve to
+surprise you with an early visit, and an auspicious one I hope it will
+prove."
+
+"I hope so too, Sir," said Elizabeth quickly; "but I thought we should
+have had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Vincent."
+
+"She was obliged to go down into the country to visit her father,"
+returned the Colonel, "and deputed me to act for her. I have to beg that
+you will treat our children as the children of strangers: reward them
+with favour when they are good, and punish them when they are otherwise.
+We have confidence in our friends, therefore shall never listen to any
+idle tales; but my little girl," he continued, as he fondly stroked the
+hair from the forehead of his youngest daughter, "will I know be
+tractable and very good."
+
+"That I will, Papa; only I wish I had my doll, and the cradle. My cousin
+Eliza has a barrel-organ, a garden-chair, and I don't know how many
+things, at her school."
+
+"Your cousin has a large fortune, and is a simpleton," cried Caroline,
+the eldest daughter. "But pray, ma'am, who is to teach music?"
+
+"I shall make the attempt," said Elizabeth; "how far I shall succeed
+will depend upon my abilities to instruct, and your patience and
+perseverance in gaining instruction."
+
+"O, ma'am, I have learned seven years of the first masters."
+
+"There has been a wonderful waste of time, and money!" cried the
+Colonel. "You rattle the keys, as blundering soldiers when commanded to
+fire: no taste, feeling, or judgment in the execution."
+
+"But at Madame La Blond's, Papa, I was allowed to play in the very first
+style, and was always called upon to exhibit to strangers."
+
+A servant at this moment announced "Mrs. Towers;" and a stately female,
+dressed in the extreme of fashion, with a measured step entered the
+room, followed by a delicate, interesting looking young lady, but with a
+very dark complexion. Mrs. Towers moved very profoundly to Elizabeth.
+"Permit me to introduce Miss Arden as a pupil," she said. "She is from
+the East, and under our guardianship. For certain causes we removed her
+from her last seminary; we did not consider it (as she is a young lady
+of large fortune) sufficiently fashionable. As we understand Colonel
+Vincent, a man whom every one must applaud, has declared that he and his
+noble lady will patronize Mrs. Adair, from this circumstance alone I
+have brought Miss Arden hither."
+
+Colonel Vincent smiled, and stepped to the window to converse with his
+youngest daughter. "It is particularly unfortunate, ma'am," added Mrs.
+Towers, "that the young lady has so very dark a look; but I assure you
+she is not a creole." Tears started into Miss Arden's eyes, and her
+cheeks were tinged with a deep blush. Mrs. Towers now made another very
+low curtsey, with "a good morning, ma'am; I have several visits to pay
+in this neighbourhood." As she passed the young lady, she whispered
+something respecting mixture and composition.
+
+Colonel Vincent now led his daughters to Miss Arden. "Let me introduce
+the young people to each other," said he; "who I hope will be friends
+and pleasant companions."
+
+Isabella, his youngest daughter, looked up in her face; and taking her
+hand, said, "I am sure I shall love this lady, if she will love me."
+
+Her sister turned her head, and with a scornful smile exclaimed, "You
+are always taken with strangers! I wish Miss Russel would come! I
+thought she would have been here early."
+
+"This is an insolent young lady," said the Colonel, looking at his
+daughter with displeasure. "But my Isabella, Miss Arden, will be
+grateful for your kindness."
+
+"I have so few, Sir, to regard me," said Miss Arden, "that I shall
+indeed be happy to gain the love of this little girl."
+
+Elizabeth now asked if she would walk in the garden. "Come, my little
+pet," said the Colonel, "give me one kiss; and go with this young lady,
+and try to divert her. And do not forget to bring her with you the
+first holiday, and we will have a merry day; all your young friends
+shall be invited to meet you."
+
+In the course of the morning most of the young ladies arrived. It was a
+complete day of bustle. There were trunks and packages to be removed
+from the hall into the dressing-room; then one wanted her reticule, and
+another a book from her bag; and a third was searching her basket for
+good things, either for her own private eating, or to give to some one
+to whom she had taken a fancy. Then there were so many conjectures, "who
+and who such ladies were?" Miss Vincent and Miss Russel, who were
+declared friends, kept apart from their companions. There were few,
+indeed, they would deign to notice; and no one, unless her Papa had a
+carriage. There was an air of scorn in their countenances, which seemed
+to say, "here is a motley group, indeed!"
+
+Jane had been confined to her chamber the whole of the morning, but in
+the afternoon strolled into the garden to converse with the young
+ladies. She soon felt fatigued, and went into the summer-house to rest.
+There, to her surprise, she beheld a young lady with a melancholy
+aspect, seated, with her eyes fixed intently upon the floor.
+
+"My dear, why are you here alone?" asked Jane in a tone of kindness;
+"was there no young lady to walk with you?"
+
+"No, ma'am; the ladies do not wish to associate with me. They object to
+my complexion: and, I believe, they think that I am without feelings.
+The little girl would have remained with me, but her sister would not
+allow her."
+
+A loud laugh now proclaimed a party approaching the summer-house. Jane
+was shocked when she heard Miss Vincent exclaim, "Oh, do come in and
+behold her! she is a complete creole! I never saw so frightful a
+complexion!"
+
+"The young lady is a stranger to me," said another, "and I am sure I
+would not insult her upon any account."
+
+"That is a voice I know," said Jane, stepping to the door. "My dear Miss
+Damer, I wish to speak to you." Miss Vincent and her friend instantly
+retreated, and the young lady entered the summer-house with a blushing
+face.
+
+"Here is a young lady," said Jane, "who is a stranger; and I may add,
+that she is in a strange land. In introducing her to you, Miss Damer, I
+hope I am securing a friend for her: one who will not behold her
+insulted."
+
+Tears now rushed from Miss Arden's eyes. "O! ma'am, I cannot thank you
+as I feel! Hitherto, I have only known rudeness and unkindness! When I
+lost my father, I thought, in coming to England--England, so famed for
+every thing great and noble--that I should be a stranger to all sorrow
+but that of remembrance."
+
+Miss Damer was too much moved to express herself as she wished. "Come,"
+said Jane, in a cheerful voice, "we must not have sorrow at this our
+first meeting. I perceive that Miss Damer and you will be friends, so
+come with me; you shall be my guests this evening, and we will leave the
+other young ladies to my sister."
+
+With a countenance expressive of kindness, Jane took an arm of each of
+the young ladies, and walked with them up the garden. As she passed Miss
+Vincent and her companion, she said very quietly, "Young ladies, I hope
+you will conduct yourselves better to-morrow."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+When Miss Vincent entered the music-room to receive her first lesson,
+with haughty indifference she seated herself at the piano, and in a
+careless manner began a voluntary. Elizabeth, who was reading a letter,
+now closed it, leisurely opened a book, and desired her to play the
+lesson to which she pointed.
+
+"This piece, ma'am! Gravana thinks English music despicable."
+
+"And English manners, I presume?"
+
+"Manners, ma'am! Madame La Blond's was a fashionable seminary."
+
+"And what is fashion, my dear?"
+
+"Oh, nothing--nothing, ma'am, but doing as we please: we seldom saw
+Madame except in evening parties."
+
+"Then to whom were you indebted for instruction?"
+
+"To our masters, ma'am," said Miss Vincent, in a tone of surprise. "At
+Madame La Blond's we were instructed in all the sciences; in the nature
+of valves; the specific gravity of bodies; the astonishing properties of
+magnetic steel; and how many thousand miles the sun was from the earth."
+
+"And perhaps you were told, by what means Archimedes burned the ships of
+Marcellus, at the siege of Syracuse?"
+
+"O no, ma'am; but we learned the art of memorizing by hieroglyphics.
+This formed a part of our morning exercises."
+
+"Pray, my dear," said Elizabeth very gravely, "can you repeat the
+multiplication table throughout?"
+
+Miss Vincent hesitated. "I know very little, ma'am, of figures: our
+studies were in general of the highest order. But it was a charming
+seminary! We had no particular rules; we could go to rest, or rise when
+we pleased; and favourites were always asked to dance with select
+parties in an evening."
+
+"I seriously regret," said Elizabeth, "that we have robbed Madame La
+Blond of so amiable a pupil."
+
+"Madame, I assure you, ma'am, lamented it. She told Papa I was the
+chief ornament of her school. But he was very angry,--I don't know why;
+but he questioned me so closely, that I might as well have been before a
+court-martial. Indeed I am certain he would have ordered me, had I been
+a private soldier, to the triangle, merely because I said that Madame
+despised people in trade."
+
+"And your Papa really vindicated trade!"
+
+"Oh, ma'am, the Colonel has strange plebeian notions. I never saw him so
+angry as he was when I told him that we--I mean ladies of a certain
+rank--had been the means of sending a merchant's daughter from school,
+by styling her 'Miss Thimbleton,' and 'the little seamstress.' Her
+mamma had the meanness, I may say the impertinence, to send vulgar check
+muslin to be made into a frock, at Madame La Blond's! We took care,
+however, to break the needles, and burn the thread."
+
+"I hope you have finished your remarks: be pleased, now, to listen to
+me. In consequence of the close intimacy that exists between our
+families, I pass over your presuming manner this morning; but
+recollect," said Elizabeth with firmness, "that it shall never be
+repeated. If you dare to disobey, expect punishment. From this time you
+are never to speak to me, unless I ask a question. Now play the lesson I
+proposed."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+Mrs. Adair had selected from the first class four young ladies, to
+regulate the younger pupils. They were to hear them repeat their lessons
+before they entered the school-room; they were likewise to mark the
+errors in their exercises, and endeavour, not only to instruct but
+amuse.
+
+It has been said that by teaching others we gain knowledge ourselves.
+Miss Damer was fully aware of this truth; all her leisure time,
+therefore, was devoted to the young people under her care. She had only
+three, and they had very different abilities: Miss Bruce's capacity was
+bright, but she loved to defer all to the last moment; there was a
+mixture of good sense and childishness in her character, and she was
+warm and impetuous. Isabella Vincent had moderate abilities, but a very
+persevering temper; whatever she had to learn, she laboured at it with
+her whole heart, and her disposition was placid and amiable. Miss Grey
+was a clever girl; she had been at an excellent school, and was
+proficient in most of the minor branches of education. She was fond of
+exercising her ingenuity to amuse her companions. One evening she had
+collected a party round her, intending to divert them with new
+grammatical exercises.
+
+"Now, ladies," she cried, as she held a paper in her hand, "are you all
+ready, all prepared to listen and to learn? Miss Isabella Vincent, what
+are you doing? I am certain you do not mean to attend."
+
+"If she will not attend," said Miss Damer, stepping into the circle, "I
+am quite prepared--"
+
+"Oh, Miss Damer, are _you_ here?" cried Miss Bruce: "we shall have no
+fun now! I thought you were in the drawing-room."
+
+"Cheerfulness is one thing, fun another; but when they both come
+together, they are often noisy companions so we must do without them
+here."
+
+"But we did not think you would come to us this evening," said Miss
+Grey. "Oh, do, Miss Damer, leave us to ourselves one half hour."
+
+"First let me read the paper you are trying to conceal."
+
+"You will only think it nonsense," said Miss Grey; "but don't be angry,
+I beg, for it was only for our diversion."
+
+Miss Damer began to read:
+
+'Mrs. Adair, substantive proper.'
+
+"Very improper to take this liberty." 'Singular number, feminine gender,
+indicative mood, perfect tense; face, mind, and figure, in the
+superlative degree.--Miss Warner inclining to the acute accent.'
+
+"But what is she?" asked Miss Damer.
+
+"A noun proper, certainly, and of the singular number."
+
+'Miss Cotton, demonstrative pronoun; compare _good_, and she is in the
+superlative degree.
+
+'Miss Hilton, voice semi-vowels; in the primitive order by nature,
+governed by a queer looking definite article.
+
+'Miss Vincent, manner the imperative mood; self, first person singular;
+mind, imperfect tense; eyes, positive; voice, in the superlative degree;
+nose, the interrogative point.
+
+'Miss Bruce, an interjection, or an interrogative.'
+
+"True," said Miss Damer, "particularly where books are concerned."
+
+"Well, I do love books!" said Miss Bruce; "I do think I could read
+every one in Mr. Chiswell's shop without being tired. Have you a new one
+to lend me, Miss Damer?"
