, that if I could get a good writing and maybe a ciphering
master to attend her, I think I could do the rest myself, and impart to
her some of the old-fashioned notions of industry, and neatness, and
management. But this is a subject I wanted to consult you and Mrs.
Fairchild about, for I so much like your plans with your own dear
children."

Mrs. Fairchild had asked her husband to invite Mrs. Goodriche to their
house until the chimney should be repaired; but Mr. Fairchild was
doubtful whether this message should be delivered, when he heard that
Miss Bessy was to remain with her great-aunt. After a little thought,
however, he gave the message, stating his difficulty at the same time.

"Well," said Mrs. Goodriche, "I hardly know what to say: I should like
to come to you, and I should like Bessy to see your children and your
family plans; but as I know so little of her, I know not whether it
would be right to let her mix with your children. You shall think the
matter over, my good friend, and consult your wife; and be sure,
whichever way the thing is settled, I shall not be offended."

When the men came to look at the chimney, it was found that the
mischief might be remedied by a few days' work, so far as to make the
chimney safe; but it was also seen that the house wanted many repairs.

"I think," said Mrs. Goodriche, "that I must give notice to quit this
coming Midsummer. I shall still have half a year to look about me. The
fright last night seems to have been sent to oblige me to settle my
plans. I feel that this place is not exactly what will suit my
niece--young people must have company; and if they are not where they
can find their equals, they will fly to their inferiors. Bessy will
make intimacies with every cottager in the wood, and I shall not be
able to help it."

"I believe you are right, Mrs. Goodriche," replied Mr. Fairchild; "and
I wish we could find a house for you in our village."

Mr. Fairchild looked very anxiously at Bessy when he saw her again.
There was a great appearance of good temper and kindness about her
which pleased him. She had a round rosy face and laughing eyes; but her
clothes, although quite new, were already out of place, and falling
from one shoulder. She talked incessantly, whether heeded or not, and
seldom said anything to the purpose.

"If I were to begin to find fault with her," said Mrs. Goodriche to Mr.
Fairchild, "I could never have done: not that she is constantly
commit