orehoraclesonhernose,andblackmittensonherhands.

    “ArethereaersforJ.E.?”Iasked.

    Shepeeredatmeoverherspectacles,andthensheopenedadrawerandfumbledamongitstentsforalongtime,solongthatmyhopesbegantofalter.Atlast,havingheldadotbeforeherglassesfornearlyfiveminutes,shepreseacrosstheter,apanyibyanotherinquisitiveandmistrustfulglawasforJ.E.

    “Isthereonlyone?”Idemanded.

    “Therearenomore,”saidshe;andIputitinmypocketandturnedmyfaeward:Icouldnotopenitthen;rulesobligedmetobebackbyeight,anditwasalreadyhalf-pastseven.

    Variousdutiesawaitedmeonmyarrival.Ihadtositwiththegirlsduringtheirhourofstudy;thenitwasmyturntoreadprayers;toseethemtobed:afterwardsIsuppedwiththeotherteachers.Evenwhenwefinallyretiredforthenight,theiableMissGrycewasstillmypanion:wehadonlyashortendofdleinourdlestidIdreadedlestsheshouldtalktillitwasallburntout;fortunately,however,theheavysuppershehadeatenproducedasoporificeffect:shewasalreadysnbeforeIhadfinishedundressing.Therestillremainedaninchofdle:Inowtookoutmyletter;thesealwasaninitialF.;Ibrokeit;thetentswerebrief.

    “IfJ.E.,whoadvertisedinthe—shireHeraldoflastThursday,possessestheacquiremeioned,andifsheisinapositiontogivesatisfactoryrefereocharacterandpetency,asituationbeofferedherwherethereisbutonepupil,alittlegirl,uenyearsofage;ahesalaryisthirtypoundsperannum.J.E.isrequestedtosendreferename,address,andallparticularstothedire:—

    “Mrs.Fairfax,Thornfield,nearMillcote,—shire.”

    Iexamihedotlong:thewritingwasold-fashionedandrathe