+
+"If you say all your lessons well, and are good this week, I will lend
+you a very amusing and instructive tale."
+
+"But what is the title?" asked Miss Bruce.
+
+"It is one word, meaning a mark of folly in young ladies. But I must
+finish the grammatical exercise."
+
+'Miss Rothman, a section sufficiently curved.'
+
+"You should not have made this remark, Miss Grey. When you ridicule
+deformity you shew a want of feeling; and, what is of more consequence,
+you prove that you treat with contempt the works of your Creator. Miss
+Rothman's talents, and amiable temper, we cannot too highly prize."
+
+'Miss Russel, an index to point out disagreeables; make her an article,
+and she will prove a bad one of the definite order.'
+
+'The little Rhymer, a brace; and Miss Wise, a verb neuter.
+
+'Miss Damer, auxiliary verb, or substantive proper; first person
+singular, face--' Miss Darner stopped a moment, and then went on with,
+'Miss Jane Adair,--temper, syntax; consisting of concord and government;
+speech, a preposition; voice, liquids; face, mind, and figure, in the
+superlative degree; as the verb to be loved, second person singular,
+indicative mood, present tense, to myself and others. The remainder,
+excepting Miss Arden, may be classed with mutes, crotchets, irregular
+verbs, quotations, and parallels.'
+
+"I wish," cried Isabella, "I could write exercises, or a theme, or
+something, I don't care what."
+
+"And what is to prevent you, my dear?"
+
+"Oh, nothing at all, Miss Damer, if I could but tell what to write."
+
+"Tell how the world was made," said Miss Bruce, "that would be a very
+good subject."
+
+"I cannot do that, I am sure! I do not know what stars are made of,
+they twinkle so; nor what makes flowers look so pretty, and smell so
+sweet; nor where the wind comes from, or what it is: it touches me, but
+I cannot touch it."
+
+"You have never read 'Evenings at Home,'" said Miss Bruce, "or you would
+know that 'wind is but a quantity of air put into violent motion.'"
+
+"But what is the air? Tell me this."
+
+"A clear thin fluid, certainly, and the earth is a vast ball; it would
+soon break its bounds, were it not attracted by the sun."
+
+"But who preserves it in its regular motion?" asked Miss Damer.
+
+"Oh, Miss Damer," exclaimed Miss Bruce, "all the stars, and the moon,
+and the trees, and all that we behold had but one to make them, and one
+to support them--the Great Almighty Maker, who gave me my voice to
+speak, my mind to think, and my eyes to look at the wonders of his
+works."
+
+"I wish I knew how I speak, and look, and think," said Isabella.
+
+"My dear little girl," said Miss Damer, "very wise people are ignorant
+in many things. Learn to be good: it is the best knowledge."
+
+"I do say my prayers every night and morning, and I'm sure I love papa
+and mamma dearly, and I try to love every body."
+
+"This is one way certainly to be good, if you obey your parents as well
+as love them, and think of your prayers when you are repeating them."
+
+"I am sure, Miss Damer, I should love you, you are so good. I never
+could learn my lessons without you assisted me."
+
+"Because you are a dunce," said Miss Bruce.
+
+"We shall see who will be the best girl and the best scholar, 'the
+bright and idle one,' or my little friend, with 'patience and
+perseverance.'"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+A carriage and four, as it is styled, stopping suddenly at the gate,
+caused a little bustle. Amongst Mrs. Adair's pupils, some were ready to
+look, and others to exclaim, "who can they be?" "what a beautiful girl!"
+and "what a nice little boy! but I fear he is lame!" "Oh, look! do look
+at that queer old lady following them out of the carriage! How oddly her
+nose is turned! and what a droll bonnet!" "I wonder whether they will
+dine with us!" "I should like to know who they are."
+
+While these exclamations were uttered, Miss Vincent pursued other means
+of gaining intelligence of the new comers. She stole softly into the
+hall, and screened herself from observation, in a narrow passage leading
+to the store-room. The next moment she beheld a tall girl, an elderly
+lady, and a little boy ushered into the parlour. She listened to hear
+their names announced, but in vain. As she was returning to the
+school-room, the hall door was opened by Elizabeth. She hastily
+retreated into the passage: but betrayed herself by stumbling over a
+stand of plants, that had been placed there, till they could be
+conveniently removed.
+
+Elizabeth, hearing the noise, quickly stepped towards the passage, and
+perceiving her pupil, said very coolly:
+
+"Botanizing, my dear! I fear you require light upon the subject; if
+there is any rare, very curious plant, give it the name of 'Caroline
+Vincent,' unless you prefer 'the Spy detected.'"
+
+Mortified at the discovery, Miss Vincent hastened to the school-room,
+her face flushed with vexation; and as she rushed past Miss Damer, who
+was standing near the door, exclaimed, "go out of my way, can't you?"
+
+"Certainly! But what has alarmed you so?"
+
+Jane now entered the room; and Miss Russel, who had been leaning through
+the window, hastily turned to Miss Vincent, and exclaimed, "I do
+believe, Caroline, there is a coronet upon the carriage! but I cannot
+make out either the strawberry leaves or the balls." Jane mildly
+reproved her for leaning through the window, contrary to the rules of
+the school.
+
+The moment she had quitted the room Miss Russel exclaimed, "These
+teachers give themselves strange airs!"
+
+"You should speak with more respect of Mrs. Adair's daughter, I think,"
+said Miss Damer; "excepting in fortune, Miss Jane Adair is superior to
+any person here."
+
+"But you will allow that she is a teacher, I hope."
+
+"And does it lessen her merit? If any particular class of females are
+worthy of respect, surely ladies who instruct young people are entitled
+to it; they are the guardians of morals and of manners. But in every
+school there are one or two ungrateful ones."
+
+"Hear the oracle!" cried Miss Vincent. "Another Daniel come to
+judgment!"
+
+"Rude manners and loud words do not intimidate me," said Miss Damer,
+with modest firmness. "I again repeat, that a person who can instruct us
+in any one branch of education is entitled to--"
+
+"What?" asked Miss Vincent imperiously.
+
+"Deference. More I cannot urge, to a young lady who has been at Madame
+La Blond's. But I must not say more: for I should not deserve this,"
+extending her medal towards Miss Vincent, "were I to be the promoter of
+quarrels."
+
+Miss Vincent hastily caught the medal, broke the ribbon, and threw them
+across the room, exclaiming, "it is these baubles that make you so
+insolent!"
+
+The young ladies with one accord flew to the medal. Miss Arden however,
+was the fortunate person. On securing it, and returning it to her
+companion, she said, "accept this symbol of peace from my hand, my dear
+friend. As for Miss Vincent, I just view her as the passengers in the
+mail coach viewed the fly, for she makes herself equally ridiculous."
+
+"It is a pity that Miss Vincent is the daughter of so brave a man!"
+cried Miss Cotton. "Who would suppose that one of our greatest heroes
+was her father!"
+
+"Father! how vulgar!" returned Miss Russel. "Pray who is your papa, Miss
+Cotton, that you presume to give yourself these airs, and speak in this
+manner?"
+
+"My papa, Miss Russel, is a plain country gentleman, and I may say with
+truth that he reigns in the hearts of his children, and has taught them
+to 'honour and obey their father and their mother, that their days may
+be long in the land.' But you fashionable young ladies, 'who press to
+bear such haughty sway,' are exempt from this code, for there is no
+express command to honour _pas_ and _mas_."
+
+"I hope Mrs. Adair will never give another medal," said Miss Damer.
+
+"You deserved it," cried Miss Cotton with warmth, "and I hope you will
+always be rewarded for excelling, in every thing you attempt."
+
+"A person must be envious indeed," said Miss Arden, "who can for a
+moment feel hurt at another being rewarded!"
+
+"Had they your temper," cried Miss Cotton, "envy would indeed be
+unknown; but medals of merit, as they are styled, certainly create
+strife."
+
+"But heroes, poets, and artists are distinguished by many proofs of
+regard," observed Miss Arden; "why should we be against a reward to
+merit here?"
+
+"You do not consider," said Miss Cotton, "great men, have great minds;
+but we have very little ones."
+
+"I can only say, I pity any one with a malicious temper: and a person
+must have one, indeed, who can envy Miss Damer; for she never provokes
+to anger, or gives offence."
+
+"And pray how are you to answer for Miss Damer?" asked Miss Vincent.
+
+"I wonder you ask this question," returned Miss Arden. "From the first
+day I came into this house I had reason to dread you; and love, and
+esteem, Miss Damer. Though I was a stranger to every one, you made me a
+subject of ridicule;--but I will not tell you of all your unkindness."
+
+"Pray how long have you been, in studying this set speech?"
+
+"Only whilst you were setting your face to look contemptuously."
+
+"Wonderful! I could not have supposed that a creole had wit! But I
+forget, you are the heiress of a rich nabob! Pray to what black knight,
+or noble emperor, are you allied?"
+
+"Oh, fie! fie! how can you be so insolent!" cried Miss Damer.
+
+"Miss Vincent's words do not trouble me: they have lost their power; let
+her be as severe as she pleases. If she could not display her talent in
+satire, we should say she was the simple one of Mrs. Adair's school:
+there are drones and dunces every where."
+
+"My dear Miss Arden, let us cease all disputes," said Miss Cotton; "Miss
+Vincent and her friend are the most suitable persons to be together,
+when they are in a quarrelsome mood: let us forbear speaking to them."
+
+"Cotton would make an admirable methodist parson," cried Miss Vincent.
+
+"I wish I could return the compliment; for a good method leads to proper
+conduct."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+The young ladies had always to write an extract from one of the
+sermons they had heard at church on the sabbath day. In this
+exercise of memory Miss Damer particularly excelled; the most
+difficult sermon she could transcribe almost word for word. This had
+excited the spirit of envy in Miss Vincent. The week after the
+dispute upon the medal, when Miss Damer opened her book, wherein she
+had written a sermon with extreme neatness, she found every line so
+scrawled, that one word could not be distinguished from another.
+Surprised at this proof of secret malice, she involuntarily gave the
+book to Miss Cotton, who was seated by her. Mrs. Adair, however,
+desired to look at it. After examining every page, she said, and at
+the same time fixed her eyes upon Miss Vincent, "I pity the young
+lady who has done this; she has betrayed one of the meanest passions
+of the human mind." She now looked anxiously round the room; "I see
+few countenances," she added, "where envy reigns.
+
+"Miss Vincent, had you ever this book in your hand? speak in a
+moment--yes, or no: I want no other word!"
+
+"No, ma'am; I never had the book in my hand, I can declare with truth."
+
+"Miss Bruce, is this your work? for I know you are a little busy-body."
+
+"O no, ma'am! I would not blot any lady's book for the world."
+
+Mrs. Adair now turned to Miss Arden: "my dear, have you been amusing
+yourself with your companion's book?"
+
+"No, ma'am."
+
+"The mystery, I think, will soon be explained: and I fear I shall find
+that there has been more artifice than truth in a young lady's
+assertion. Come hither, Isabella, I wish to speak to you."
+
+Little Isabella's features betrayed confusion and terror: and as she
+slowly walked up the room, she burst into tears. "Do not be afraid,"
+said Mrs. Adair, in a soothing tone of voice, "I am not angry with you.
+Tell me plainly how it was. What did your sister say to you?"
+
+"O, ma'am, she said--O dear, I wish I were at home--"
+
+"Come, speak the truth, my dear. You know you are one of my best little
+girls. Tell me how you were led into this error. Speak openly, and do
+not be afraid."
+
+"I have not done it--I mean, I have--O dear, where is mamma?"
+
+"Happy at home, I make no doubt. But were papa and mamma here, it would
+make no difference, for I must have the truth. Did you mark this book?"
+
+"O dear, yes, ma'am! but I would not have done it, but I must do it. O,
+sister, you know--you do know--and you will pinch me so! Do, dear, good
+Mrs. Adair, tell her not to pinch me, for I know I shall scream!"
+
+"This is a strange account! We must have a little conversation, my
+dear, in the evening. Correction, or advice, will have no effect
+with you, Miss Vincent. You are not aware that your conduct will be
+deeply impressed upon the mind of every young lady present: it will
+be remembered when you have forgotten the circumstance yourself. I
+shall expect to see you with your sister."
