was well informed upon
most subjects, so I gladly joined in the invitation which my mother sent
her, to come and make our house her home for an indefinite period. As
she lived only a day's journey by railway from Philadelphia, she arrived
a week before I left home. She did not like the idea of my mother
spending so much money in sending me to school. To all of her remarks
upon the subject my mother replied pleasantly, for she was her own aunt,
and she would not treat her with disrespect. During the few days I
remained at home after her arrival, I formed a much more favorable
opinion of Aunt Patience than I had done during her visit in the days of
my childhood; and when I observed how kind she was to my mother I found
it easy to love her.

I felt very sad the morning I bade adieu to my mother and Aunt
Patience, to go into the world alone. My mother had before given me many
kind counsels regarding my future conduct, now she only said, as she
embraced me at parting, "My dear daughter, I trust you will improve your
time and talents, and conduct yourself in a manner that will not
disappoint your mother." As Aunt Patience bade me good-bye, she said,
with a countenance of much solemnity, "You must remember, Clara, all the
advice I have given you." Sad as I felt, I could not repress a smile,
for during the past week her advices regarding my future conduct had
been so numerous, that it would have required a memory more retentive
than mine to have remembered them all; but I knew they were intended for
my good, and I readily promised to try and observe them. I wish not to
weary the reader by giving a detailed account of my journey. I arrived
safely at my destination, and met with a very cordial welcome at the
house of Mrs. Armitage, my mother's friend; two days later I became a
member of the celebrated school for young ladies, taught at that time by
Mrs. Wentworth, aided by competent assistance.

Mrs. Wentworth was a widow lady, of superior education and noble mind.
I spent four happy years in this institution, having visited my mother
but once during the time. It was very pleasant for me to find myself
once more at home, with the opportunity for rest and relaxation, after
four years, application to books. During my absence, my mother and Aunt
Patience had lived very quietly, they saw but little company, and were
much occupied with their needles as a means of support. During the first
three years of my absence my mother enjoyed g