month 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