myself, that you should be made perfectly to understand them. And first, as to your present position. You are aware that my income is small. It is too small to admit of my incurring the expense of your education in addition to that of your brothers. You could not, therefore, have enjoyed your present opportunity of instruction, had it not been for the generosity of Miss Percy, who has received you into her establishment, and permitted you to share the advantages of her pupils, on terms which render it impossible she can have any object in view but your welfare. By her request, you have, until now, been ignorant of this arrangement; for with true delicacy she feared lest a sense of obligation should prove a restraint, and render you less at home under her roof."

I felt my cheeks tingle with conscious shame, as my father thus spoke; but the emotion was caused principally by mortification. At length, I ventured to inquire, "Does Miss Charlotte know of this arrangement, papa ?"

"I believe not. Your godmother has always desired that you should be placed on a perfect equality with your schoolfellows, and on this account did not name the subject even to her sister."

"Dear Miss Percy, how considerate and generous!" I exclaimed.

"You now perceive, my love," continued my father, "that you owe this excellent friend a debt of gratitude which she empowers me to say you can in some measure repay, by setting a good example to your companions; by exerting your influence wisely; and above all, by dutiful and respectful behaviour to her sister."

"Ah, that is the difficulty," rejoined I. 'Do you know, papa, that if Miss Charlotte had been acquainted with my position in the school, I should have begged you to remove me at once."

"I am sorry to hear you say so, because I fear your judgment and affections are so entirely under the influence of pride, that you are inclined to sacrifice your usefulness and respectability, rather than submit to a little present humiliation.

“ And now, Caroline, as to your future prospects. You will in all probability have, sooner or later, to depend upon your

own exertions. It has been the wish of your mother and myself, that your education should be so far completed, as to fit you to instruct others. For this purpose it is necessary you should remain at school some time longer, providing we can retain your present advantages without paying too dearly for them."

"How so, papa?" I inquired, "I do not understand you."

"The fact is, that greatly as we value a liberal education, and much as we desire to promote your interest in this world, we attach a still higher value to your spiritual welfare. We believe that the feelings you have so long cherished towards your teacher are sinful, and their effect upon your temper and character, decidedly injurious; so much so, that it is our duty to keep you at home, unless, upon calmly reviewing your conduct, you become convinced of your error, in which case you will be anxious to acknowledge it, and also to atone for it so far as you are able, by setting an example of dutiful and submissive conduct in the school. Depending less upon your own judgment, you will earnestly seek strength from above, to enable you to perceive your own imperfections; and to conquer them, you will adopt the advice given by our blessed Lord, and instead of talking about your little grievances, pray for those persons you may think unkind, or even unjust towards you. I advise you to take time for consideration, my daughter," continued he, perceiving that I was about to reply, "I have acquainted you with the condition on which you can be allowed to remain at school. You must deliberate, decide, and abide by your decision."

There was something awful in the prospect of bearing such a responsibility, and in a subdued tone I inquired, "If I chose not to return, papa?"

"In that case you will stay at home for the present, and if it should eventually prove that you are incompetent to fill the situation of a governess, you must be content to occupy an inferior position."

I longed to ask of what kind; but my father had risen, and was walking at a brisk pace, observing that, he feared lest he should not be in time to keep his appointment with Mr. Selwyn.

He evidently did not wish to renew the subject. Pre-occupied as my mind then was, I felt little inclination for conver sation on ordinary topics. My thoughts now wandered to Mr. Dalton's letter; then reverted to the momentous question of school or no school. I had, likewise, a vague idea that the much longed-for journey to London was not altogether independent of the decision I might come to on this point. I ventured to indulge in these and similar speculations, till I was aroused by finding myself in the avenue which led to the residence of my father's friend. This was a neat and commodious mansion situated in the midst of grounds which, though small, were tastefully laid out, and kept in excellent order. The style and appearance of the whole conveyed an idea of competence and refinement.

My father was evidently expected, and as he had business to transact with Mr. Selwyn, was conducted to the library, whilst I followed the servant into a pleasant parlour, where two children, a boy and girl, were seated on the carpet, happily engaged in looking over the prints contained in a large volume which lay on the floor beside them. The beauty of these little ones, joined to their intelligent remarks, delighted me greatly; and being naturally fond of children, I soon gained their goodwill, by the interest I appeared to take in their occupation. The large book was with my assistance transferred to the sofa, and we were all intent upon the pictures when the door opened, and a young girl about my own age entered.

