“This is a strange account! We must have a little conversation, my dear, in the evening. Correction, or advice, will have no effect with you, Miss Vincent. You are not aware that your conduct will be deeply impressed upon the mind of every young lady present: it will be remembered when you have forgotten the circumstance yourself. I shall expect to see you with your sister.”
Mrs. Adair looked round upon her pupils with a countenance of affection and concern. “Young ladies,” she added, “it behoves you to conduct yourselves in this house in a manner, that you may go forth into the world with modest confidence, arising from the pleasing reflection that you have fulfilled your duty in all things. Then, in future life, when you unexpectedly meet a school-companion and friend, how pleasant will be the greeting! And when I am old and infirm, should you recollect me, and call upon me as the friend of your youth, how gratifying will it be to my heart to think that I have been one means, in the hands of Providence, of giving to society discreet and amiable women.”
CHAPTER VIII.
The vacation now commenced. The physician had ordered change of air for Jane, or rather change of scene: she therefore accompanied Miss Cotton to spend a month with her parents. Elizabeth, however, would not accept any invitation. Mrs. Adair was surprised at the circumstance, knowing that young people are fond of novelty, particularly after the confinement of a school.
“It is strange that you have refused all our friends,” she said to her daughter, “especially your old favourite!”
Elizabeth coloured highly. “My dear mother, teaching has given me the wisdom to value a comfortable home. How quiet we are this evening! and what a cheerful, blazing fire! and as for this tea, I think I never tasted any thing so fragrant.”
“And are these your reasons for remaining at home?”
“O no! but only think how pleasant it is to be free from monotonous voices buzzing in one’s ears! To-night I shall go to rest without the fear of being disturbed ‘with the sound of the school-going bell,’ and shall rise to-morrow an independent being.”