t the
multiplication table throughout?"

Miss Vincent hesitated. "I know very little, ma'am, of figures: our
studies were in general of the highest order. But it was a charming
seminary! We had no particular rules; we could go to rest, or rise when
we pleased; and favourites were always asked to dance with select
parties in an evening."

"I seriously regret," said Elizabeth, "that we have robbed Madame La
Blond of so amiable a pupil."

"Madame, I assure you, ma'am, lamented it. She told Papa I was the
chief ornament of her school. But he was very angry,--I don't know why;
but he questioned me so closely, that I might as well have been before a
court-martial. Indeed I am certain he would have ordered me, had I been
a private soldier, to the triangle, merely because I said that Madame
despised people in trade."

"And your Papa really vindicated trade!"

"Oh, ma'am, the Colonel has strange plebeian notions. I never saw him so
angry as he was when I told him that we--I mean ladies of a certain
rank--had been the means of sending a merchant's daughter from school,
by styling her 'Miss Thimbleton,' and 'the little seamstress.' Her
mamma had the meanness, I may say the impertinence, to send vulgar check
muslin to be made into a frock, at Madame La Blond's! We took care,
however, to break the needles, and burn the thread."

"I hope you have finished your remarks: be pleased, now, to listen to
me. In consequence of the close intimacy that exists between our
families, I pass over your presuming manner this morning; but
recollect," said Elizabeth with firmness, "that it shall never be
repeated. If you dare to disobey, expect punishment. From this time you
are never to speak to me, unless I ask a question. Now play the lesson I
proposed."

CHAPTER V.

Mrs. Adair had selected from the first class four young ladies, to
regulate the younger pupils. They were to hear them repeat their lessons
before they entered the school-room; they were likewise to mark the
errors in their exercises, and endeavour, not only to instruct but
amuse.

It has been said that by teaching others we gain knowledge ourselves.
Miss Damer was fully aware of this truth; all her leisure time,
therefore, was devoted to the young people under her care. She had only
three, and they had very different abilities: Miss Bruce's capacity was
bright, but she loved to defer all to the last moment; there was a
mixture of good sense and childishness in he