Blushing as she advanced and extending her hand, she addressed me by name, introducing herself as Anna Selwyn. “My mother is engaged with visitors," she added, “and has commissioned me to entertain you till dinner time." She then invited me to accompany her up stairs, and led the way into what appeared to me the prettiest little bed-room I had ever The furniture was extremely simple; but the curtains were of a snowy whiteness, and an air of cleanliness and elegance pervaded the whole of the arrangements. The window, which reached almost to the floor, commanded a view of the well-kept garden, and of the pleasant country beyond. I was delighted to accept Anna's invitation to sit by this charming window, and wait the summons to dinner; and as it yet wanted

seen.

an hour to the appointed time, we had ample opportunity to improve our acquaintance.

There is a sort of free-masonry in early youth, at least when certain dispositions come into close contact. How speedily are intimacies formed; how quickly are sympathies felt and extended; and how easily are good and evil influences exercised by intelligent companions! Certain it is, that before the dinner bell had sounded, Anna and I were on the most confidential terms, although I had refrained from alluding to the conversation I had just had with my father, and the important decision I was expected to make.

One thing, however, surprised and puzzled me in Miss Selwyn. She appeared to exult in the prospect of going to school. She was thankful to say, that she was to leave home after the coming vacation, the only doubtful point being what school would be selected. Miss Percy's had been named. The objection in this case was its nearness to her home. On the other hand, her governess, whose opinion had great weight with her parents, was a friend of the Misses Percy, and thought very highly of the school. For her own part, she wished to be quite away amongst strangers, to see something new, and to enjoy the society of girls who would be her equals in age and superiors in attainments.

I could not refrain from expressing my surprise that she should choose to leave such a home, and spoke of the difficulties and trials which might await her; but my eloquence was thrown away, or rather, the prospect of difficulties such as I named served to increase her enthusiasm. She dearly loved her happy home and kind friends, but she felt sure there were advantages connected with the association of numbers, and she wished to enjoy them, though it might be at the cost of a little comfort and a few indulgences.

Whilst discussing this subject, we received a summons to dinner, and Anna hurried me down stairs, in order to introduce me to her mother before the company took their seats. As a large party was assembled, consisting chiefly of gentlemen, Anna invited me to join her at a side table, which was placed in a low window overlooking the lawn and flower garden, and which likewise commanded a view of the dinner-table and

numerous guests. We were presently joined by the younger children of the family, accompanied by their governess, a widow lady of commanding figure and winning address.

Mrs. Grey (for such was her name) spoke to me kindly, and I observed that whilst the children behaved with great propriety, they appeared perfectly at ease in her society. Notwithstanding my awe of governesses in general, I soon felt at home with the happy little circle around me, for genuine good breeding seldom fails to banish awkward restraint.

When the dessert was placed on the table and the servants had withdrawn, the conversation took a more general turn. The little ones were speedily dispersed amongst the company, and Mrs. Grey, Anna, and myself, were the only occupants of the recess.

Presently I distinguished the voice of my father addressing a lady who was seated on the opposite side of the table.

"Ah," she remarked, looking towards me, "your daughter is a pupil of Miss Percy's, Mrs. Selwyn informs me. Pray, Miss Wilmot, can you tell me who has proved the successful candidate for the first prize this half year? As my niece was one of the competitors, I feel anxious to know."

It would be impossible to describe my embarrassment on being thus addressed. I was literally unable to speak, and looked imploringly at my father. He, too, seemed rather disconcerted.

66

Perhaps, it is yet undecided?" resumed the lady, doubtless mistaking the cause of my uneasiness.

"I believe Caroline was the first on the list of competitors, though she found it difficult to tell you so," observed my father. Then, evidently wishing to change the conversation, he addressed some remark on another subject to Mr. Selwyn.

But the intelligence was not suffered thus to pass unheeded. Congratulations and compliments resounded from all sides. I was distressed beyond measure, more especially as my father left me to bear the weight of my honors unaided. The establishment at the Manor house now became matter of grave discourse.

"Miss Percy's manners are so extremely lady-like," said one. "And she is so fortunate in having her sister's assistance,"