by Sarah Fielding
There lived in the northern parts of England, a gentlewoman who
undertook the education of young ladies; and this trust she endeavoured
faithfully to discharge, by instructing those committed to her care in
reading, writing, working, and in all proper forms of behaviour. And
though her principal aim was to improve their minds in all useful
knowledge; to render them obedient to their superiors, and gentle, kind,
and affectionate to each other; yet did she not omit teaching them an
exact neatness in their persons and dress, and a perfect gentility in
their whole carriage.
This gentlewoman, whose name was Teachum, was the widow of a clergyman,
with whom she had lived nine years in all the harmony and concord which
forms the only satisfactory happiness in the married state. Two little
girls (the youngest of which was born before the second year of their
marriage was expired) took up a great part of their thoughts; and it was
their mutual design to spare no pains or trouble in their education.
Mr. Teachum was a very sensible man, and took great delight in improving
his wife; as she also placed her chief pleasure in receiving his
instructions. One of his constant subjects of discourse to her was
concerning the education of children: so that, when in his last illness
his physicians pronounced him beyond the power of their art to relieve
him, he expressed great satisfaction in the thought of leaving his
children to the care of so prudent a mother.
Mrs. Teachum, though exceedingly afflicted by such a loss, yet thought
it her duty to call forth all her resolutions to conquer her grief, in
order to apply herself to the care of these her dear husband’s children.
But her misfortunes were not here to end: for within a twelvemonth after
the death of her husband, she was deprived of both her children by a
violent fever that then raged in the country; and, about the same time,
by the unforeseen breaking of a banker, in whose hands almost all her
fortune was just then placed, she was bereft of the means of her future
support.
The Christian fortitude with which (through her husband’s instructions)
she had armed her mind, had not left it in the power of any outward
accident to bereave her of her understanding, or to make her incapable
of doing what was proper on all occasions. Therefore, by the advice
of all her friends, she undertook what she was so well qualified for;
namely, the education of children. But as she was moderate in her
desires, and did not seek to raise a great fortune, she was resolved to
take no more scholars than she could have an eye to herself without
the help of other teachers; and instead of making interest to fill her
school, it was looked upon as a great favour when she would take any
girl. And as her number was fixed to nine, which she on no account
would be prevailed on to increase, great application was made, when any
scholar went away, to have her place supplied; and happy were they who
could get a promise for the next vacancy.
Mrs. Teachum was about forty years old, tall and genteel in her person,
though somewhat inclined to fat. She had a lively and commanding eye,
insomuch that she naturally created an awe in all her little scholars;
except when she condescended to smile, and talk familiarly to them;
and then she had something perfectly kind and tender in her manner. Her
temper was so extremely calm and good, that though she never omitted
reprehending, and that pretty severely, any girl that was guilty of the
smallest fault proceeding from an evil disposition; yet for no cause
whatsoever was she provoked to be in a passion; but she kept up such a
dignity and authority, by her steady behavior, that the girls greatly
feared to incur her displeasure by disobeying her commands; and were
equally pleased with her approbation, when they had done anything worthy
her commendation.
At the time of the ensuing history, the school (being full) consisted of
the nine following young ladies:
Miss JENNY PEACE.
Miss NANNY SPRUCE.
Miss SUKEY JENNETT.
Miss BETTY FORD.
Miss DOLLY FRIENDLY.
Miss HENNY FRET.
Miss LUCY SLY.
Miss POLLY SUCKLING.
Miss PATTY LOCKIT.
The eldest of these was but fourteen years old, and none of the rest had
yet attained their twelfth year.