an't, nor we can't, be half so happy, when you are
gone, though our governess was ten times better to us than she is.'

Miss Jenny again entreated them to dry up their tears, and to be more
contented with the present necessity; and begged, that they would not
let their governess see them so overwhelmed in sorrow on her return; for
she might take it unkindly, that they should be so afflicted at the loss
of one person, while they still remained under her indulgent care and
protection.

It was with the utmost difficulty, that Miss Jenny refrained from
shedding tear for tear with her kind companions; but as it was her
constant maxim to partake with her friends all her pleasure, and to
confine her sorrows as much as possible within her own bosom, she chose
rather to endeavour, by her own cheerfulness and innocent talk, to steal
insensibly from the bosoms of her little companions half their sorrow;
and they begin to appear tolerably easy.

After supper, Mrs. Teachum returned; and, seeing them all striving who
should most conceal their grief, for fear of giving uneasiness to the
rest, yet with a deep dejection fixed in every countenance, and little
Polly still sobbing behind Miss Jenny's chair, she was so moved herself
with the affecting scene, that the tears stole from her eyes; and the
sympathising company once more eased their almost bursting hearts, by
another general flow of melting sorrow.

'My dear children,' said Mrs. Teachum, 'I am not at all surprised at
your being so much concerned to part with Miss Jenny. I love her myself
with a motherly affection (as I do all of you, and shall ever continue
to do so while you so well deserve it); and I could wish, for my own
sake, never to part with her as long as I live; but I consider, that it
is for her advantage, and I would have you all remember, in her absence,
to let her example and friendship fill your hearts with joy, instead of
grief. It is now pretty late in the evening, and as Miss Jenny is to set
out very early in the morning, I must insist upon shortening your pain
(for such is your present situation), and desire you would take your
leave of this your engaging friend.'

They none of them attempted to speak another word, for their hearts were
still too full for utterance; and Miss Jenny took every one by the hand
as they went out of the room, saluted them with the tenderest affection,
mingling tears with those which flowed from every streaming eye; and,
wishing