en to her eye, was damped by rising tears. Her heart
for some time was too full for utterance. At last, turning to her
governess, she said, 'And is the chariot really come, to carry me to my
dear aunt?' Then, after a pause, the tears trickling down her cheeks,
'And must I so soon leave you, madam, and all my kind companions?' Mrs.
Teachum, on seeing Miss Jenny's tender struggles of mind, and all her
companions at once bursting into tears, stood up, and left the room,
saying, 'She would come to them again after supper.' For this prudent
woman well knew, that it was in vain to contend with the very first
emotions of grief on such an occasion, but intended, at her return, to
show them how much it was their duty and interest to conquer all sorts
of extravagant sorrow.

They remained some time silent, as quite struck dumb with concern, till
at last Miss Dolly Friendly, in broken accents, cried out, 'And must we
lose you, my dear Miss Jenny, now we are just settled in that love and
esteem for you, which your goodness so well deserves?'

Miss Jenny endeavoured to dry up her tears, and then said, 'Although
I cannot but be pleased, my dear companions, at every mark of your
affection for me; yet I beg that you would not give me the pain to see
that I make so many dear friends unhappy. Let us submit cheerfully to
this separation (which, believe me, is as deeply felt by me as any
of you) because it is our duty so to do; and let me entreat you to be
comforted, by reflecting, how much my good aunt's safe return must
be conducive to my future welfare; nor can you be unhappy, while you
continue with so good a governess, and persist in that readiness to obey
her, which you have lately shown. She will direct who shall preside over
your innocent amusements in my place. I will certainly write to you, and
shall always take the greatest delight in hearing from each of you, both
while you continue here, and when your duty and different connections
shall call you elsewhere. We may some, and perhaps all, of us, happen
often to meet again; and I hope a friendship, founded on so innocent and
so good a foundation as ours is, will always subsist, as far as shall be
consistent with our future situations in life.'

Miss Jenny's friends could not answer her but by sobs and tears; only
little Polly Suckling, running to her, clung about her neck, and cried,
'Indeed, indeed, Miss Jenny, you must not go; I shall break my heart, if
I lose you: sure we sh