Let none sit down to read this little tale, whose interest can only be
excited by the relation of uncommon circumstances, of romantic
adventures, of poetical perplexities, or of picturesque difficulties.
No beauties of this kind will be here found. I propose to give a plain,
unaffected narrative of the exertions made by a family of young persons,
to render themselves and each other happy and useful in the world. The
circumstances in which they are placed are so common, that we see
persons similarly situated every day: they meet with no adventures, and
their difficulties, and the remedies they procure for them, are of so
homely a description, as to exclude every exertion of poetical talent in
their illustration, and to promise to excite interest in those readers
only, who can sympathise with the earnest desires of well-disposed and
industrious young persons striving after usefulness, honourable
independence, and individual and mutual improvement, amidst real, and
not imaginary, discouragements, and substantial, not sentimental,
difficulties. I proceed at once to my narrative.
Mr Forsyth was a merchant, who lived in the city of Exeter. He had
been a widower for a few years, and had endeavoured to discharge
faithfully a parent's duty to five young children, when he too was taken
away from those who depended upon him, and whose very existence seemed
bound up in his. He was taken from them, and no one knew what would
become of these young helpless creatures, who, it was thought, would
inherit from their father nothing but his good name, and who possessed
nothing but the good principles and industrious habits which his care
and affection had imparted to them. They had no near relations, and the
friends whom their parents' respectability had gained for them, had
families of their own to support, and could offer little but advice and
friendly offices: large pecuniary assistance they had it not in their
power to impart. One of these friends, who was also Mr Forsyth's
executor, took the children into his house till the funeral should be
over, and some plans arranged for the future disposal of each of them.
The eldest girl, Jane, was of an age to understand and feel the
difficulties which surrounded them. She was sixteen, and from having
been her father's _friend_ as well as housekeeper, she had a remarkably
matured judgment; she was of a thoughtful, perhaps an anxious,
disposition, and the loss of her father, together with the anxiety she
felt as being now the head of his helpless family, were almost too much
for her. Though she was supported by her religious principles, it was
with difficulty that she could rouse her mind from dwelling on her
perplexities, to form plans, and looking round to see what could be
done, and in what way she was to exert her powers for the benefit of her
brothers and sisters. She was sometimes oppressed by the thought that
the only prospect before her, was a melancholy one of long years of
struggles against poverty, and all the grievous evils of dependence.
Her brother Charles, who was a year younger than herself, tried with
some success to cheer her; he was of an active, enterprising
disposition, full of hope and cheerfulness. This disposition subjected
him to frequent disappointments, but his father had wisely guarded
against their bad effects by forming in him strong habits of
perseverance. Charles had been intended by his father for the same
business as himself, and he had therefore never been removed from under
his parent's eye. It was well now for the whole family that Charles had
been so carefully trained. His natural disposition, his acquired
habits, and his sense of responsibility, joined to his strong affection
for his sisters, made him the object on which Jane fixed her best hopes
for the future prosperity of the family. Charles encouraged her hopes,
and expressed confidence in his ability to maintain himself at present,
and to assist the younger ones when a few years should have matured his
powers of usefulness. Jane and Charles anxiously desired some
conversation with Mr Barker, the kind friend who had taken them into
his house; and were very glad when he invited them, the day after the
funeral, to a consultation on the state of their affairs. He told them
that it was his intention always to treat them with perfect openness, as
it had been their father's custom to do. He was the more inclined to do
so, from the knowledge that they were worthy of his confidence, that
they possessed prudence beyond their years, and that whatever exertions
they might make, would be more efficient if they knew perfectly what
they had to do, what objects were to be accomplished, and on what
sources they were to depend.
Mr Barker told them that when the affairs were all settled, their
income, he feared, would not exceed eighty or ninety pounds a year.
That he thought the first object ought to be to give the younger
children such an education as would fit them for supporting themselves
when they were old enough: that for this purpose the assistance of
friends would be required for a few years, and that he knew of some who
were willing to assist, believing, from the good principles of the
children, that their assistance would be well bestowed, and that their
endeavours would be in time rewarded by the usefulness and happiness of
those who now required their care.
Jane acquiesced in Mr Barker's proposal, but expressed her hope that
they might not be separated. The one thing that she desired more than
any other, was, to remain with, and watch over the little ones, and be
as far as possible a mother to them. If they were separated, the
children would forget her, she said, and that she was sure she could not
bear. She did not mind any labour, any privation, any anxieties, if
they could but keep together.
