than any of
my companions, ever since I have been here; and so I only followed the
example of the rest; and as I found they contended about everything, I
did so too. Besides, I have been always in fear that my schoolfellows
wanted to impose on me, because I was little; and so I used to engage in
every quarrel, rather than be left out, as if I was too little to give
any assistance; but, indeed, I am very glad now we all agree, because I
always came by the worst of it. And, besides, it is a great pleasure
to me to be loved, and every Miss is kind and good to me, and ready to
assist me whenever I ask them. And this is all I know of my whole life.'

When little Polly ceased, she was kissed and applauded by the whole
company, for the agreeable simplicity of her little history.

And thus ended the eighth day's amusement.

TUESDAY. THE NINTH DAY.

Miss Jenny rose early in the morning, and, having collected the lives of
her companions (which she had wrote down each day, as they related them)
she carried them, after morning school, according to her promise, to her
governess.

Mrs. Teachum, when she had perused them, was much pleased; and said that
she perceived, by the manner in which her scholars had related their
lives, how much they were in earnest in their design of amendment. 'For
(continued she) they have all confessed their faults without reserve;
and the untowardly bent of their minds, which so strongly appeared
before the quarrel, has not broke out in these their little histories;
but, on the contrary, they all seem, according to their capacities, to
have endeavoured at imitating your style, in the account you gave of
your own life. I would have you continue to employ your leisure hours
in the manner you have lately done, only setting apart a proper time
for exercise; and today I will dispense with your attendance in the
school-room and indulge you this afternoon in another walk, either to
the dairy house, or to the cherry-garden, whichever you all agree on.
But as I shall not go with you myself, and shall only find a servant
to take care of you, I hope to hear from you, Miss Jenny, so good an
account of the behaviour of your little friends and companions, that I
shall have no cause to repent my indulgence.'

Miss Jenny Peace respectfully took leave of her governess, and hastened
to the arbour, where her little friends were met, in expectation of her
coming. She told them how well pleased their governess