+
+Mrs. Adair looked round upon her pupils with a countenance of affection
+and concern. "Young ladies," she added, "it behoves you to conduct
+yourselves in this house in a manner, that you may go forth into the
+world with modest confidence, arising from the pleasing reflection that
+you have fulfilled your duty in all things. Then, in future life, when
+you unexpectedly meet a school-companion and friend, how pleasant will
+be the greeting! And when I am old and infirm, should you recollect me,
+and call upon me as the friend of your youth, how gratifying will it be
+to my heart to think that I have been one means, in the hands of
+Providence, of giving to society discreet and amiable women."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+The vacation now commenced. The physician had ordered change of air for
+Jane, or rather change of scene: she therefore accompanied Miss Cotton
+to spend a month with her parents. Elizabeth, however, would not accept
+any invitation. Mrs. Adair was surprised at the circumstance, knowing
+that young people are fond of novelty, particularly after the
+confinement of a school.
+
+"It is strange that you have refused all our friends," she said to her
+daughter, "especially your old favourite!"
+
+Elizabeth coloured highly. "My dear mother, teaching has given me the
+wisdom to value a comfortable home. How quiet we are this evening! and
+what a cheerful, blazing fire! and as for this tea, I think I never
+tasted any thing so fragrant."
+
+"And are these your reasons for remaining at home?"
+
+"O no! but only think how pleasant it is to be free from monotonous
+voices buzzing in one's ears! To-night I shall go to rest without the
+fear of being disturbed 'with the sound of the school-going bell,' and
+shall rise to-morrow an independent being."
+
+"Ah, Elizabeth! is there no vexation, or lurking regret, dwelling upon
+your mind? your countenance will betray you. Believe me, there are many
+obstacles to the fulfilment of our wishes in this world. In all things
+it may be said, 'we look through a glass darkly.' But no more on this
+head: you have reason, and you must exert it. Be assured of one thing,
+we are often wisely disappointed in our plans of happiness; if we attain
+our wishes, we must not expect to be wholly free from care."
+
+"I have promised to spend a few days with Colonel Vincent's family. You
+shall go with me to town on Thursday."
+
+"But, my dear mother, you know--"
+
+"I understand you," said Mrs. Adair. "I do not mean that you shall be
+their visitor; I have another plan in view. I know that Miss Damer is
+very uncomfortably situated at home, therefore you can call for her, to
+spend the time here whilst I am absent."
+
+The morning Mrs. Adair and her daughter arrived in London, Elizabeth sat
+a few minutes with Mrs. Vincent, and then proceeded to B---- Square,
+where Mr. Damer resided. As she entered the house she beheld all things
+in confusion; men were employed in packing up china and chandeliers;
+straw and cord were strewed over the hall floor; and people were running
+in every direction, carrying trunks, chairs and sofas. Elizabeth
+inquired for Miss Damer: and was answered by a footman in a very surly
+tone, that "he knew nothing of her." An elderly, respectable looking
+female now stepped forward, and begged Elizabeth would follow her. They
+passed through two empty apartments, and she then gently opened a door
+into a room which was little more than a closet, the light issuing from
+a small casement. A band-box, a bookshelf, and a trunk, upon which Miss
+Damer was seated, close to a grate, containing the dying embers of a
+fire, were all that Elizabeth could discern. Her pupil started from her
+seat, with eyes red with weeping, and in a confused tone exclaimed,
+"Miss Adair here!"
+
+"I am here, indeed," said Elizabeth; "and I hope I am come to a good
+purpose. But what has caused this strange confusion? But I beg your
+pardon," perceiving the distress of her pupil, "I was not aware of what
+I was saying. You must come with me; I came hither on purpose for you."
+
+"Then you have heard of our troubles, ma'am?"
+
+"I see them all. But we have not a moment to spare." Guided by the
+impulse of the moment, Elizabeth dropped upon one knee, opened the
+band-box, took out a bonnet, and then searched the trunk for a pelisse.
+Miss Damer looked down upon her dress--
+
+"Never mind your morning dress, my dear: this will cover all," said she,
+as she assisted Miss Damer with her pelisse; and as she tied the strings
+of her bonnet, exclaimed, "Now we shall do; but we must go immediately,
+for the days are short." As they were leaving the room, the elderly
+female came up to them: "Where are you going, my dear young lady?"
+
+"Ah, my good nurse, I had forgotten you in my surprise! This is Miss
+Adair: but I am so confused, I scarcely know what I am doing--only that
+I am going where I have been most happy! But you will write to me, or
+see me, or something."
+
+"If you wish to see Miss Damer, come in one of the morning coaches,"
+said Elizabeth.
+
+"I thank you, ma'am, kindly," said the nurse. "You are now in good
+hands, my dear young lady, so do not fret; Providence, I have often told
+you, would never desert so dutiful a daughter; and you find an old
+woman's words may be true. We shall be happy yet, never fear. People
+cannot forget their own. Never mind if they do: there is an eye over you
+in all your ways. And there is a death-bed, too," said she in a low
+voice; "then conscience will be heard--there is no saying, I won't hear;
+no creeping into corners, and running away. When the arms drop, and the
+head is weary with anguish, coaxing and paint will not give one jot of
+comfort; no, nor the sight of the most beautiful face upon earth. Be
+good, then, my dear young lady, for the evil day will come to us; and
+what a blessing it will be, if we can say with sincerity, 'the Lord's
+will be done.'"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+As Elizabeth was stepping into the chaise she suddenly recollected the
+trunk; and turning to the nurse, desired it might be instantly corded,
+and given to the driver. A man who was standing at the hall door
+exclaimed, "but we must first search it."
+
+"Search it, then," cried Elizabeth, haughtily, "but do not detain us in
+the cold."
+
+"Cold, forsooth!" said the man; "I wonder what people would be at, with
+their fine carriages! I shall take my own time, I can assure you,
+ma'am, though your feathers are so high!"
+
+"There is no arguing with vulgar, obstinate people," said Elizabeth, as
+she drew up the chaise window; she did not consider, that civility is
+due to every person; it is, however, too much the case with young ladies
+that they think they have a right to command with authority, and,
+however unreasonable, that their command must be obeyed.
+
+Elizabeth saw that her pupil was too deeply affected to answer any
+questions, therefore during the ride remained silent. In the evening,
+however, Miss Damer mentioned that her father had left the kingdom, and
+with a trembling voice added, "there are circumstances, ma'am, which it
+would not become me to reveal; when Mrs. Adair returns home, as far as I
+am at liberty, I will explain the cause of our distress."
+
+"Not another word upon the subject," cried Elizabeth; "I was not
+attending to you, for this teasing kitten has ruffled all my silks."
+Elizabeth turned the kitten out of the room, and began to put her
+netting balls in order, saying at the time, "what have I to do with your
+father's affairs, my dear? I will not hear any family secrets; for I do
+not love secrets of any kind. You are in the house of friends: therefore
+try to be happy. My mother and sister never make professions: by their
+actions you must judge them. For my part, I would rather have one act
+of kindness than a thousand promises, or words of praise and comfort.
+But come and assist me with my silk, for I can do no good with it."
+
+Elizabeth wrote the particulars to Mrs. Adair, and finished her letter
+with the hope that the promise she had given to their pupil, of having a
+home with them, would not be disapproved.
+
+Mrs. Adair received this letter with some degree of displeasure. She was
+not one who was generous for worldly fame; she justly considered that
+her pupil's friends were the most proper persons to provide for her, and
+lost no time in calling at her late residence. On her arrival at the
+house, she found all the shutters closed; an elderly female, however,
+at the moment stopped and unlocked the door, who proved to be the nurse
+Elizabeth had seen.
+
+Mrs. Adair followed her into the house, which was quite desolate: not a
+piece of furniture was remaining. She inquired if Miss Damer had any
+relations or friends to take care of her. "No, indeed, madam," said the
+nurse; "her mother's sister is the only near relation, and she has
+married somebody. It was a sad day for my poor young lady! she was
+stupified with grief! Her father fled--and the sheriff's officers in the
+house! All things were in confusion! chairs in one place, carpets upon
+dining-room tables, satin curtains upon the floor, nothing in its
+place; and then to see the nice things my good mistress had once so
+highly prized, handled so roughly! Ah, madam, ladies little think, when
+they are so delicate in handling their finery, into what brutish hands
+it may fall at last! But a happy thing it was, that my mistress did not
+live to see the confusion."
+
+"The young lady!" said Mrs. Adair; "other affairs I have not any thing
+to do with."
+
+"My young lady, madam! Ah, from a child she knew the right from wrong;
+but sorrowful was her life, after her mamma's death. She was no
+squanderer of her father's money--she knew the value of every thing; no
+waste, no scantiness was her mode. But it was a sad day when she ceased
+to rule in her father's house. O, Madam, I have seen her so treated! But
+it will come home at last to those who have triumphed in their
+wickedness; justice overtakes sinners in the long-run."
+
+Mrs. Adair now inquired if Miss Damer had heard from her father.
+
+"No, Madam; nor dare he return to England; he is too profligate to think
+of any person but himself, and the painted, gaudy creature and her
+children who are gone with him. But I hope my young lady will find a
+friend with you, Madam, for I am sure you are Mrs. Adair."
+
+Mrs. Adair told her to make herself easy respecting Miss Damer, and
+desired she would go down and spend a day at her house. "It will be a
+satisfaction to the young lady to see you," she added.
+
+Scarcely was Mrs. Adair seated, on the evening she returned home, when
+Elizabeth, in a tone of fretful impatience, asked "why her letter had
+not been answered?"
+
+"I pass over your question," said Mrs. Adair, "to ask why you did not
+consult me, respecting a provision for Miss Damer?"
+
+"It was impossible! I could not keep her in a state of suspense."
+
+"But do you consider, that bills must be discharged, and that servants'
+wages and taxes must be paid, before we make even an ideal division of
+the sums we are to receive from parents? And for Miss Damer, we shall
+not receive sixpence! And who is to pay for the harp, the pelisse, the
+bonnet, and the books that her father requested us to purchase? Likewise
+her washing bills, and many other extras, which of course add to the
+account."
+
+"O, my dear mother," said Elizabeth with astonishment, "I could not have
+supposed that you would have thought of these petty things."
+
+"I have more than thought, for they have dwelt upon my mind. Great
+affairs women seldom have anything to do with; it is in the petty,
+every-day concerns of life, that we are called upon to be prudent. How
+many men date their troubles to the thoughtless extravagance and want
+of economy in a wife! But, for the sake of bringing the subject home to
+your own bosom, we will suppose that you are a young married woman."
+Elizabeth blushed, and was attempting to speak, but Mrs. Adair checked
+her. "You receive your friends, and return your parties in bridal
+finery; one excursion takes place of another, and gaiety upon gaiety
+succeeds; this passes over, and with faded dresses, faded looks begin.
+At least, care sits a little heavy on your husband's brow; he perceives
+that you are deficient in all the requisites for a good wife; and when
+he looks round the uncomfortable apartment in which he is seated, his
+thoughts naturally revert to the home of his youth, and his prudent,
+excellent mother; you are too much the lady to attend to domestic
+concerns. 'Servants receive high wages: and they must do their duty.'
+And what is their duty? Just to please themselves; and tease you for
+money for trifles, and to go to market. You supply all their wants,
+without considering what is wasted, and what is really wanted.
+
+"Next we will suppose that a young family demands your aid: nay, your
+constant care. 'But the fatigue, and the bustle, and the noise of
+children distract you,' Poor, helpless little things; they have not
+reason to take care of themselves: additional servants must therefore
+be engaged. And they are constantly with nurses, who sometimes coax
+them, sometimes beat them, and sometimes scold them; so, through their
+mother's idleness, they learn many vicious tricks. Evil grows upon evil.
+Through your extravagance, and your husband's misfortunes, you are
+brought to beggary. How do you like this picture?"
+
+"O, mother! you do not think so ill of me! I would do every thing, and
+submit to every inconvenience, rather than involve the man I should
+marry in misery."