"I knew you would think so, my dear," said Mr Barker. "You are
perfectly right. You must not be separated, if it can possibly be
avoided. I have been consulting with my wife about it, and we have
devised a plan for you: but it is yet only a scheme; it is very doubtful
whether we can carry it through. I am afraid, however, that Charles
must leave you."
"I have been telling Jane, Sir," said Charles, "that I should most
likely have to go to some situation where I may maintain myself. I
hope, Sir, that that is what you mean."
"And do you think, Charles, that at your age you can work for your own
support?"
"Yes, Sir, I do, because others have done it before me. My father
taught me enough of business to qualify me for a situation in a
merchant's warehouse. At least, he said, only a few weeks ago, that if
I was but industrious, I need never be dependent, and that therefore he
was easy about me. I hope you think so too, Sir."
"I do, my boy," replied Mr Barker: "as far as skill and industry go,
you are to be trusted. But you have not considered, you do not know,
the difficulties and dangers which are met with when young men leave
their father's house, and go by themselves into the world, especially
into the London world, to which you may be destined."
"If you mean temptations to do wrong, Sir," said Charles, "I have been
warned by my father about them. But, O, Sir, is it possible, do you
think, with all the advantages I have had, with my father's example
always before me, with all that is now depending upon me, being, as I
am, the brother on whom three sisters rely for support and assistance,
is it possible that I should neglect them? that I should disgrace them?
that I should forget all my father has done for me? Jane will trust me,
I am sure."
He looked towards his sister, and a few proud tears swelled into his
eyes.
"No doubt, Charles, your sister feels that she can trust you; and, young
as you are, I believe that I can too. But there are many difficulties
to be encountered besides direct temptations to crime."
"If I am made fairly to understand, Sir, what is to be required of me,
the extent of my trust, I hope I shall meet with no difficulties which
honourable principle, industry, and perseverance cannot overcome."
"We will talk more of this, my dear boy, when we have some situation in
prospect for you. I hope it may not be difficult to procure one. Your
father's name will be a good passport. Then, I hope, I understand that
you both approve this first scheme of ours?"
Charles assented at once: Jane, with some exertion to repress her tears.
"And now, my dear Jane, what do you think yourself capable of doing?"
Jane very modestly doubted whether she could do any thing but take care
of the children. If they were to live together, she could keep house,
she thought, carefully and economically, so as to spend no more than
could not possibly be avoided. She thought she could also teach her
sisters a little more than she had yet imparted to them: but she hoped,
from what Mr Barker had said, that they were to have better teaching
than she could give them.
"We have certainly been planning, my dear," said he, "to send Isabella
to school, as she is now too old to learn of you only. She is twelve
years old, I think?"
"Yes," said Jane; "and Harriet is nine."
"Very well. If Isabella goes to school, Harriet may as well do so too,
as the additional expense will not be very great, and may be met by your
exertions, if you think as I do about the matter. Your sisters have
given you experience in teaching young children, suppose you try your
skill again as a daily governess."
Jane was quite willing, if she did but think herself capable of it. Mr
Barker thought she had already proved her capability, and advised her,
at least, to try the plan.
He told her that a very small house in the outskirts of the town was her
father's property. A very little expense would make it habitable for
them: furniture was ready, and he could see no objection to their all
living in it together. Jane was certainly rather young to become a
housekeeper, but the nursemaid, who had lived in the family for some
years, was much attached to the children, and had declared her wish to
"stay by them," if possible; and Mr Barker had little doubt that she
would do all the servant's work of the house, and make their friends
tolerably easy with respect to their domestic safety and comfort.
Jane was pleased with the plan, and accordingly it was put in execution
with as little delay as possible. In two months' time the house was
ready for them. The little furniture and house-linen which was required
was put into it, and all the family, except Charles, removed to their
new abode. Jane was awfully impressed with the sense of responsibility,
when she took her place as mistress of the house, and when she looked
upon the three children who depended on her for their domestic comfort,
and for much more than this; for guidance in the formation of their
habits and characters. But she also felt the great relief of being
alone with her brother and sisters, and of having once more a home. The
house was tolerably comfortable, though very small. The parlour and
kitchen were on the ground floor; over them were two bed-rooms, one of
which was occupied by Jane, the other by Isabella and Harriet. Over
these were two attics, occupied by little Alfred and the servant. The
furniture was scanty, but good of its kind, and likely to last for some
years. The only luxurious article in the whole house was a small set of
book-shelves, filled with books, which Mr Barker would not allow to be
sold off with the other effects. They were not many, but well chosen,
and therefore valuable to Jane at present, and likely to be so to her
sisters when they should be old enough to make use of them.
