"I thank you, Mr. Bowman," replied Mrs. Codman, "for your dependence on my judgment, and hope to deserve it. I hope my young pupil, who, I am convinced is not wanting in intelligence, will do justice to her natural capacity."
The next day Mrs. Codman commenced her undertaking, for such it may appropriately be called.
"Bertha," said she, pointing to the clock, "it is nine o'clock. Suppose we commence our studies."
"Just let me have another race with Topsy," said Bert, who was flying round the room in pursuit of the black kitten, who was evidently regarded by her young mistress as a congenial companion.
"I am afraid I must say no, my dear child," said Mrs. Codman gently; "there is nothing like punctuality. So if you will just ring the bell, I will ask Jane to take away Topsy for the present."
"Can't Topsy come to school with me?" asked Bert, disappointed.
"I am afraid if she did my other pupil would not make very much progress."
Bert unwillingly acquiesced in the dismission of her favorite companion.
"You won't keep me as long as they do in school, will you, Mrs. Codman?" asked Bert. "If I had to study four or six hours, I should certainly go into a fit."
"I dare say you would," replied her teacher, smiling. "Therefore I sha'n't keep you so long. In fact, as you are the only scholar, we sha'n't bind ourselves to so many hours, but rather to so much learned, so that it will depend a good deal on how well you study."