he exclaimed, as she was just putting out her hand to take one
of them up, but was held back by her cousin, and so prevented from
receiving the meditated peck which the old hen was evidently preparing
for her.

'Just in time,' said Clara; 'old Netty would have made you repent of
your boldness, had you taken hold of one of her pets.'

'Why, I shouldn't have hurt it by just holding it in my hand,' replied
Mabel.

'Netty doesn't know that; and I'm sure she would have hurt you, so it is
very well I held you back,' said Clara. 'Now we had better go in; I hear
Aunt Mary's voice. I must go and say good-morning to her, as usual.'

'Good-morning, my dears,' said Miss Livesay, in her usual genial, happy
tone of voice, for she was always bright and cheerful, though her niece
Mabel chose to take such a distorted view of her. 'I hope you have slept
well, and are refreshed for another day's work, my children; you both
look the picture of health, and health is one of our greatest blessings,
is it not?'

'Yes, dear aunt, indeed it is,' replied Clara. 'I think we both slept
well; and I was so glad to see, when I woke, that the morning was fine,
for I thought perhaps you would wish us to go and see how poor Mr.
Simmons is, when we have done our lessons.'

'That is just what I wish you to do,' said Aunt Mary. 'The lessons I
intend to postpone, except that you may show your cousin what you and
your school-fellows are learning. I shall be delighted to find that you
can all study together; it will save much time and trouble, and be much
more agreeable. Now ring for Bridget; after prayers and breakfast, we
must cut out our work, dear Clara. You know we have a great deal to do,'
said the lady.

CHAPTER XIII.

THE FIRST DAY'S WORK.

IN the pleasant breakfast-room, which was also a schoolroom, the two
girls were left by Aunt Mary, while she gave some orders on household
matters. Everything was arranged here with order and neatness, but there
was nothing superfluous; there was a place for everything, and
everything seemed to be in its place, if we except a large quantity of
unbleached calico, which had been unrolled, and had spread itself upon
the floor.

'What is all that coarse stuff for?' inquired Mabel of her cousin. 'You
surely don't call that your work, do you, Clara? I brought some
embroidery with me, for I hate plain work. I hope aunt will not set me
to do any.'

'I am quite sure she will, though,' replied Clara; 'a