her best frock, but bad was the best; and the landlady, who
could extract little from the child, could not imagine who we could be.
I had, however, allowed her to see more than sufficient money to warrant
our expenses; and so far her scruples were, although her curiosity was
not, removed.

That evening I had a long conversation with Fleta. I told her that we
were to part, that she must go to school, and that I would very often
come down to see her. At first, she was inconsolable at the idea; but I
reasoned with her, and the gentle, intelligent creature acknowledged
that it was right. The next day my clothes came home, and I dressed
myself. "Without flattery, Japhet," said Timothy, "you do look very
much like a gentleman." Fleta smiled, and said the same. I thought so
too, but said nothing. Putting on my hat and gloves, and accompanied by
Timothy, I descended to go out and order Tim liveries, as well as a
fitout for Fleta.

After I was out in the street I discovered that I had left my
handkerchief, and returned to fetch it. The landlady, seeing a
gentleman about to enter the inn, made a very low courtesy, and it was
not until I looked hard at her that she recognised me. Then I was
satisfied; it was an involuntary tribute to my appearance, worth all the
flattering assertions in the world. We now proceeded to the other
tailor's in the main street. I entered the shop with a flourishing,
important air, and was received with many bows. "I wish," said I, "to
have a suit of livery made for this young man, who is about to enter
into my service. I cannot take him up to town this figure." The livery
was chosen, and as I expressed my wish to be off the next evening, it
was promised to be ready by an hour appointed.

I then went to a milliner's, and desired that she would call at the inn
to fit out a little girl for school, whose wardrobe had been left behind
by mistake. On the fourth day all was ready. I had made inquiries, and
found out a very respectable school, kept by a widow lady. I asked for
references, which were given, and I was satisfied. The terms were low--
twenty pounds per annum. I paid the first half year in advance, and
lodged fifty guineas more in the hands of a banker, taking a receipt for
it, and giving directions that it was to be paid to the schoolmistress
as it became due. I took this precaution, that should I be in poverty
myself, at all events Fleta might be provided in clothes and scho