Isabel Leicester

ld was intense, and a bitter wind howled through the leafless trees, when the train arrived at M--, and Isabel almost benum

of some refreshment, but Mrs. Arnold had informed her, that Mrs. Arlington was very particular, and to have kept the hors

than an hour they arrived at their destination. As they drew up at the door, it was opened by a foot

e taking off your things, and then I will show you the school-room. Mrs. Arlingt

m, with a bay window having an eastern aspect, at which the wind was now howling with great violence. It was neatly, but plainly furnished, the fire ha

the fire descended to the school-room, which she found very bright and

d such a sunny face that it did one good to look at her, and presently a sweet little girl of about seven years old came running into the room, and going up to Isabel, said "you are our new governess are you not. I think I shall like you very much, but I can't stay now, for Eliza is waiting t

the family were like. After dressing and arranging some of her things, she sat down to contemplate h

he room, of whom Amy was the youngest. Amy greeted her in the same cordial manner she had done on the preceding evening, the other two rose saying "good morning Miss Leicester," but

ers, so the breakfast was a dull unpleasant affair, and Isabel perceived they rega

back, and coming close up to Isabel whispered "don't cry Miss Leicester, I love you, indeed I do," for Amy had noticed the tears that would co

were from nine until four, with an hour for dinner, then she would have to take them for a walk, after that her time was her own. She would take her meals with the children, but she would be happy to have her come into the drawing-room occasionally in the evening. She said that her own time was

of, and she did not relish the idea and as to going into the drawing-room, she could very well dispense with that. She was not aware that Mrs. Arlington

hey were coaxing to tell them about the ball. As Isabel entered the room, Amy exclaimed, "Miss Leicester this is Emily!" Then Emil

to the ball, and you just now said that you en

am intruding upon school hours I fear, so if you will all

s Miss Leicester, I wish to know if there are any pretty ones among them, I would not trouble you only I am so excessively tired" she added, taking the most comfortable seat the room afforded; this was done in the most easy manner possible, precluding of course the idea that it was by design.

ss Leicester," Miss Arli

she approached the piano, and when she ceased singing, the murmured praise and applause on all sides had sent the ho

er than you do Grace

ester will have some trouble with you I imagine," then than

ated kindly by their last governess. Alice sulked so much, and Rose was so pert, that Isabel found it difficult to keep her temper, and when tea was over, her head ached so severely, and sh

iving way to her feelings, Isabel took no notice. As the knocking continued unanswered, a soft voic

you in the school-room I came after you, as I knew tha

felt for her, and how she hoped she would consider her a friend. "Mrs. Arnold wrote and tol

bed, "I can never b

ll go with me next summer. I think I shall breakfast with you, I can't wait for mama's late breakfast, but I would sooner have gone without altogether, than have taken it with Miss Manning. I only left school you know a few weeks ago, and I like a little fun. I know I make the children very outrageous sometimes, but then, you know I could not behave at all li

I must try what I can do with Alice and Rose

t out already have you,

nd, I like people who say what they think" said Emily, "besides that is just what papa says about

is a swee

o much for you to see him, he is my idea of perfection as far as attainable in human

al judge, I may not be able to

, I said she was beyond all description, and not to be compared with Miss Manning, so if he does not imagine something awful its very strange, (Isabel did not look well pleased) I hope you wont mind; it was such