+
+"Depend upon it, Elizabeth, people live in an ideal world, when they do
+not think of proper ways and means to provide for a family. The word
+liberal, in its modern sense, means profuseness to needy adventurers,
+and idle friends; indifference to the nearest and dearest ties,
+originate in this misapplied term. A liberal spirit runs into debt to
+honest tradesmen, and with an unruffled countenance hears of their
+bankruptcy. The liberal treat as lords, when they know they are only
+beggars. Believe me, the most estimable characters are those with whom
+there is the least tendency to this overflowing prodigality of kindness.
+It is, however, my wish to serve Miss Damer. She shall be educated for a
+governess. But let us not neglect the old despised adage: 'Be just
+before you are generous.'"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+From the first day that Miss Vincent entered Mrs. Adair's house as a
+pupil, she was anxious to return to Madame La Blond's. Whilst the
+Colonel was at home, she knew it would be in vain to mention the
+subject; but no sooner was he called abroad, than she wrote in the most
+urgent terms to her mamma to remove her. "I shall never be happy here,"
+she added, in her letter, "for Mrs. Adair is so strict, and tiresome!
+You will be surprised, mamma, when I assure you that she is quite a
+sanctified Methodist: we have prayers in a morning, and prayers in an
+evening, and are obliged to write sermons! She is not by any means a
+suitable person to finish my education; and there are not five young
+ladies in the school, whose parents drive four horses. At Blazon Lodge
+how different! They were all fashionable, excepting two. Do, my good
+mamma, let me return to my dear Madame La Blond. Miss Adair has actually
+put me into Murray's small grammar, and I am only in the third class."
+
+In passing through the gallery, Mrs. Adair found the copy of the letter;
+and whilst she was reading it, Miss Vincent cautiously advanced, looking
+earnestly upon the floor. On seeing the paper in Mrs. Adair's hands,
+she hastily exclaimed,
+
+"O, ma'am, that is mine! I have just dropped it: it is a copy of music,
+I believe!"
+
+"Then I will look it over again," said Mrs. Adair, as she entered the
+school-room with the paper in her hand.
+
+Miss Vincent followed, with a countenance of scorn and vexation.
+
+"Take your seat, Miss Vincent." Here there was a long pause; the young
+ladies looked at each other, wondering what was to come next. Mrs. Adair
+read the copy again. "Why do you censure us so severely?" she asked.
+
+"I only think, ma'am--I think--" and here she hesitated; but at length
+her former assurance returned, and she said in a more audible voice, "I
+think, ma'am, we have too much religion introduced. In the circles where
+mamma presides, it is never mentioned."
+
+"From my own knowledge of your mamma, I do not think you are exactly
+correct. But let that pass: and now answer one question: no doubt you
+are anticipating the time when you will be released from all school
+duties: when you enter the gay world, how many years do you expect to
+partake of the joys of a fashionable life?"
+
+Miss Vincent was silent.
+
+"Bating all casualties," continued Mrs. Adair, "forty years of gaiety
+is the utmost that a female can expect; and in scenes of pleasure,
+days, months, and years glide swiftly away. The value of time is
+unknown: at least, it is not properly estimated, till grey hairs,
+wrinkled features, and a debilitated frame check the career; then
+eternity, with all its hopes and fears, opens to the view. We will for a
+moment consider you upon the bed of sickness, surrounded by your family;
+a physician, with an air of irresolution, writing a prescription, and
+your anxious countenance denoting the insufficiency of all earthly aid;
+will the remembrance of balls, routs, and artificial scenes, cheer the
+dying hour? The moment arrives when you close your eyes upon this world
+and its vanities; 'ashes to ashes, and dust to dust,' finish the scene!
+The mouldering earth is lightly scattered over the coffin, and the tomb
+is deserted by survivors. But remember, a day will come when you will be
+called to judgment, to answer for your deeds upon earth. In what manner
+will days, months, and years of folly be justified, in the presence of
+your Creator and Judge?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+A little time after the discovery of the letter Miss Vincent returned
+home to her mamma, who had been some time seriously indisposed; and, to
+the great joy of Mrs. Adair, the following week Miss Russel left the
+school, to accompany her parents to the Continent.
+
+"Now we shall go on pleasantly," said Mrs. Adair to her daughters; "the
+only two disagreeable girls we had under our care are removed: and if
+ever I have another of a similar description, I will send her home
+immediately, whatever be the consequence."
+
+Mrs. Adair's mind, at the time she said this, was a little irritated,
+for she had heard something particularly unpleasant respecting the
+conduct of her late pupils. She now resolved to be strict in future;
+never allow the young ladies to be alone, even in the play-ground, nor
+permit them to spend an hour from the school between the vacations,
+except by the express desire of parents in particular cases.
+
+When the young ladies heard there would be no half-day holydays between
+the vacations, there was a general consternation amongst them. Some
+murmured, and others were satisfied that Mrs. Adair must have good
+reason for her proceeding. When Miss Bruce heard the new rule, she said
+to Isabella Vincent, "I never knew such a thing! Not visit this half
+year! And my Aunt promised to take me to the exhibition, and Miss
+Linwood's works, and I don't know where! I never knew any thing so
+provoking! But I will be revenged, that I will!"
+
+"And what will you do?" asked Isabella; "what do you mean by revenge? I
+am sure it is something very wrong."
+
+"It is only making others feel as well as ourselves, that's all."
+
+"But if they vex us, why should we vex them? I know I always feel sorry
+when I have made people angry."
+
+"Don't talk to me--I will write such a theme!"
+
+"Ah, Miss Bruce! mamma says we should never do wrong."
+
+"I wish you would not mention your mamma, for it is a very ugly word."
+
+"O, Miss Bruce, I never heard such a thing!"
+
+"I once loved it dearly," said Miss Bruce, in a softened tone. "Those
+were happy days! I can fancy I see somebody now, sitting up in bed, with
+her nice white cap, so pale, and so pretty; and somebody kneeling by
+her, and praying for her, and blessing her. But all would not do, to
+save one I loved!" Here tears trickled from her eyes: but she suddenly
+recollected herself; "I must not think of it; it is over, and for ever
+gone! And now for my theme."
+
+"Poor Miss Bruce," said Isabella, in a soothing tone, "I wish you were
+my sister, and then you would have my mamma, and she would love you so!"
+
+"And do you think I would give up some one, for all the mammas in the
+world! No, no--there is no one like him. But I will mortify Mrs. Adair,
+that I will! To think that I must not go to my Aunt's on Thursday! And
+there will be my cousins, and Edward Warner, and Margaret James, and
+some one who is worth them all; though I don't talk of him as you talk
+of your Papa."
+
+After musing a few minutes, with her pencil in her hand, and her head
+resting upon a slate, she joyfully exclaimed, "I have it, I have it
+indeed!"
+
+"And what have you got?" cried Isabella, as she sprang from her seat,
+and looked over Miss Bruce's shoulder.
+
+"Only my ideas; neither apples nor plums. But I wish you would not wipe
+my face with your curls. I have got the clue to my fable; I will have
+Mrs. Adair, and I think your papa too."
+
+"I am sure you never shall: you never saw papa!"
+
+"Indeed Miss Isabella, you are quite mistaken; I have seen him in shop
+windows, in magazines, and I am certain he is in a fine gilt frame in
+our study."
+
+"I wish people would not take such liberties. Papa has no business to
+be in windows, and other people's frames."
+
+"Why, don't you know that only great writers, and great fighters, and
+very good men, and very bad men, are noticed that way! If your papa was
+not good as well as great, he would not be fixed in our house, unless in
+the servant's room, with Jemmy and Sandy, and the Storm, and Auld Robin
+Grey. Whatever you may think, it is a very great honour to be noticed by
+somebody that I could name."
+
+"I have not any thing to do with honour," cried Isabella, "and talking
+of things I don't know."
+
+"Hush! don't speak! Can't you see that I am busy. I wish I knew what
+people do when they have great books to write. My thoughts jumble so
+together, I can't tell what to make of them; it is sad teasing work."
+
+"If Caroline was here, she could tell you what to write."
+
+"And do you think that I should ask a dunce? If I could but begin, I
+know I could go on." Here Miss Bruce considered a little. "I must think
+of my thoughts: no, I must write them down."
+
+"O, Miss Bruce, Miss Bruce!" cried Isabella, eagerly, "do look through
+the window; there is a balloon flying, and a paper boy tied to it!"
+
+"I wish you were flying too: don't you see that I want to write my
+fable. Let me see: Ass, 1; Farmer Killwell, 2; somebody's papa, but not
+mine. Turkey, 3; Barn-fowls, 4; Little schoolgirl, 5. O, how shall I put
+all these words together to make any thing of them! O, that I could but
+begin! There it is!" said Miss Bruce joyfully; and she wrote several
+words upon her slate. "Well, there is nothing like a good beginning! I
+will finish to-night; so now let us go to the ladies," and Miss Bruce
+skipped out of the room, with her slate and Isabella.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+With some surprise, Miss Damer, in looking over the themes, read the
+following fable:
+
+"One bleak, cold winter morning, an ass and her foals were loitering
+upon the edge of a wild common; not a tree was to be seen, and scarcely
+a bit of herbage for their breakfast to be found. 'This is a comfortless
+life!' said the ass; 'the winds are chilly, the snow will soon fall, and
+we have not a shed to cover us! What shall we do? for I fear we shall
+be lost.' The ass turned her head, for she heard the tinkling of bells,
+and saw a shepherd driving sheep from the common. 'Ah! a happy thought!
+we will go to Farmer Killwell, and tell our sorrows unto him.' No sooner
+said than done; they plodded through miry lanes, waded through shallow
+brooks, and at length arrived at the farmer's gate. The tale was soon
+told. The farmer pitied their piteous case; 'but,' said he, 'idleness
+bringeth want. Exert yourselves, and you will find friends. Begin a
+school at once; here are my poultry, my birds, and my young cattle to
+teach: not a moment is to be lost.'--'It is a good thing to have a good
+friend!' said the ass, as she stalked into the farm-yard. Here she
+brayed with a most audible voice: 'Hearken to me, parents and little
+ones!' she cried; 'I am come hither to inspire you all with wisdom.'
+
+"The goose, as wise as a goose can be, stared at the speaker; tossed her
+head on one side, gave a loud quack, and returned to comfort her
+goslings, who were fluttering in every direction.
+
+"'You little ducklings,' continued the ass, 'don't spread your feet so
+vulgarly. Mrs. Turkey, I have long sighed for the honour of your
+patronage: the charming little poults, I hope, will gain new beauties
+from our exertions. Mrs. Barn-fowl, your chickens are too timid; we
+shall soon teach them to hop with grace. As for these awkward maudlin
+rabbits, I fear we cannot do any thing with them; and these ill-bred
+creatures, Mrs. Sow's progeny, we cannot attempt to teach.' A sturdy
+mastiff, who had followed the group of gazers, now barked furiously;
+dispersed the poultry, pushed Mrs. Sow and her family into the mud; and,
+spite of Farmer Killwell, drove the ass and her foals out of the
+farm-yard. A little girl, who was witness to the hubbub, exclaimed, 'Ah!
+this is excellent! Mrs. Adair has borrowed a garment from the ass, to
+teach simple ones wisdom; but she will never teach little girls to love
+new rules.'"
+
+"Where is the moral to your fable?" asked Miss Damer, with some degree
+of anger.
+
+"I never thought of the moral; of what use would it be to my theme?"
+returned Miss Bruce.
+
+"And of what use is any theme or fable without a moral? But I wish to
+know your motive for writing this ridiculous piece."
+
+"To vex Mrs. Adair, certainly, because she won't let me go to my Aunt's
+on Thursday."
+
+"And do you really think that it is in your power to vex Mrs. Adair with
+this trifling nonsense? You may be assured of this, Miss Bruce, the only
+notice she will take of this childish, insignificant fable, will be to
+make you read it to the ladies."
+
+"I won't be talked to in this way, though you are my monitress. I will
+write what I please;" so saying, she snatched the slate from Miss Damer,
+and in haste rubbed off the words.
+
+"The wisest thing you could do," said Miss Damer. "Now sit down, and
+reflect seriously upon your conduct, and then tell me whether you feel
+quite satisfied with yourself, or whether you are grateful to Mrs. Adair
+for her care of you, and attention to you. You are the only little girl
+who has not a mamma: who would be so indulgent, so tender to you, as
+Mrs. Adair?"