Mrs Barker wished that Jane should set out on her new plan of life, as
little oppressed by domestic cares as possible, and had therefore
assisted her before the removal, in overlooking her own and the
children's wardrobe. They were all comfortably supplied with every
thing necessary. Their mourning of course was new: perfectly plain, but
substantially good, it was intended to last a long time, and that for
many months their clothing should be very little expense to them. Jane
was an excellent workwoman, and her sister Isabella had been in the
habit of assisting her, by keeping her own clothes in very good order.
With respect to the little cares of housekeeping, Jane was easy: she had
been so well taught, and so long experienced, that she felt herself
quite capable of discharging this part of her duty. It was the
responsibility of her new office of daily governess which made her most
anxious. A situation had been obtained for her, which answered in all
respects to Mr Barker's wishes. Jane was to devote six hours a day to
the care of her young pupils, who were children of Mr Everett, a
surgeon. Mrs Everett was so occupied with the cares of a large family,
that she needed assistance, and Jane was to have under her charge four
children from the ages of three to twelve: she was to teach them, to
superintend in their play hours, and to walk with them. She was to
attend from nine till three, and her salary was to be twenty-five pounds
a year at first, and afterwards more, if her services were found
satisfactory. She stipulated for a fortnight's holiday at Christmas,
and also at Midsummer: not for the sake of her own pleasure, but from
the fear that her home business would accumulate faster than she could
discharge it, so as to render it necessary to devote a short time
occasionally to clear it away, and set things straight again. Before
she entered on her new engagement, she laid down a plan for the
employment of her days, to which she determined to adhere as strictly as
possible. It was as follows: for the summer season, which was now
approaching, she rose before six o'clock, and set apart two hours for
study. Study was absolutely necessary, if she was to keep up, or
improve, her ability to teach; and she found that the hours before
breakfast were the most quiet and undisturbed that she could devote to
this purpose. At eight o'clock the little family assembled in the
parlour, to join in prayer, and in reading a short portion of Scripture;
after which, they breakfasted. Jane then saw her sisters and little
brother off to school, and went into her kitchen to give her household
directions before she went out. It was some inconvenience that she
could not dine at the same time with the rest of the family; but it
could not be helped. The children were obliged to be back at school by
two o'clock, and she did not leave Mrs Everett's till three. After
dinner, she sat down to her work, of which it may be supposed there was
always plenty to be done. The children learned their lessons before
tea-time, and after tea they went out to walk all together, whenever the
weather would allow of it. They generally returned in time to read a
little before nine o'clock, when the younger ones went to bed. The duty
of evening, as well as morning prayer was never omitted. Jane sat down
to her work again till ten, when she put every thing away, locked up her
closets, and went round the house with the servant, to see that all was
safe, and as it should be, and then retired to her own room, to enjoy
the rest which was fairly earned by the previous hours of activity and
usefulness. She was very careful to adhere as closely as possible to
the whole of this plan, especially to the hours of walking and going to
bed. She was sometimes tempted to think that the children could walk as
well without her, and that she was too busy to accompany them: but she
never would give way to her inclination to stay at home; for her reason
told her that it would be injurious both to herself and her sisters, to
give up her accustomed walk. She could not expect to keep up her vigour
of mind and body without exercise and relaxation, and it would be wrong
to deprive the children of her society in their rambles. A greater
temptation still was to sit up late: the quiet hour at night was
precious to her; it was the only time she could give to the formation of
her plans, and to reflection on her present circumstances and
anticipation of the future. The previous exercise of prayer, left her
mind in a soothed and tranquil state; and however oppressed, at other
times, with fears and cares, this was to her an hour of hope and
cheerfulness. She rejoiced that it came at the close of the day, as it
enabled her to lay her head on her pillow in that frame of mind which is
the best preparation for peaceful sleep and for a cheerful waking.
Often was she tempted to prolong this happy hour, but she never did.
She was aware of the duty of early rising, and also of taking sufficient
rest, and that in order to do both she must keep to the right time of
retiring to rest; and accordingly, the moment the clock struck ten, the
work was put away, and the train of thought, whatever it might be, was
broken off.
