CHAPTER III.

THE SCHOOL-ROOM.

EVER since Gertrude had been resident at Woodside (the village where Mr. Allen lived, and of which he was the rector,) there had been, as we have said, but little like study or lesson learning, or lesson giving, going on. It was a new thing to her, therefore, to be summoned at nine o'clock the next morning after Miss Robson's arrival, to take her slate and school books into an apartment hitherto known to her by the name of the play-room, but which was now to be dignified with the title of school-room.

Finding it hopeless to wait the rummaging up Harriet's and her sister's scattered books &c. and the adjusting of their hair, and their frocks, and at the same time to obey Mr.

Allen, who, from the bottom of the stairs was calling out, "Children, Miss Robson is waiting for you," Gertrude went down alone, with her books and slate in her hand.

She was kindly greeted by Miss Robson, who inquired into her progress in spelling and grammar. It was found to be but little, owing rather to various hindrances, than to her disinclination to apply.

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Well, we must endeavour to make up for lost time," said Miss Robson, as she appointed her some words of spelling to learn by heart.

About half-past nine, Harriet and Charlotte came in, bustling and noisy, and shoving each other out of the way to get to their

seats.

"I shall sit there, Charlotte," said Harriet, "I'm the eldest, and I've a right to choose my seat."

"Sit here," said Miss Robson, calmly, pointing to a stool by her side. Harriet stood in silence, somewhat awed by the composed demeanour of her governess, but evidently determined to dispute the matter before she gave up her own will.

"I always used to sit where Charlotte

does, when Miss Singleton was here," she replied.

Miss Robson made no answer to this, but again pointed to the stool, which there seemed no means of escaping; for Charlotte, triumphing at being able to keep her own seat, was looking on at this scene in a way which Harriet well enough understood, and which plainly manifested that her sister wished for no better fun, than to see her entangled in an argument with the new governess. If it were for nothing else, therefore, than to disappoint these expectations, it seemed. advisable to end the matter by obeying; which she accordingly did, though so much against her will, that the tears came into her eyes, and she could scarcely conceal them.

Now, dear children, I am aware that these are very ugly feelings that I am unfolding; but at the same time, if you are faithful in looking into your own hearts, I fear that some amongst you will be forced to say that you have known something very like them. It is because of these ugly feelings that we experience in our childhood, that we know the truth of that solemn description of fallen

human nature, given by the mouth of God himself, (Genesis viii. 21); "The imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth.'

But blessed be His holy name, though we are these evil creatures from our youth, He has not left us without help; He has promised us a new heart, and a new spirit, and such an one as shall enable us to overcome evil with good; for it is a good and blessed Spirit, even His own pure Spirit of truth, that is offered to all those that sincerely ask for it. (Matt. vii. 7-12.)

The acquirements of Harriet and Charlotte being ascertained, were found to be more ex tensive than those of Gertrude; but in such disorder as to be of little value. Copy-books blotted and blurred, and the title-page ornamented both inside and out with the names of their respective owners, Harriet Allen, and Charlotte Allen, in all sorts of hand-writing, diversified with various heads and pictures, meant for those of horses, dogs, cows, lions, &c. betrayed but too clearly the idleness which had accompanied even their efforts at improvement.

"It may be as well to mention, once for all," said Miss Robson, "that I never

allow copy or exercise books to be scrawled in."

"Miss Singleton didn't mind that," said Harriet, pertly.

"Perhaps not," replied Miss Robson; "but I am not Miss Singleton."

The lessons for every day, and the hours at which they were to be learnt and said, already drawn out, and written on a card, being first read and then presented to each of the little girls by their governess, the business of the morning proceeded.

But Harriet, out of humour with what had taken place on her first coming into the room, and puzzled and perplexed to know how to deal with the quiet, steady manner of Miss Robson, was not to be brought under the discipline prepared for her, without some further attempts at resisting it, and also of establishing her usual habit of doing pretty much as she pleased with those who would not be at the trouble of encountering her violent spirit. For this purpose, she had recourse to disputing every thing that Miss Robson had arranged. She did not do her French exercise at this hour with Miss Singleton; nor her Lindley Murray at that.