+
+At these words Miss Bruce sobbed violently; but her sorrow was of short
+duration: "You would vex any thing, Miss Damer, with talking so
+quietly. I like people to be angry with me, and then I can be angry
+myself."
+
+"My dear, I shall not listen to you, so I advise you to cease talking:
+it is my plan never to argue with unruly little girls. Come, Miss Grey,
+and Isabella; we will go into the play-ground."
+
+Isabella whispered to Miss Bruce as she passed her; "do, dear Miss
+Bruce, be good. Why should you vex Miss Damer when she is so kind to
+you?" Miss Bruce pushed her companion's hand from her shoulder, and
+turned her face to the wall, and there they found her on their return.
+
+When the bell rang for prayers, Miss Bruce sprang across the room to
+Miss Damer, who was seated, talking to Miss Arden, and throwing her
+arms round her neck, she exclaimed, "You must indeed forgive me; I
+cannot sleep unless you say, 'good night.'"
+
+Miss Damer turned round, and kissed her: "Now, my dear, I hope you will
+never offend me again."
+
+"Oh, Miss Damer! I will love you for ever, for forgiving me so soon."
+The bell rang, and she hastened out of the room.
+
+"Should you not have been a little more stern?" said Miss Arden.
+
+"My dear friend, ask yourself whether you could be so to a little girl
+who has no mother."
+
+Tears started into Miss Arden's eyes. "I did not think of that."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+One evening after school-hours, Mrs. Adair went into Jane's apartment,
+who at this time was chiefly confined to her chamber, and found her
+busily employed sealing small parcels. One was directed, "For my friend
+Miss Damer;" another, "For my dear little Isabella Vincent;" and a
+third, "For my amiable young friend Miss Arden." Mrs. Adair seated
+herself with the work in which she was engaged: and as her eyes glanced
+to the sealed parcels, tears stole down her cheeks.
+
+"My dear mother," said Jane with tenderness, "I am only making a little
+preparation before my journey. You must have been aware, some time, that
+the days of my life were numbered; and they will now be very few. But do
+not grieve on my account: it is the appointment of One, who is unerring
+in his ways. Excepting the separation from you and my sister, I feel
+that I have no regret at leaving this world.
+
+"Death is a subject that I have often contemplated. The grave, and the
+last perishable garment in which I shall be clothed, have now lost all
+their terrors. The evening I first arrived at school, when my mind was
+filled with grief at our separation, I remember being greatly shocked
+at the slow, solemn, deep tones of the village church-bell. I cannot
+describe my feelings at the time. Sorrow at leaving home rendered the
+awful muffled peal more dismal to my ears: but from that night I may
+date my first serious thoughts of another world. I have never troubled
+my friends with my reflections, but that bell was as a monitor, to warn
+me that I was not for this world."
+
+Miss Arden now entered the room; and Mrs. Adair gladly escaped, to
+indulge her tears in secret. With a calm collected countenance she then
+re-joined her pupils; but at the same time experienced the sorrow of a
+parent, who knows she is soon to be deprived of a beloved child. For
+Jane's appearance too plainly denoted, that the period was at hand
+"when the keepers of the house would tremble." At this time her
+uneasiness was increased by a melancholy, distressing letter from Mrs.
+Vincent, urging her not to delay a moment coming to her; that she was to
+undergo an operation, that would either close life or restore her to her
+family. Various feelings agitated Mrs. Adair's mind as she read the
+letter. After a little reflection, she fixed upon the proper mode of
+acting, and in an hour a chaise was at the door, to convey her to her
+old friend.
+
+Jane had now been confined wholly to her chamber a fortnight. Her
+disease was of a fluctuating nature: sometimes she appeared almost in
+perfect health; at others, as one dropping into the grave. She was
+seated in an arm-chair, supported with pillows. When Mrs. Adair entered
+the chamber, one hand rested upon a book that lay open upon a small
+table, and near the book was her watch; her head was thrown back, and
+her face was covered with a muslin handkerchief. Mrs. Adair, who had
+slowly opened the door, now as cautiously advanced; listened to hear her
+daughter breathe; and then gently raised the handkerchief. Jane started.
+Afraid of disturbing her, Mrs. Adair remained some time with fixed
+attention, holding the handkerchief from her face. A hectic flush was
+upon her cheeks; but her countenance was placid and happy. When she
+returned into her own chamber, Elizabeth was there, who anxiously
+inquired if she had seen her sister. "But have you taken leave of her?"
+she cried.
+
+Mrs. Adair drew the veil of her bonnet over her face, as she said,
+"taking leave is a trial of all others--" and here she paused; "this is
+not of any consequence to you."
+
+"O, my dear mother, we have no earthly hope, no support but yourself;
+let my sister's eyes rest for the last time upon the mother she has so
+tenderly loved; she will not die in peace unless you are with her."
+
+"My feelings are as irritable as your own," said Mrs. Adair; "leave me
+to act according to my own judgment: not another word. Bring Isabella
+to me, for the chaise is at the door."
+
+While the ladies were walking with Miss Wilkins, the teacher, Elizabeth
+went into her sister's chamber; and at the door met Mrs. Lloyd, the
+housekeeper, who had been ordered by Mrs. Adair to explain the motive
+of the journey to Jane.
+
+"O, sister," cried Elizabeth, "how could my mother, so considerate and
+good as she is, leave you in this state!"
+
+"We cannot tell all her motives," said Jane; "only consider what were my
+mother's feelings, when she fixed her eyes upon this poor emaciated
+frame, as she supposed, for the last time."
+
+"It was cruelty in the extreme," cried Elizabeth.
+
+"Do no speak rashly, my dear Elizabeth; we will hope--" and her eyes
+brightened with an expression of joy, "that all will yet be well; that,
+through the mercy of Providence, Mrs. Vincent will be restored to
+health, and that I shall be permitted to remain a little longer with
+you."
+
+"O, that it were to the day of my own death," exclaimed Elizabeth with
+fervency. "There are few persons to whom my heart earnestly inclines,
+and I would have them with me through this life, and all eternity."
+
+"My dear sister, these things are not at our disposal. But let us
+consider the subject: every night we experience temporary dissolution:
+and then we are separated, even as if the hand of death had smitten us;
+when we go to rest, we have no positive assurance that we are to open
+our eyes again upon the objects of this world; still we project schemes;
+calculate upon probable and improbable events; but the entire suspension
+of our faculties is never taken into the account. Yet we are ignorant
+whether we are to open our eyes on the objects of this world, or that
+which is to come. I own I have not any desponding thoughts; I rest alone
+upon the mercies and the merits of a suffering and a redeeming Saviour;
+he is my sole refuge. To our mother, my conscience acquits me either of
+intentional errors, or errors of omission. This is a source of the
+purest consolation; it clears the rough, the thorny path to the valley
+of death. Elizabeth, my dearest sister, listen to me before I go hence,
+and be no more seen. Every night recall to mind the actions of the day.
+Let this be the question you put to yourself: "Have I done my duty in
+all things?" Where you have failed, let the morning sun, as it rises, be
+a token to you that another day is given for wise and good purposes; in
+the grave there is no remembrance of error, no atonement to be made for
+transgression, for neglect of the social duties of life."
+
+Elizabeth gazed at her sister with feelings of tenderness and sorrow.
+
+"All things pass away," said Jane, as she raised her eyes to her
+sister's agitated face; "but 'when this mortal has put on immortality,'
+then Elizabeth, when we meet again, it will not be for transient days,
+and years, but for ages of eternity."
+
+Exhausted with speaking so long, she pointed to the book upon the table.
+"The spirit is willing," said she, faintly, "but my voice is weak; will
+you oblige me, sister?"
+
+"From my heart I will," exclaimed Elizabeth; "would that I could not
+only oblige, but retain you for our comfort, for this world to my mother
+will be a wilderness indeed."
+
+"Not so," said Jane, tears flowing into her eyes; "my affectionate, my
+warm-hearted sister will be my substitute! O, Elizabeth, friend dearest
+to me, may you be blessed where your heart is fixed."
+
+Elizabeth started, and her countenance became pale as death.
+
+"Sister," Jane slowly added, "you could not keep the secret from me; I
+have traced it in all your actions; but, rest assured, it will descend
+with me to the grave."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+Elizabeth was restless and uneasy the whole of the day that her mother
+had taken her departure for Colonel Vincent's. The evening was wet and
+gloomy; the young people could not, therefore, take their usual exercise
+in the play-ground. After sitting some time with her sister and Miss
+Arden, she sauntered into the school-room, to observe how they were
+employed. Some of the young ladies were attending to their lessons for
+the following day. One party had spread the road to happiness upon a
+work-box; all anxious to attain the desired haven. Another young lady
+was seated alone, joining the map of Europe. In a corner of the room,
+apart from all her companions, Miss Bruce was reading the admirable
+instructive tale "Display." Elizabeth looked over her shoulder, "My
+dear, I thought you had read that book six months ago."
+
+"O yes, ma'am; but I can read it over and over again: there is not a new
+book now in the school."
+
+"You mean," said Elizabeth, smiling, "that you have read them all. But
+can you explain the word "Display?" for I think most young ladies are
+partial to it, in one shape or another." A carriage now stopped at the
+door; and Elizabeth exclaimed, "who is in that carriage?" Miss Grey, who
+was near the window, raised herself upon a box, and looking over the
+blind, cried, "Mrs. Adair, ma'am, and Miss Isabella Vincent."
+
+Elizabeth hastened from the room, and met her mother at the hall door,
+joyfully exclaiming, "O, my dear mother, this is an unexpected, welcome
+pleasure! But how is Mrs. Vincent?"
+
+"Composed and comfortable; the operation was performed yesterday: but it
+was not my intention to desert you: how could you think so?"
+
+The truth was, Mrs. Adair had called upon the physician, and begged that
+he would inform her daughter that she would return in the evening: but
+a press of engagements had prevented his visit to Jane, who now with joy
+beheld her mother enter her chamber.
+
+"I thought you would return to see me on my journey," she exclaimed;
+"and you are returned, my dear mother. Blessed be this hour!"
+
+Miss Arden and Miss Damer, from the hour they met in the summer-house,
+were strict friends. Their capacities were similar, and they were at the
+head of the different classes. On the days appointed for geography, the
+young ladies were in a room called the study. Miss Arden had observed
+that one of the servants, a respectable looking young woman, generally
+contrived to enter the apartment, and busy herself with one thing or
+another: but always looked, anxiously at the globes, or the maps, and
+stopped a moment to listen, either to the teacher or the pupils. Miss
+Arden noticed the circumstance to her friend; "I will certainly ask
+Catherine," she said, "if she has any motive in attending to our
+pursuits; there is something in her countenance that excites my
+curiosity."
+
+The first time she met her alone, she made the inquiry.
+
+"I have, indeed, ma'am, a motive," said Catherine; "I would give all my
+wages, could I but learn as you do."
+
+"But of what use, Catherine, would learning be to you? You can read your
+Bible; and it will shew you all that is necessary for you to know. Your
+duty as a servant, and the way to heaven, the place where we all hope to
+meet, when we have done with this world, and its cares."
+
+"Ah, ma'am, I am not satisfied even with knowing this, though it is all
+that a servant should know."
+
+"I do not understand you, Catherine. Tell me why you wish to gain other
+knowledge?"
+
+"Because, ma'am, I am most wishful to be useful to my parents. They are
+poor, and have a large family to bring up. If I could but open a little
+school in our village, what a blessing should I be to them!"
+
+"Well, Catherine," said Miss Arden, after considering a little, "I will
+do what I can for you--I mean if Miss Damer approves; for I dare not
+trust to my own judgment. Meet me in the school-room early to-morrow
+morning, and I well tell you how it is to be."
+
+When the friends met in the play-ground, they talked the subject over.
+
+"There cannot, I think, be any thing wrong in doing good to a
+fellow-creature," said Miss Damer, "therefore I think we may venture;
+but we must rise an hour earlier than usual."
+
+Catherine was delighted when she heard the result of their conference;
+and, with many expressions of thankfulness, promised to leave a lamp at
+their door.
+
+The young ladies began the employment of teaching with alacrity. They
+endeavoured to ground Catherine in those things that would be useful in
+a village school. But geography her mind was bent upon, so Miss Arden
+presented to her a book; likewise several little works, which she
+thought would be useful.
+
+One morning, however, they were surprised in the midst of their lessons.