The school at which Isabella and Harriet were placed, was one of the
best of its kind, and it was not long before a rapid improvement was
observed in them both. Isabella's talents were remarkable, but neither
herself nor her family were sufficiently aware of this while they
received only an irregular and imperfect cultivation. She was
remarkably modest, and inclined to be indolent when she had no
particular object in view; but set one before her, and her perseverance
was unconquerable. She had always been a great reader, and had
therefore an excellent stock of general information; but till she went
to school, she never could give her attention to any of the drudgery of
learning. She wished to learn French and Italian as she had learned her
mother-tongue, by _picking up_, instead of beginning at the beginning,
and learning grammar. She did _pick up_ wonderfully well, to be sure,
but she found that would not answer at school. When once convinced of
this, she set to work at the grammar with all diligence, and conquered
difficulties every day, till she was surprised at her own progress. Her
great ambition now was, to make herself a companion for Charles and
Jane; not merely to be their friend, but to help them in earning money
and obtaining independence, instead of being, as she now was, the most
expensive of the family. Jane urged her to be patient, and to think at
present of her own improvement only: but she could not help forming many
plans for future doings, some reasonable, some much too grand. She had
no taste for music, and, by her own desire, therefore, the great expense
of musical teaching was not incurred: but drawing was her delight, and
she soon made such progress in the art, that Jane was really inspired
with her sister's hope that this talent might be turned to good account.
Isabella's very judicious instructress exercised her pupils in
composition, and also in translation, much more than is the custom in
most schools. To Isabella this was particularly useful; first, in
shewing the necessity of accurate knowledge, and her own deficiency in
it, and afterwards in serving as a test of her improvement, and,
consequently, as an encouragement. She liked this employment much, and
soon excelled in it. Her general knowledge was brought into play; and
her compositions were, at sixteen, what many at six-and-twenty need not
be ashamed of. Her translations were also remarkably spirited and
elegant; and a hint from Jane, that this talent might prove useful in
the same way as her drawing, was quite sufficient to insure Isabella's
particular exertions in its improvement.
Mr and Mrs Barker called frequently to see their young friends, and
they never quitted the door without leaving happy and grateful hearts
behind them. They rewarded Jane's exertions with something better than
praise--with their friendship and confidence. Mr Barker talked to her
about her affairs without any reserve, and the gratitude this excited in
her was great. Her kind friend told her, one day, that Mr Rathbone, an
old friend of her father's, who lived in London, had been enquiring
about the family of Mr Forsyth, and, on hearing of their circumstances;
had expressed his desire of being useful to them. "I told him, my
dear," said Mr Barker, "that his kind offices would be more acceptable
by and by than at present. We now see our way clear for two years, I
hope; and it is well to keep a stock of kindness in reserve, to be drawn
upon in case of need."
Jane expressed her gratitude for the kindness which had assisted them
thus far, and said she feared she must make up her mind to be a burden
to her friends for some time to come; but she could answer for her
brothers and sisters, as well as herself, that no exertion on their part
should be wanting.
"So we see already, my dear," said Mr Barker. "Mr Rathbone made
enquiry about each of you; and I sent him, in return, a full description
of you all. I think it most likely that he will keep his eye upon
Alfred, and that whatever he may do hereafter will be for him."
"I am sure," said Jane, "Mr Rathbone's kindness is most unlooked for;
for it must be many years since he has known our family. I have heard
my father speak of him, but I do not remember ever to have seen him."
"It is only two years," replied Mr Barker, "since he returned from
India, where he passed twenty years, losing his health, and growing
immensely rich. He tells me that he was under considerable obligations
to your good father for some exertions on his behalf during his absence;
but of what nature these exertions were he does not say. Well, my dear,
I must be going. Have you any thing more to say to me? Is all
comfortable here, and as you like it?"
"Quite, Sir, thank you: we are only too comfortable for our
circumstances, I am afraid."
"No, no, my dear; I hope Hannah and you go on comfortably together.
Your house looks very neat and orderly," said he, looking round him.
"Is that her doing or yours?"
"All Hannah's doing. We could not be better or more respectfully
served, if we were as rich as Mr Rathbone. But I grieve to think that
such a servant should make such sacrifices for us; she would be prized
in any house."
"Depend upon it, Jane, she will find her reward in time. I am much
mistaken if she does not find it now, day by day. You will be
prosperous one day, and then she will share your prosperity, you know."
