the wonders of his
works."

"I wish I knew how I speak, and look, and think," said Isabella.

"My dear little girl," said Miss Damer, "very wise people are ignorant
in many things. Learn to be good: it is the best knowledge."

"I do say my prayers every night and morning, and I'm sure I love papa
and mamma dearly, and I try to love every body."

"This is one way certainly to be good, if you obey your parents as well
as love them, and think of your prayers when you are repeating them."

"I am sure, Miss Damer, I should love you, you are so good. I never
could learn my lessons without you assisted me."

"Because you are a dunce," said Miss Bruce.

"We shall see who will be the best girl and the best scholar, 'the
bright and idle one,' or my little friend, with 'patience and
perseverance.'"

CHAPTER VI.

A carriage and four, as it is styled, stopping suddenly at the gate,
caused a little bustle. Amongst Mrs. Adair's pupils, some were ready to
look, and others to exclaim, "who can they be?" "what a beautiful girl!"
and "what a nice little boy! but I fear he is lame!" "Oh, look! do look
at that queer old lady following them out of the carriage! How oddly her
nose is turned! and what a droll bonnet!" "I wonder whether they will
dine with us!" "I should like to know who they are."

While these exclamations were uttered, Miss Vincent pursued other means
of gaining intelligence of the new comers. She stole softly into the
hall, and screened herself from observation, in a narrow passage leading
to the store-room. The next moment she beheld a tall girl, an elderly
lady, and a little boy ushered into the parlour. She listened to hear
their names announced, but in vain. As she was returning to the
school-room, the hall door was opened by Elizabeth. She hastily
retreated into the passage: but betrayed herself by stumbling over a
stand of plants, that had been placed there, till they could be
conveniently removed.

Elizabeth, hearing the noise, quickly stepped towards the passage, and
perceiving her pupil, said very coolly:

"Botanizing, my dear! I fear you require light upon the subject; if
there is any rare, very curious plant, give it the name of 'Caroline
Vincent,' unless you prefer 'the Spy detected.'"

Mortified at the discovery, Miss Vincent hastened to the school-room,
her face flushed with vexation; and as she rushed past Miss Damer, who
was standing near the door, exclaimed, "go out of my way, can't