+"Begin that line again," said Miss Arden. Elizabeth had walked gently
+into the room, and now stood by the table where the two young ladies
+were seated, and Catherine standing. When they beheld her, they all
+started, and looked aghast. "You are very early at your tasks, young
+ladies! But I did not know that we had a new pupil. Pray when did she
+arrive?"
+
+"I beg you a thousand pardons, ma'am, for leading the young ladies to do
+wrong! It was all my fault," said Catherine.
+
+Miss Arden related the matter plainly as it was.
+
+"I commend Catherine," said Elizabeth, "for her wish to serve her
+parents; nor am I offended with you, young ladies, for wishing to serve
+her. But you must beware that we are not to do a wrong thing, even with
+the very best motives. There is always something mean in acting
+clandestinely. Why could you not have been candid, and told me her
+wish? You must not meet here again. Catherine, when you have leisure,
+continue your lessons; and I will fix upon some other mode of
+instructing you; at least a proper time, not by the light of a lamp."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+When the physician was first called in to attend Jane, he strictly
+forbad any person sleeping with her: Elizabeth, therefore, removed to a
+small camp bed, which was placed by her sister.
+
+A few mornings after Mrs. Adair's visit to Mrs. Vincent, Jane suddenly
+awoke; and in an earnest, quick tone of voice, begged that her sister
+would come to her. "But first draw aside the window curtain," said she,
+"That is right. Now come into my bed--only this morning--never--never
+again."
+
+Surprised at a request so unusual, Elizabeth instantly obeyed. "Do not
+sit up, sister, nor creep from me; lay your head upon my pillow."
+
+Jane now folded her arms round her sister's neck, and kissed her
+tenderly.--"This is my first and last proof of affection! O, sister!
+where--and when shall we meet again?"
+
+The sun had risen, and gilded every part of the room. Jane raised
+herself, as if by magic. "Let me behold every thing--for I shall never
+behold any objects upon earth again! This day my soul will be required
+by my Heavenly Father! Ah, my soul! it is an awful thing to die; even
+with hope and trust in thy Almighty Power! But Thou art mighty to
+strike,--merciful and gracious in raising thy servants unto glory."
+
+Jane now paused; other thoughts seemed to arise. Her glazed eyes
+wandered from object to object. "Ah! there is my writing-desk; give that
+to my mother! There is my Bible; that is for my dear little favourite!
+Here is my watch; but I cannot see the minute finger move. It is of no
+consequence: time will soon be over! Keep it, my dear Elizabeth, and
+when you look upon it, remember we are to meet again!--Ah! thou bright
+luminary!" she exclaimed, with fervency, "I hail thee, this, my last
+morning upon earth, as the evidence of that Being, who will lead me
+through the valley of the shadow of death, to never-ending glory! What
+is this life, my dearest Elizabeth, when we come to die? But where is my
+mother? I am weak--very weak, and faint."
+
+"Let me support you, dear Jane," said Elizabeth, trembling with emotion.
+
+"Well, sister," said Jane, faintly, "you shall support me. I will die in
+your arms!"
+
+Jane dropped in a state of insensibility upon her pillow. Elizabeth rang
+the bell; and the next minute Mrs. Adair was in the room. She stepped to
+the side of the bed where her youngest daughter lay; and, stooping,
+listened to hear her breathe. "My affectionate, my dutiful child!" Here
+she ceased, for tears checked her utterance. Jane sighed deeply; her
+eyes gradually opened, and, at length, rested upon her mother: by slow
+degrees recollection returned.
+
+"Where could my thoughts be!" she exclaimed in hurried accents. "Is my
+mother here? Ah, yes! I behold her! I did not know you, indeed I did
+not! But bless me; bless your daughter."
+
+Mrs. Adair tenderly embraced Jane; and in faltering accents blessed her.
+
+"My dearest, kindest mother, be comforted! We are parting--but to meet
+again! The trial will soon be over! My hope is fixed upon the promises
+of a merciful Redeemer! I am only going a little--a very little while
+before you! How joyful is the thought, that we are not separating for
+ever!--this is my joy," and her eyes brightened as she spoke, "that I
+have reverenced my God, and loved my mother. But this pain;--O, it is
+violent!--Mother--"...Here the voice ceased; not a sigh, not a whisper
+was heard.
+
+Mrs. Adair, who had been supporting her daughter, now gently placed her
+head upon the pillow, and silently led Elizabeth out of the room.
+
+At the door of her own apartment she saw Mrs. Lloyd; and desiring her to
+take the charge of Elizabeth, who appeared almost convulsed with
+anguish, instantly returned into the chamber she had so recently
+quitted. After indulging that grief, which the most unfeeling in some
+measure experience, when they behold the lifeless remains of a being
+they had loved, she calmly proceeded to accomplish the desire of the
+departed, in preparing her for that narrow spot, which confines all that
+was mighty, rich, noble, excellent--the despised of the world, the
+neglected of the world; that spot which is the boundary of ambition, and
+the sure refuge for the distressed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+When Mrs. Adair had retired to her own chamber, on the night of her
+daughter's decease, and was reflecting upon the awful event of the
+morning, her attention was drawn from the subject by a low whispering
+sound. Aware that the teachers and servants were retired to rest, she
+could not account for the circumstance; she now heard doors slowly
+opening, and was persuaded that different persons were passing her room.
+Alarmed, but at the same time collected, she cautiously opened her own
+door; and perceiving a glimmering light proceed from the chamber where
+her daughter's remains were laid, resolved to be satisfied, and with
+light, slow steps, advanced to the spot. There, with surprise, she
+beheld several of her pupils. At the head of the bed stood Miss Arden,
+with eyes mournfully bent upon the face of the departed; Miss Damer
+stooped to kiss the corpse, and then burst into a violent flood of
+tears. "That smile," said Miss Cotton, "proves that the soul is
+rejoicing in heaven. Where shall we again behold upon earth one so
+amiable or so lovely?"
+
+"O, that I may be equally prepared, when my hour comes," cried Miss
+Arden.
+
+"Hush! hush!" cried Isabella Vincent, in a tone of terror, "did you not
+hear some one breathe? O, do hide me." She now covered her face with her
+frock.
+
+Miss Grey took her passive hand, and tried to comfort her. "Look at Miss
+Jane, and then you will not be frightened; now do look--it is so simple
+to be afraid; she appears only as if she were asleep. There is not any
+thing terrible in death, only to wicked people; I am sure I should not
+be afraid to die to-night."
+
+"I dare not look! indeed I dare not! do take me to my own room."
+
+"You must look at Miss Jane, or you will always be frightened at being
+alone. You know I am but a little girl as well as yourself; but I should
+not be afraid to sleep here to-night. Think how good she was! living or
+dead, she would never injure us."
+
+"O, take me away: I don't know what you are saying; why does not some
+one speak? O, do somebody speak, or I shall be frightened to death."
+
+Miss Grey whispered to her companion that Mrs. Adair was come into the
+room.
+
+"Is she? O how glad I am! Now I don't mind." Saying this, she uncovered
+her face, and crept quietly to Mrs. Adair; who was asking why they had
+assembled in the chamber at so improper an hour.
+
+"We should have been miserable, ma'am," said Miss Cotton, "unless we had
+seen Miss Jane to-night; and as we shall never behold her again, we
+thought, ma'am, you would pardon us. I could not have slept; and the
+other ladies declared the same."
+
+"But wherefore did you come, Isabella?"
+
+"O, ma'am, because I dared not to be alone."
+
+"But why are you afraid to look at my daughter?"
+
+"O, I am not afraid now; I will look at Miss Jane," said Isabella with
+assumed courage; "but do let me take hold of your hand, ma'am; then I
+know I shall be safe."
+
+"You have better protection than mine, my little girl, or you would be
+poorly defended. He who made you, he alone can guard you: but there is
+not any thing to fear from the dead."
+
+Mrs. Adair led her pupil to the head of the bed.
+
+"Look, my dear, how happy and composed she appears; as quiet and sound
+as your little brother, when he is asleep."
+
+By degrees, Isabella ventured to turn her eyes upon the corpse; "I am
+not afraid, I am not afraid indeed," said she, almost gasping for
+breath. At length her eyes were fixed upon the face of the deceased:
+"She can't be dead--she must be asleep! But hush! I do not hear her
+breathe! Where is Miss Jane's breath now, ma'am?" As she said this, she
+timidly stretched forth her hand, and lightly touched the face of the
+departed; then hastily starting back, cried; "must we all be so cold--as
+cold as marble?"
+
+"We must all be so, indeed! There is no warmth, my little girl, when the
+soul is fled."
+
+"But what is the soul, ma'am? and where is it?" asked Miss Bruce.
+
+"Your question is beyond my power to answer. The vital spirit, which we
+call the soul, is given by God, to direct us to do that which is right;
+and, from childhood to the grave, is our faithful friend. My daughter,
+whose lifeless remains you are now contemplating, was in all her ways
+actuated by this spirit, to obedience, and to goodness; and in a state
+of glory she will again exist, with a mind purified and exalted. What
+would be the use of life, and of the wonderful powers with which we are
+gifted, were we to lie down in the grave, as the beasts that perish?"
+
+"But how will Miss Jane rise again, ma'am?" asked Miss Bruce. "It is in
+the Bible, that at the last day we shall be 'raised in the twinkling of
+an eye.' O, that I could behold Miss Jane rise now; then I should never
+die!"
+
+"We read," said Mrs. Adair, "that the seed is cast into the earth, and
+rises up wheat, or any other grain: but we do not know how this comes to
+pass. The seed, that looks so insignificant in our eyes, after it has
+been in the earth the appointed time, gradually breaks forth in all its
+glory. We likewise shall be put into the earth; no longer valued, but by
+the remembrance of our worth; there we shall moulder and decay, and in
+time be forgotten by all the inhabitants upon earth. But the season of
+the resurrection will come: the soul will resume her influence; we shall
+burst the fetters of the tomb, and appear before the Judge of nations,
+to answer for our deeds upon earth. Be good, then, my dear young
+friends; and, you will then neither have cause to fear death, or future
+judgment. And now take your leave--your final leave of one, who was in
+all things worthy of imitation; and learn with equal ease, to sleep or
+die."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+
+The Sunday after the funeral, the young ladies appeared at church, with
+very serious and sorrowful countenances; and afterwards, with Miss Arden
+and Miss Damer, Jane was often a subject of conversation: they loved to
+recall her to remembrance; and the proofs she had left of her regard
+were particularly prized by them.
+
+But serious impressions seldom remain long upon the minds of very young
+people. Miss Bruce was almost the first to return to her old pursuits
+with gaiety of heart.
+
+One evening, unknown to the teacher, she had strolled to the front
+garden gate, apparently on the watch for mischief. Isabella, who was
+intent upon learning her lessons for the following day, had likewise
+passed the boundary of the play-ground, and had sauntered the same way.
+
+Miss Bruce in a moment caught her hand, opened the gate, and ran with
+her into the lane.
+
+"Where are you taking me to?" exclaimed Isabella; "you have frightened
+me so!"
+
+"Nonsense! I only want you to go with me to the cake shop: we shan't be
+five minutes away."
+
+"But I have no business at the cake shop. And don't you see that I am
+learning my lessons! You will make me forget all! 'Five times nine,
+forty-five.' O, dear, I shall forget every thing!"
+
+"What a dunce!" cried Miss Bruce; "only at forty-five! I will teach you
+ten times further; and to add, and to subtract, if you will come with
+me. I do believe Miss Wilkins is there! Come along, or we shall be
+finely punished!" Saying this, Miss Bruce dragged Isabella down the
+lane, whilst she struggled to make her escape.
+
+"I will not go, Miss Bruce! you have no right to take me! I declare you
+have made me drop my questions!"
+
+"Never mind; I will give you question and answer too. Don't you see that
+stile? and that nice white cottage by that large pool of water, where
+those children are throwing stones? We have only to turn down by those
+tall trees, and we shall be there in a moment."
+
+"I dare not go: I know Mrs. Adair will be so angry!"
+
+"I am determined you shall come! you are the most stupid little thing in
+England!" As Miss Bruce said this, she took firm hold of her companion's
+frock and arm, and drew her towards the water. Isabella in vain tried to
+escape. By this time, they had almost reach the pool; a boy, who had
+been amusing two children, making circles with stones in the water,
+stepped from the edge of the pond, and marching boldly up to Miss Bruce,
+as boldly asked her, "what business she had to tease the little lady?"