"We will hope so," said Jane. "Will you thank Mr Rathbone, Sir, for
us, or shall I write myself?"
"No occasion at all, my dear, I am obliged to write to him to-morrow on
business. Good-bye to you."
About a week after this, as the young people were busily employed, as
usual, before tea, Jane mending stockings, Isabella translating French,
Harriet learning geography, and Alfred frowning over his Latin grammar,
Hannah brought in a large box, which had just arrived from London by the
carrier, carriage paid. It must be a mistake, Jane thought; but no, it
was not a mistake, the direction was plain and full: "Miss Forsyth,
Number 21, South Bridge Street, Exeter." The stockings and books were
thrown aside, and the whole family adjourned to the kitchen, to open the
wonderful box. After the removal of several sheets of paper, a letter
appeared at the top, addressed to Jane. She hastily opened it, and read
as follows:
"My dear young Friend,--
"You must allow me thus to address you, though you have never seen me,
and probably have never heard of me. My husband's old friendship with
your father is, however, a sufficient ground for the establishment of
an intercourse between us, which may be advantageous to you, and I am
sure will be very pleasant to us. We owe too much to your excellent
father, not to desire to be of use, if possible, to his children. I
cannot tell you now, but if we ever meet, you shall know how deep is
the debt of gratitude due to the friend who incurred difficulty and
hazard for the sake of our interests, and who, for many weeks and
months, was subjected to anxiety and fatigue on our account, when we
were in India, not aware of our obligations to him, and therefore
unable to express or to testify our gratitude. That friend was your
father. You must accept our good offices, my dear young friend, and
tell us how we can be useful to you. Mr Barker tells us that our
assistance will be more acceptable hereafter than at present.
Remember, then, if you please, that we expect to be applied to
whenever you can give us the pleasure of serving you, or any of your
family. In the mean time, we hope that the contents of this box will
be useful to you, and that its arrival will afford as much pleasure to
your young brother and sisters, as I remember experiencing in my
childhood from similar accidents.
"I am not one, Miss Forsyth, who can reconcile it to myself to gain
the affections of young people by flattery; but I cannot withhold the
encouragement of an expression of approbation, when I really feel it
to be deserved by the exercise of self-denial and honourable industry.
I am told that you are now earning such approbation from all who feel
an interest in you. Believe, therefore, that it is with as much
sincerity as good-will, that Mr Rathbone and myself add the word
_respect_ to the affection with which we subscribe ourselves,--
"Your friends,--
"F. and S. Rathbone."
Jane had escaped to the parlour almost as soon as she began this letter,
and her eyes were so dimmed by tears that she could scarcely proceed.
Isabella, who was far more anxious about Jane and the letter, than about
the box, immediately followed her, and they finished it together.
Isabella was almost as much pleased, quite as much touched, with the
part which concerned Jane, as with that which respected her father. She
kissed her affectionately, and rejoiced that others were aware of her
merit; others who could encourage it as it deserved, and reward it
better than those in whose behalf her self-denial and industry were
exerted.
In the mean time Alfred and Harriet were extremely impatient to proceed
with the examination of the box, but Hannah would not allow it till Jane
and Isabella were present. They soon returned to the kitchen, and it
would be difficult to say whose countenance exhibited the most
astonishment as the various presents were brought forth to view. A
little card-paper box, well stuffed with cotton-wool, contained a
handsome plain gold watch, which, with its seal and key, were intended
for Jane. A drawing-box, well fitted up with colours and pencils of all
kinds, and accompanied with a large quantity of drawing-papers, and two
sketch-books, was directed to Isabella. A pretty writing-desk, filled
with all the comforts and luxuries which can appertain to that pretty
article of furniture, bore Harriet's name; as did also a large quantity
of music, which astonished her not a little, as, though she much wished
it, she had not yet begun to learn, and had no prospect of such an
indulgence for a long time to come. Her sisters thought it a very
likely mistake for Mrs Rathbone to make: as one sister drew, she might
easily imagine that another played. But Harriet could not help hoping
that, _some how or other_, it was to come to pass, that she should learn
music directly. And she was right, as we shall see. Imagination came
nearer the truth than reason, for once.
