lly."

"Is such an occupation one in which anybody can be happy?"

"Why not, as well as in making pins' heads, or in nursing sick people,
or in cutting square blocks out of a chalk pit for thirty years
together, or in any other occupation which may be ordained to prove to
us that happiness lies in the temper, and not in the object of a
pursuit? Are there not free and happy pin-makers, and sick-nurses, and
chalk-cutters?"

"Yes: but they know how much to expect. They have no idea of pin-making
in itself being great happiness."

"Just so. Well: let a governess learn what to expect; set her free from
a hankering after happiness in her work, and you have a happy
governess."

"I thought such a thing was out of the order of nature."

"Not quite. There have been such, though there are strong influences
against it. The expectations of all parties are unreasonable; and those
who are too humble, or too amiable, to be dissatisfied with others, are
discontented with themselves, when the inevitable disappointment comes.
There is a great deal said about the evils of the position of a
governess--between the family and the servants--a great deal said that
is very true, and always will be true, while governesses have proud
hearts, like other people: but these are slight evils in comparison with
the grand one of the common failure of the relation.--There! do you hear
that bell?"

"What is it? The breakfast bell?"

"Yes. You must go. I would not be understood as inviting you here; for
it is not, except upon sufferance, my room; and I have no inducement to
offer. But I may just say, that you will always be welcome."

"Always?" said Margaret. "In and out of school hours?"

"In and out of school hours, unless your presence should chance to turn
my pupils' heads. In that case, you will not be offended if I ask you
to go away."

Mary and Fanny had just reported in the breakfast-parlour, that the Miss
Ibbotsons had been "such a time with Miss Young!" when Hester and
Margaret entered. The testimony there was all in favour of Miss Young.
Mr Grey called her a most estimable young woman; and Mrs Grey declared
that, though she could not agree with her on all points, and decidedly
thought that she overrated Matilda Rowland's talents, she was convinced
that her children enjoyed great advantages under her care. Sophia
added, that she was very superior,--quite learned. Mrs Grey further
explained that, though now so much at ea