+
+"Do you think, Sir, I shall answer a rude, vulgar boy like you?"
+
+The boy looked at her with contempt, and stooping to Isabella, said,
+"Do, little lady, tell me what this great girl is holding your frock
+for?"
+
+"She wants me to go with her for cakes, and I want to learn my lessons."
+
+"O, you are the ladies, then, from the great school! I thought I had
+seen you before. I see how it is; this great girl is like Jack Ranger;
+she wants to get you into a scrape, that you may be marked as well as
+herself! But I'll defend you, never fear! It is not a crab-stick that
+can frighten me! Come with me, and see who dares to hinder us!" He now
+caught her hand, and tried to draw her from her companion.
+
+"You shall not go with her, against your mind, were she as big as
+Hercules! We are English, and are not to be conquered." Miss Bruce
+suddenly let go her companion's frock, and gave the boy a violent slap
+upon the face. "Go home, you little ragged creature, mend your coat, and
+do not talk to ladies."
+
+The boy instantly recovered himself from the blow; and looking at Miss
+Bruce with scorn, exclaimed, "I am not a mender of old clothes, Miss!
+Take that for your pains, and your boarding-school manners!"
+
+The blow he returned made blood to gush violently from Miss Bruce's
+nose. Isabella screamed; the children cried out, "very well, Tom! I
+would not be you for something."
+
+A pretty woman, but with a stern countenance, now came forth from the
+cottage, and asked what the rout was about.
+
+"Only our Tom and the lady boxing," cried the children.
+
+"For shame of yourself, Sir! How dare you behave so to your betters?"
+
+"I would have struck her," said the boy, sullenly, "had she been as tall
+as the steeple, and as great as King George But come, little Miss, with
+me, and let that great girl do what she likes."
+
+He now ran off with Isabella.
+
+"Very well, Sir! but I shall tell your father of this, or my name's not
+Grace Johnson! But come into the cottage, Miss; and let us see what we
+can do with your frock, for it is in a sad state."
+
+Miss Bruce followed the cottager, a little ashamed of her appearance;
+but more afraid of consequences. She was, however, one of those
+self-willed young ladies, who think upon a thing one moment, and act
+upon it the next.
+
+When Isabella and her champion arrived at the garden-gate, behold it was
+locked! What was to be done was now the consideration.
+
+"We'll tell the truth at once," said the boy: "it may be blamed, but, as
+the copy says, it never can be shamed. But don't look so down, Miss:
+never mind a bit of a thrashing! Father gives me many a one; but I never
+flinch!"
+
+"If I am not afraid of that, I am afraid of Mrs. Adair looking serious;
+and not wishing me good-night. But do look and see if you can see
+monitrix."
+
+"Monitrix! what, in the name of goodness, is that? Have you a great dog
+at school?"
+
+"O dear, no; I mean the lady who hears my lessons before I say them to
+Miss Adair."
+
+"Is that all!" The boy stepped on one side, and looked up at the house.
+"No, I see nobody; there is not a creature in the windows. But I'll tell
+you what, you shall stop here, and I'll go to the lady of the school.
+You shan't get anger, if I can help it; and I have helped it many a time
+at our school, that the lads know, to my sorrow."
+
+The boy hastily ran to the front door, and rang the bell. In the mean
+time Isabella crept under the court railing to conceal herself. When the
+servant opened the door, he asked if the lady was in.
+
+"Do you mean my mistress?"
+
+"To be sure I do; the mistress of the school; and must see her in a
+moment."
+
+Mrs. Adair was passing through the hall; and made her appearance, with a
+countenance not a little forbidding.
+
+"What do you want with me?" she asked.
+
+"Only, madam," and here the boy hesitated; "I beg your pardon, madam;
+somehow, I have a little lady here: and I don't know what to do with
+her."
+
+"You mean something respecting one of my scholars; what is it? for I am
+at a loss to understand you."
+
+"Bless me! surely she's not run away!"
+
+The boy sprang to the gate, and quickly returned.
+
+"She is quite snug; I thought she had given me the slip. A great girl,
+ma'am, ran away with her. She did not come down to the pond of her own
+free good will. This is as true as truth is. She pulled, and the great
+girl pulled; but with all her might, madam, the little lady could not
+get away. So then I marched up to the big girl; and asked her what
+business she had with the little one? So she was angry and vexed with my
+ragged coat; and made my face ring again: and I gave her a good hard
+blow in return, and ran off with little Miss. I looked up for Miss
+Monitrix, but could not find her; so here she is, under the rails."
+
+This was all a puzzle to Mrs. Adair; but she stepped into the lane with
+the boy, and there she saw Isabella, seated, in great trouble, upon a
+stone. The affair was now explained. Isabella was taken to Elizabeth,
+with the assurance that no one would be angry with her; but that she
+must not mention the affair to any person.
+
+Mrs. Adair now proposed going with the boy to his father's. There was an
+expression of honest warmth in his countenance, which, in a moment,
+changed her own manner; and, as they were going down the lane, she asked
+how far they were from his father's house.
+
+"'Tis but a cottage, madam. Grandmother says we were once well off in
+the world; but things will go wrong some how or another: but I'll make
+good what I wrote to-day."
+
+"And what was it, my good boy?"
+
+"Only to work while I am able, madam; and then when I am old, I will
+rest from my labour. But there is our cottage. I wish you could have
+seen my own mother, for she was a nice woman. Don't you see that clump
+of trees, and a barn with red tiles, and a little boy wheeling a barrow?
+That's my own brother, ma'am, and there's my father at the stile,
+looking about him."
+
+As they drew nearer the cottage, they saw the man and his son step over
+the stile into the field, followed by a female.
+
+"Well, I declare," said the boy, "there is mother with her bonnet! I
+wonder what they are all after! And there's grandmother come to the
+door!"
+
+He now called out: "Grandmother! here is the lady from the great school,
+coming to look for Miss."
+
+"Then I fear, madam, you are coming to look for what you will not find.
+Whilst my daughter went down to the pond, to the children, she slipped
+off. My son thinks that the young lady is gone to London in one of the
+stage-coaches. If so, Tom, I fear thou wilt be well paid."
+
+"Ah, grandmother, that's nothing new! If my own mother was living, it
+would not be so."
+
+"With your permission," said Mrs. Adair, as she entered the cottage, "I
+will take a seat till your daughter returns."
+
+"Certainly, madam; here is a comfortable seat. But we are not the
+neatest people in the world," said the old woman, as she took up a
+child's frock from the floor. Mrs. Adair looked round, and thought she
+had never been in any place that had so little the appearance of
+comfort.
+
+The boy looked at her, and seemed to read her countenance.
+
+"It was not always so, madam: I remember we were once happy folks; but
+it was a sad day for Dick and I, when father's wife took place of
+father's love."
+
+"Thou shouldst think well of thy father's wife, and honour his choice.
+Stepmothers, child, have a hard task: they cannot please, do what they
+will."
+
+"Grandmother," said the boy, "kindness makes kindness, all the world
+over. But, come what will, when uncle comes home, Dick and I will go to
+Plymouth, if we walk barefoot. I am sure he would break his heart, if he
+had not me to fight his battles; but I will never forsake him by land or
+by sea."
+
+"Go to the children, and take care of them," said the old woman.
+
+"And come to my house at four o'clock on Saturday afternoon, and ask for
+Mrs. Adair."
+
+The boy made a bow in a blunt manner; but, as he waved his hand in
+passing her, she thought there was an appearance of good breeding, that
+would not have disgraced a boy in a much higher sphere.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+
+Mrs. Adair waited a considerable time in the cottage, and then returned
+home without receiving any satisfactory account of her pupil. All that
+she could learn was, that a little girl in a green bonnet had been seen
+stepping into a stage-coach. As coaches were continually passing the end
+of the village, she knew it was in vain making further inquiries. She
+wrote, however, immediately to Mr. Bruce, and sent a messenger with the
+letter, that he might meet them in town.
+
+It has been observed, that Miss Bruce, in most cases, acted without
+reflection. The idea that she had done wrong did not strike her with
+full force, until the carriage in which she had placed herself arrived
+in London: the lights from the lamps, however, seemed to throw light
+upon her thoughts. When the coach stopped at the inn, the bustle of
+people gathering their luggage together, the idea that she did not know
+the road to her father's house, the certainty that she had acted in a
+very foolish manner, and fear of the reception from her father, excited
+many disagreeable thoughts. She was seated in a corner of the coach, at
+a loss how to proceed, when the coachman came to the door. "Miss," said
+he "won't you alight? perhaps you are waiting for somebody?"
+
+"I will thank you to take me home," and this was said in a very humble
+tone.
+
+The man whistled at the request. "I don't know, Miss, whether I can or
+no. Did not your friends know that you were coming? But now I think of
+it, you seemed in a fright when you got into the coach: what, was you
+running away, Miss?"
+
+Vexed at the question, Miss Bruce quickly answered, "I am going to see
+my papa. I have business with him."
+
+"Well, your business is not mine, Miss; but somehow, I think you have
+been cheating your schoolmistress. But come your way, till I can see for
+somebody to go with you."
+
+I only wish some of my young readers could have seen Miss Bruce, how
+simple she looked when she followed the coachman into the inn. She
+wished to be at school, and with Miss Damer again--but it was then too
+late.
+
+And here I would advise young people to beware of the first wrong step,
+for it generally leads to trouble and mortification, and often to
+disgrace.
+
+Miss Bruce stood some time unnoticed at the entrance of a large room,
+partitioned into boxes. Waiters and travellers just looked at the young
+lady, and then passed on: people were too much engaged, with dishes,
+papers, packages, and glasses, to attend to the little stranger.
+
+At length, however, one solitary gentleman, who perhaps had daughters
+of his own, took compassion upon the forlorn traveller.
+
+"Come hither, my dear, and sit by me."
+
+Miss Bruce gladly accepted the offer, for she was a strange figure for a
+stage coach passenger. Her white frock was rumpled, and in a sad state
+from the blow she had received; the tippet was in the same style; her
+old green silk garden bonnet hung half off her head. One of her long
+sleeves she had untied from her tippet, and taken it off; the other
+remained. Garden gloves, cut at the fingers, completed the dress. Thus
+neatly attired, in an hour and ten minutes after her arrival in London
+she was ushered by a new footman into her father's study, where he was
+seated reading a pamphlet. In a moment he turned the book open upon the
+table, raised one of the candlesticks above his head, and with a keen
+satirical look exclaimed, "what runaway is this?"
+
+"Papa, it is I!" This was said in a very trembling accent.
+
+"And pray who is I, that comes thus attired, and unasked at this
+unseasonable hour? Only wants three minutes of eleven," said Mr. Bruce
+as he fixed his eyes upon the time-piece. "With whom did you travel?"
+
+"With a little boy, and a great man, papa, and a little woman, with a
+baby and a lapdog."
+
+As Miss Bruce was speaking, she would have given a trifle to have been
+at school again.
+
+"A goodly company indeed, young lady! By this I conclude that you have
+disgraced yourself! Sit here" (pointing to a chair behind the door); "it
+is the only place for idle, thoughtless truants. And now give a reason
+for your conduct: But there is no reason, with foolish, giddy girls! I
+will have every word correct: no varnishing, or lies."
+
+After much hesitation, and many tears, Miss Bruce went through the whole
+of her story. While she was speaking, her father seemed lost in thought.
+No sooner had she finished, but he started from his chair, and with his
+eyes fixed upon the floor, walked some time from one end of the study
+to the other. He then stopped, and looked sternly at his daughter.
+"And so you have been trying your skill at boxing! An admirable
+accomplishment for a young lady! You have taken upon yourself to be
+rude to your school companion; to be ungrateful to Mrs. Adair, and
+ventured to ride ten miles in a stage-coach! And in what a dress! You
+are indeed an enterprizing young lady! Now let me tell you, Miss Bruce,
+one simple truth: you have acted in all things contrary to that which
+you know is right. But pray what is the meaning of the word right?"
+
+"To do all things that I know I should do; I do not know any thing more,
+papa; indeed I do not."