By this time Alfred began to be dismayed lest there should be no present
for him; but Hannah had not yet got to the bottom of the box. When she
had, she took out several packages of books, two of them directed to
Alfred, and the others to the Miss Forsyths. Alfred's present consisted
of some beautiful editions of the classics, so valuable that the owner
of them was likely to be long before he understood how rich he was in
their possession. There was also a large cake directed to him, to which
he was disposed to pay a more immediate attention than to his books.
The girls found that their library was to be enriched by the best
foreign editions of Tasso and Alfieri, and of Racine, and by a beautiful
edition of Shakspeare. They were bewildered by the splendour of these
presents, so far exceeding in value any thing they had before possessed.
Their usual tea hour was long past before they thought of any thing but
the wonderful box. At length, however, they determined to finish their
meal as quickly as possible, and to go and tell their kind friends, the
Barkers, of their good fortune. It was vain to think of putting their
riches out of sight, so the watch was hung over the chimney-piece, the
desk, drawing-box, and books, stuck up wherever room could be made for
them. While they were at tea, however, Mr and Mrs Barker called,
probably with some suspicion of what they were to see, for Mr Barker
glanced round the room as he entered it. "Why, young ladies," said he,
"you are so splendid I dare not come in, I am afraid. My dear, we have
nothing like this to shew at home. What good fairy can have done all
this?"
"Two good fairies from India have sent us these beautiful things, Sir,"
said Isabella.
"From India! I did not know you had any such acquaintance in India."
"From India, by way of London, Sir," said Jane, "now you can guess."
"Yes, yes, my dear, I know well enough. I had some idea of finding an
exhibition when I came to-night, but not such a one as this, I own.
Alfred, my boy, how comes your cake to be on this chair, instead of on
the tea-table?"
"We are not going to cut it to-night, Sir."
"I hardly know when we shall," said Jane. "It is too large to eat it
all ourselves."
"It does look very good, to be sure," said Mr Barker. "My mouth waters
when I look at it."
Isabella ran for a knife to cut it directly, but Mr Barker stopped her.
"Not now, my dear; but I hoped you would have asked us to tea, to taste
your cake."
"And will you really come, Sir?" asked Jane. "Mrs Barker, will you
come to-morrow, and drink tea with us? And the children too. We have
no amusement to offer but the cake: but we shall be quite delighted if
you will come."
"With all my heart, Jane. We and two of the children will come, and we
will take a long walk afterwards if you please. We shall have more time
to look at your presents than we have now; we cannot stay longer
to-night."
Jane put Mrs Rathbone's letter into Mr Barker's hand, and he went
aside to read it. He returned it to her in silence. She obtained Mr
Rathbone's address, that she might, this very evening, write her thanks
for his munificent kindness.
When their friends were gone, the young people found it was too late to
take their usual walk; besides, their lessons were not finished, and
they resolutely sat down to their business: Alfred, with the fear of the
bottom of the class before his eyes; Harriet, with the mixed motive of
this fear, and the wish to do right; Isabella, influenced by the wish
alone. Alfred asked Jane to hear him his lesson, and the two words,
"quite perfect," at length repaid his labours.
"But, Jane," said Alfred, "you have two watches now; you will not want
them both."
"Certainly," said Jane. "Isabella shall have the old one; she will
value it as having been my mother's; though it is not a very serviceable
one."
"O! thank you, Jane," said Isabella. "I had not thought of such a
thing, I am sure. I had no idea of having a watch for many years to
come."
"If you will undertake to get Harriet and Alfred off to bed, Isabella, I
will. And a watch-pocket for you. Or you can make one in an hour. Sit
up with me for this one evening, and we will consult what to do with our
books; and I will write my letter before breakfast to-morrow: my head
will be clearer then."
No sooner said than done. The girls found room in a closet for their
shabbiest books, and in the morning the new ones were installed in their
places on the shelves, much to the satisfaction of their owners. Jane's
letter was written and dispatched, and she was more comfortable when she
had attempted to express her gratitude to her father's faithful friends,
though she felt that nothing she could say could do justice to her
feelings. When she had put her letter into the post-office, she turned
her attention from the subject, that her head might not be running on
other things when she ought to be attending to her pupils.
They all got forward with their business this day, that they might be
ready with a clear conscience to receive their friends on the first
occasion when they had to exercise hospitality. Isabella found her
watch a prodigious assistance, she declared.
The Barkers enjoyed the evening as much as their young host and
hostesses. The weather was charming, the country looked beautiful, the
children were merry, and, "though last, not least," the cake was
delicious.