nes of pleasure,
days, months, and years glide swiftly away. The value of time is
unknown: at least, it is not properly estimated, till grey hairs,
wrinkled features, and a debilitated frame check the career; then
eternity, with all its hopes and fears, opens to the view. We will for a
moment consider you upon the bed of sickness, surrounded by your family;
a physician, with an air of irresolution, writing a prescription, and
your anxious countenance denoting the insufficiency of all earthly aid;
will the remembrance of balls, routs, and artificial scenes, cheer the
dying hour? The moment arrives when you close your eyes upon this world
and its vanities; 'ashes to ashes, and dust to dust,' finish the scene!
The mouldering earth is lightly scattered over the coffin, and the tomb
is deserted by survivors. But remember, a day will come when you will be
called to judgment, to answer for your deeds upon earth. In what manner
will days, months, and years of folly be justified, in the presence of
your Creator and Judge?"

CHAPTER XI.

A little time after the discovery of the letter Miss Vincent returned
home to her mamma, who had been some time seriously indisposed; and, to
the great joy of Mrs. Adair, the following week Miss Russel left the
school, to accompany her parents to the Continent.

"Now we shall go on pleasantly," said Mrs. Adair to her daughters; "the
only two disagreeable girls we had under our care are removed: and if
ever I have another of a similar description, I will send her home
immediately, whatever be the consequence."

Mrs. Adair's mind, at the time she said this, was a little irritated,
for she had heard something particularly unpleasant respecting the
conduct of her late pupils. She now resolved to be strict in future;
never allow the young ladies to be alone, even in the play-ground, nor
permit them to spend an hour from the school between the vacations,
except by the express desire of parents in particular cases.

When the young ladies heard there would be no half-day holydays between
the vacations, there was a general consternation amongst them. Some
murmured, and others were satisfied that Mrs. Adair must have good
reason for her proceeding. When Miss Bruce heard the new rule, she said
to Isabella Vincent, "I never knew such a thing! Not visit this half
year! And my Aunt promised to take me to the exhibition, and Miss
Linwood's works, and I don't know where! I never knew any thing so
p