+
+"You know the right, but a perverse and wilful disposition leads you to
+do wrong."
+
+Mr. Bruce rang the bell, and ordered the housekeeper into his presence.
+When she entered the room, he commanded her to close the door. "Take my
+daughter," said he, "to the chamber that was occupied last night. You
+are not to speak to her, nor allow any servant in the house to do so.
+Give her a little bread and milk: go, child."
+
+"Papa,"--here Miss Bruce sobbed; and would have added, "O, do forgive
+me!" but her father sternly bade her leave him.
+
+Mr. Bruce looked at his daughter when she was asleep. He heard her
+murmuring and intreating; and listened to words that affected him
+deeply. He sat down by her bed-side until she was tranquil: and whether
+he shed tears of tenderness over her is best known to himself; but the
+following morning, though his feelings were softened, his countenance
+was equally stern. His carriage was at the door; and at ten o'clock he
+and his daughter arrived at Mrs. Adair's. Neither at breakfast nor
+during the ride had he uttered one word. "Madam," said he, the moment he
+beheld the mistress of his child, "I have brought a runaway. I will not
+make an apology for her conduct: it is not in my way; it rests entirely
+with yourself whether she will be accepted or rejected. Providence, in
+the justness of his ways, has deprived her of an excellent mother. How
+far servants are capable of giving right ideas of female decorum, you
+are yourself to judge. When I fixed Margaret with you, it was not to
+education alone that I looked; my views and hopes extended to
+principles, temper, and conduct. The mere mechanical parts of education
+may at all times be purchased for money; automatons may be made to
+perform wonders. But we all know that something more is wanting to give
+solidity and consequence to character. If you refuse my daughter, she
+will lose her best friend."
+
+"Not another word, Sir, on the subject; I still expect to make something
+of this little girl. She is rash, careless, and perhaps a little
+mischievous: but I am not without hope; and past grievances we will now
+forget. Go," said Mrs. Adair, turning to her pupil, "bring a frock to
+me; remember I pardon you now, but I shall never do so again; and take
+care that you do not tell any person that you ran away, and were so
+foolish.--It is well she is my god-daughter, and my namesake," said Mrs.
+Adair, as her pupil crossed the hall: then, addressing Mr. Bruce, she
+added, "Depend upon my word, Sir; I will be the friend of your daughter
+in remembrance of her mother; this is the strongest claim upon my
+attention; far more so than that of a name."
+
+"I bless you again and again for your kindness," said Mr. Bruce with
+warmth. "I have now no fears for Margaret; she must remain with you,
+until you can say, 'your daughter is now all I can desire.'"
+
+"This is exacting too much; 'all that you can desire,' is beyond my
+power to make her; but I will try to make her a comfort to you. I have
+good ground to work upon, and I hope you will have reason to think, that
+I have not neglected the soil."
+
+As Mr. Bruce was returning to his carriage, his daughter, who was
+descending the stairs with a clean frock, flew to him, exclaiming, "do
+say you forgive me! I will never vex you again; O, dear papa, say you
+will but forgive me."
+
+"Well, child, I do forgive you."
+
+"O, how good and kind you are! I will never forget it. But, dear papa,
+won't you say something more?"
+
+"God bless you, child! and may he always bless you."
+
+Mr. Bruce hastened to the carriage, drew up the window, and the boy
+drove off. Tears streamed from Miss Bruce's eyes; "O, that papa would
+but have given me one kiss, I should have been so happy!"
+
+"If you are good," said Mrs. Adair, "when next he sees you he will give
+you two."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+
+The time had arrived for Miss Damer to go into a private family as a
+governess: all the young ladies were anxious to give her a proof of
+remembrance, and these tokens of esteem had chiefly been the work of
+leisure hours.
+
+As Miss Damer was collecting her painted boxes, velvet bags, and all her
+little presents together, she thought, "who can say that there is no
+kindness or friendship in the world? I have been in sorrow, perhaps for
+a good purpose; at least, it has shewn me the disinterested regard of
+others."
+
+While similar reflections were passing in her mind, Miss Arden hastily
+entered the chamber, and stepping towards her, abruptly put into her
+hand a small parcel. "I have not a moment to speak to you," she
+exclaimed, with tears in her eyes, "I cannot for the world take a formal
+farewell; so when you leave us do not notice me: God bless you, Damer!"
+and she hurried out of the room.
+
+Miss Damer looked at the parcel with a countenance of sorrow, and as she
+opened it a note dropped upon the floor; she took it up, and read the
+paper she held in her hand.
+
+    "Accept these notes, my dear Damer, they are all that I have
+    been able to save from my scanty allowance; remit them to your
+    father, whose troubles I know have grieved you, and when I can I
+    will send you more. In fourteen months I shall be my own
+    mistress. How joyfully do I anticipate the time! Then, my dear
+    Damer, I shall have a home to offer you, and a purse to relieve
+    every care, as far as wealth can go. Farewell, my kind friend;
+    you and Mrs. Adair have all my affections in this world.
+
+        "ANN ARDEN."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+As young people are always anxious to learn the destination of the
+characters in the book they have been perusing,--in closing this little
+work, I will give you a short sketch of those I have attempted to
+delineate. And here let me observe, that the incidents are chiefly
+drawn from facts.
+
+The name of one of the principal characters was given, by the desire of
+a young friend, two days before her death.
+
+Miss Russel has lost her parents, and is wandering upon the Continent,
+as companion or friend to a lady well known in the fashionable world.
+
+Miss Vincent is removed from her family by her marriage to a gentleman
+of consequence in Ireland. She is still the same character, haughty and
+insolent.
+
+Her sister Isabella, is improving in all the graces of mind and person;
+she is the general favourite of the school.
+
+Miss Bruce is becoming all that her father can desire.
+
+When Miss Damer went into the situation as a governess, it was with the
+hope of remaining some time, perhaps years. We can easily fix our plans,
+but we are strangers to the future; it is not for us to say by what
+means they are to be frustrated. When Miss Damer had been two months a
+governess, she was told by the gentleman's sister in whose family she
+was placed, that several friends were to dine with them, and she begged
+that she would join their party. On that day she attracted the notice of
+a gentleman who was one of the guests. When she entered the
+drawing-room, and he heard her name announced, he turned quickly to look
+at her; he beheld the same dark pensive eyes, the same noble features,
+and modest, dignified manner, which seventeen years before had struck
+him in another. But it was not her personal appearance altogether that
+interested him: it was the character that had been given of her by Mrs.
+Adair; and the remembrance of his feelings, when his daughter in her
+troubled sleep exclaimed, "O, my dear Miss Damer, do come to me! Papa
+then won't punish me, you are so like mamma!"
+
+But I will not prolong this subject; I have only to add, that Miss Damer
+is the happy wife of Mr. Bruce; and that few persons are more attached
+to each other than the mother and the daughter Mr. Bruce, though several
+years older than his wife, was exactly the person calculated to make
+her happy, being a man of excellent character and good sense; giving
+part of his time to the world, but considering home the chief place for
+happiness.
+
+When Miss Arden came into possession of her fortune, she remained as a
+parlour boarder with Mrs. Adair, but the principal part of her time was
+spent with Mrs. Bruce. A lingering disease, however, came on, and she
+could not be happy separated from her friend: she therefore removed to
+her house. After experiencing the most affectionate attention from Mr.
+and Mrs. Bruce, she at length resigned her life, with hopes full of
+immortality. Mrs. Adair and her friend were with her in her last
+moments. She expressed her gratitude to them with all the energy of
+health; and then, clasping a hand of each, died serenely, hoping to meet
+them hereafter. To the father of her friend she left a very handsome
+annuity for life. "I know," she had stated in her will, "that I cannot
+oblige my friend in any other shape but by contributing to her father's
+comfort, and oh, may he see the error of his ways, before it is too
+late."
+
+Most of her school companions she had remembered; but particularly a
+young lady, whose parents had been unfortunate. After leaving tokens of
+regard to every one to whom she had considered herself the least
+indebted, she left the remainder of her fortune, to be equally divided
+between Mrs. Adair, her daughter, and Miss Bruce. And here let me remind
+young ladies of fortune, that they are too apt to neglect the
+instructress under whose care they have spent the early part of life.
+Surely, when young people have been years under one roof, gaining
+knowledge, and daily indebted for care and kindness, they should not
+discard from their thoughts one of their best friends; but how often is
+this the case! The moment a young lady steps into a carriage, and drives
+off for the last time from the dwelling of her instructress, she seems
+to forget that there had ever been such a person in existence. Perhaps,
+when her nuptial favours are preparing, and her hopes are bright, she
+may exclaim in a careless tone, "O, we must not forget--" here she
+mentions the lady to whom, next to her parents she is most indebted; and
+here finishes her remembrance of school, and the friend of her youth: in
+bridal favours, or flimsy letters, all her gratitude is shewn.
+
+In giving a sketch of the young ladies, I must not forget Elizabeth, who
+is now the happy wife of Colonel Vincent's brother. It had been her lot
+to be doubtful of his regard several years. Her spirits had been elated
+or depressed, as she had judged Mr. Vincent's feelings interested
+towards herself. Had not that language which poets describe betrayed his
+sentiments, she might justly have concluded that, of all persons
+living, she would be the one to whom his affections would never
+seriously incline; but no sooner did fortune second his wishes, and a
+living was presented unto him, but his heart and hand were offered to
+the object of his earliest regard under the happiest auspices; therefore
+Elizabeth exchanged the useful employment of a teacher, for the
+meritorious duties of a wife.
+
+When Mrs. Adair received the fortune due to her from her pupil's will,
+her friends concluded that she would resign the school. To the
+intreaties of her daughter on the subject she gave this reply:
+
+"Why should I give up an employment which is a relief to my mind? In my
+earliest and brightest days, I never particularly relished the gaieties
+of the world; with my friends, my chief happiness centred; the
+associates of my youth are, to my fancy, as friends departed. The later
+objects of my care are likewise withdrawn from me; but though I have
+lost one dear to my heart by death, and another by marriage, still I
+have affections warm and tender towards youth.
+
+"There must be something to attach us to life, something to occupy time,
+and interest our regard. As worldly beings, with worldly thoughts, we
+must have resources independent of those in a religious point of view. I
+trust I have chosen the wiser part, in preferring an active to an idle
+life. At home, in the midst of my children (for so they are in my
+esteem), I shall always have something to excite interest; and if
+watchful care, tenderness, and exertion, can reclaim the stubborn, or
+add to the happiness of my pupils, I shall think that I have not lived
+in vain. When my course is finished upon earth, may you, my dear
+Elizabeth, be enabled to say with truth to your daughters, 'Never was an
+instructress more happy with her pupils, or pupils happier with an
+instructress.'"
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+    LONDON:
+    PRINTED BY COX AND BAYLIS, GREAT QUEEN STREET.
+
+
+
+
+    Transcriber's Note:
+
+    Archaic spelling of pourtrayed, viranda, Magna Charta, stupified,
+    shewn and Auld have been retained as they appear in the original
+    publication. Changes to the original have been made as follows:
+
+    Page   5 froward inclinations
+             forward inclinations
+
+    Page  18 a look: but I assure
+             a look; but I assure
+
+    Page  20 I have so few
+             "I have so few
+
+    Page  34 for our diverson
+             for our diversion
+
+    Page  44 prefer 'the Spy detected.'
+             prefer 'the Spy detected.'"
+
+    Page  54 I see few countenances
+             "I see few countenances
+
+    Page  63 and I hope I am
+             "and I hope I am
+
+    Page  71 inqured if Miss Damer
+             inquired if Miss Damer
+
+    Page  87 in particular cases."
+             in particular cases.
+
+    Page  93 I must think of my
+             "I must think of my
+
+    Page 101 into the play-ground.'
+             into the play-ground."
+
+    Page 102 her: "Now, my dear
+                  "e" in her inverted
+
+    Page 109 who had been been ordered by
+             who had been ordered by
+
+    Page 105 her pupils.: but at
+             her pupils; but at
+
+    Page 139 Miss Bruce. It is in
+             Miss Bruce. "It is in
+
+    Page 166 into his preesnce
+             into his presence
+
+    Page 176 stangers to the future
+             strangers to the future
+
+    Page 176 to  sayby what means they
+             to say by what means they
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boarding School, by Unknown
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