at she had worked so hard, and recommended her
to think no more of drawing for the rest of the holidays. Ten days only
now remained before school should begin again; and Isabella passed the
time very happily between books, walking, and work. We must not forget,
also, a long letter which she wrote to Charles, by the box which carried
their work. It will be in vain to guess at the hopes and fears, the
alternate confidence and anxiety which these industrious girls felt
about the probable reward of their labours. They calculated the number
of days which must pass before a letter from Charles could arrive, to
bid them rejoice or be patient yet longer. They told each other
continually that they were looking for a letter too soon; that it was
not likely they should have an answer till the things were sold. Their
kind brother could imagine their anxiety, and the very first moment that
he could send them intelligence of their success he did so, in the
following letter.

"My dear Girls,--

"I hope I have not disappointed you by delaying my letter for a few
days, but I thought it would be quite a pity to write till I could
give you Mr Blyth's opinion, and that of the public, about your
works. I have just been to the shop, and though it is late at night,
I cannot go to bed till I have offered you my congratulations. I have
in my pocket three guineas, which Mr Blyth thinks a fair price for
your work. I hope you will think so too, and be as well satisfied
with your gains as I am. Mr Blyth gave me an order for as many more
as you like to send up, for he has eyes to see that your things are
prettier, and better made, than any articles of the kind in his shop.
I hope you will be encouraged by your deserved success, and that the
next parcel you send will keep up your credit. I know you cannot get
on so fast when the holidays are over. Indeed I scarcely know how you
will find time at all; but as you desire me to send you more work, I
conclude you will make time for it some how or other. Your leisure
hours can hardly be better spent, I think; and I have no fear but that
you should overwork yourselves. That you will neglect your duties of
teaching and learning, I never, for a moment, supposed; so your
assurances on that head, my dear girls, are quite unnecessary. Now,
pray take care of your health and spirits: take exercise and
amusement, and remember that there is not the least hu