pleasure in listening to her.

For the child's benefit, and for her own gratification, she proposed
that Gerty should come every day and read to her for an hour. Gerty was
only too happy to oblige her dear Miss Emily, who, in making the
proposal, represented it as a personal favour to herself, and a plan by
which Gerty's eyes could serve for them both. It was agreed that when
True started on his lamplighting expeditions he should take Gerty to Mr.
Graham's, and call for her on his return. Thus Gerty was punctual in her
attendance at the appointed time; and none but those who have tried it
are aware what a large amount of reading may be effected in six months,
if an hour is devoted to it each day. Emily, in her choice of books, did
not confine herself to such as came strictly within a child's
comprehension. She judged that a girl of such keen intelligence as Gerty
was naturally endowed with would be benefited by what was beyond her
comprehension; but that, in the effort she would be called upon to make,
would enlarge her capacity, and be an incentive to her genius. So
history, biography, and books of travels were perused by Gerty at an age
when most children's literary pursuits are confined to stories and
pictures. The child gave the preference to this comparatively solid
reading; and, aided by Emily's explanations, she stored up in her mind
much useful information.

From the time Gerty was first admitted until she was twelve years old,
she attended the public schools, and was rapidly promoted; but what she
learned with Miss Graham, and acquired by study with Willie at home,
formed nearly as important a part of her education. Willie was very fond
of study, and was delighted at Gerty's participation in his favourite
pursuit. They were a great advantage to each other, for each found
encouragement in the other's sympathy and co-operation. After the first
year or two of their acquaintance, Willie was in his fifteenth year,
and beginning to look quite manly. But Gerty's eagerness for knowledge
had all the more influence upon him; for if the little girl of ten years
was patient and willing to labour at her books until after nine o'clock,
the youth of fifteen must not rub his eyes and plead weariness. When
they had reached these ages, they began to study French together.
Willie's former teacher continued to feel a kindly interest in the boy
who had long been his best scholar, and who would certainly have borne
away from his cl