u wilt bring thy sisters here, I hope. I wish to
see them, and we have some fine prints, which will perhaps please
Isabella, as she likes such things."

Charles and Jane congratulated each other, as soon as they were alone,
on the acquisition of such friends as the Franklins appeared inclined to
be.

The following week passed away happily and quietly. The only remarkable
circumstance which occurred was a call from Mr Monteath and his
daughter. Jane was gratified by this mark of attention from Miss
Monteath, and Charles was no less pleased by receiving a short note from
his friend. It was as follows.

"My dear Friend,--

"It is with some difficulty that I have obtained permission to write a
few lines to you. The purpose of them is to entreat you to spend a
day or two with me on your return to London, if you can spare the time
to one who has so slight a claim in comparison with your family. On
many accounts I wish to see you; but especially that I may express
something of the gratitude and friendship which I feel, but cannot
write, and which will remain a weight on my mind, unless you will come
to me. Do give me the greatest pleasure I can now enjoy. I hope I am
not selfish in urging it. Farewell.

"Ever your grateful friend,--

"Henry Monteath."

Charles had pledged himself to be in London by Wednesday; and he
therefore determined to leave Exeter on the Monday morning, and to spend
the half of Monday and Tuesday with his friend. His sisters were
grieved to lose a whole day of his society, but they made no opposition
to his plan, ready, as they always were, to give up their own wishes
when the sacrifice was required. Isabella worked hard to finish her
little book; too hard, Jane feared, for she did not look well, and was
obliged to acknowledge frequently that her head ached. On the Saturday
she set to work as soon as she returned from school, and was busy at the
last drawing all the afternoon. She completed it just before dark, and
her brother and sisters heartily congratulated her on having put the
finishing stroke to her work: but she seemed to feel little pleasure;
and as she was putting away her pencils, Jane observed that her hand
shook violently, and that her face was flushed. Charles gently
reproached her for her too anxious diligence; and she owned that she
felt very unwell, but she did not think it owing to her laborious
application. Jane urged her to go to bed; but