The Christian fortitude with which (through her husband’s instructions) she had armed her mind, had not left it in the power of any outward accident to bereave her of her understanding, or to make her incapable of doing what was proper on all occasions. Therefore, by the advice of all her friends, she undertook what she was so well qualified for; namely, the education of children. But as she was moderate in her desires, and did not seek to raise a great fortune, she was resolved to take no more scholars than she could have an eye to herself without the help of other teachers; and instead of making interest to fill her school, it was looked upon as a great favour when she would take any girl. And as her number was fixed to nine, which she on no account would be prevailed on to increase, great application was made, when any scholar went away, to have her place supplied; and happy were they who could get a promise for the next vacancy.

Mrs. Teachum was about forty years old, tall and genteel in her person, though somewhat inclined to fat. She had a lively and commanding eye, insomuch that she naturally created an awe in all her little scholars; except when she condescended to smile, and talk familiarly to them; and then she had something perfectly kind and tender in her manner. Her temper was so extremely calm and good, that though she never omitted reprehending, and that pretty severely, any girl that was guilty of the smallest fault proceeding from an evil disposition; yet for no cause whatsoever was she provoked to be in a passion; but she kept up such a dignity and authority, by her steady behavior, that the girls greatly feared to incur her displeasure by disobeying her commands; and were equally pleased with her approbation, when they had done anything worthy her commendation.

At the time of the ensuing history, the school (being full) consisted of the nine following young ladies:

Miss JENNY PEACE.
Miss NANNY SPRUCE.
Miss SUKEY JENNETT.
Miss BETTY FORD.
Miss DOLLY FRIENDLY.
Miss HENNY FRET.
Miss LUCY SLY.
Miss POLLY SUCKLING.
Miss PATTY LOCKIT.

The eldest of these was but fourteen years old, and none of the rest had yet attained their twelfth year.

CONTENTS


[ AN ACCOUNT OF A FRAY, ]

[ A DIALOGUE BETWEEN MISS JENNY PEACE AND MISS SUKEY JENNETT; ]

[ A SCENE OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP, QUITE THE REVERSE OF THE BATTLE, ]

[ THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS JENNY PEACE. ]

[ THE LIFE OF MISS JENNY PEACE. ]


[ MONDAY. THE FIRST DAY ]

[ THE STORY OF THE CRUEL GIANT BARBARICO, THE GOOD GIANT BENEFICO, ]

[ A CONTINUATION OF THE STORY OF THE GIANTS. ]


[ TUESDAY. THE SECOND DAY. ]

[ THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS SUKEY JENNETT. ]

[ THE LIFE OF MISS SUKEY JENNETT. ]

[ THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS DOLLY FRIENDLY. ]

[ THE LIFE OF MISS DOLLY FRIENDLY. ]


[ WEDNESDAY. THE THIRD DAY. ]

[ THE STORY OF CAELIA AND CHLOE. ]

[ THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS LUCY SLY. ]

[ THE LIFE OF MISS LUCY SLY. ]


[ THURSDAY. THE FOURTH DAY. ]

[ THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS PATTY LOCKIT. ]

[ THE LIFE OF MISS PATTY LOCKIT. ]


[ FRIDAY. THE FIFTH DAY. ]

[ THE PRINCESS HEBE. A FAIRY TALE. ]

[ THE FAIRY TALE CONTINUED. ]


[ SATURDAY. THE SIXTH DAY. ]

[ THE FAIRY TALE CONTINUED. ]

[ THE FAIRY TALE CONTINUED. ]


[ SUNDAY. THE SEVENTH DAY. ]

[ THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS NANNY SPRUCE. ]

[ THE LIFE OF MISS NANNY SPRUCE. ]

[ THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS BETTY FORD. ]

[ THE LIFE OF MISS BETTY FORD. ]


[ MONDAY. THE EIGHTH DAY. ]

[ THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS HENNY FRET. ]

[ THE LIFE OF MISS HENNY FRET. ]

[ THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS POLLY SUCKLING. ]

[ THE LIFE OF MISS POLLY SUCKLING. ]


[ TUESDAY. THE NINTH DAY. ]

[ THE ASSEMBLY OF THE BIRDS. A FABLE. ]

[ THE END OF THE NINTH DAY. ]