eave--your final leave of one, who was in
all things worthy of imitation; and learn with equal ease, to sleep or
die."

CHAPTER XVII.

The Sunday after the funeral, the young ladies appeared at church, with
very serious and sorrowful countenances; and afterwards, with Miss Arden
and Miss Damer, Jane was often a subject of conversation: they loved to
recall her to remembrance; and the proofs she had left of her regard
were particularly prized by them.

But serious impressions seldom remain long upon the minds of very young
people. Miss Bruce was almost the first to return to her old pursuits
with gaiety of heart.

One evening, unknown to the teacher, she had strolled to the front
garden gate, apparently on the watch for mischief. Isabella, who was
intent upon learning her lessons for the following day, had likewise
passed the boundary of the play-ground, and had sauntered the same way.

Miss Bruce in a moment caught her hand, opened the gate, and ran with
her into the lane.

"Where are you taking me to?" exclaimed Isabella; "you have frightened
me so!"

"Nonsense! I only want you to go with me to the cake shop: we shan't be
five minutes away."

"But I have no business at the cake shop. And don't you see that I am
learning my lessons! You will make me forget all! 'Five times nine,
forty-five.' O, dear, I shall forget every thing!"

"What a dunce!" cried Miss Bruce; "only at forty-five! I will teach you
ten times further; and to add, and to subtract, if you will come with
me. I do believe Miss Wilkins is there! Come along, or we shall be
finely punished!" Saying this, Miss Bruce dragged Isabella down the
lane, whilst she struggled to make her escape.

"I will not go, Miss Bruce! you have no right to take me! I declare you
have made me drop my questions!"

"Never mind; I will give you question and answer too. Don't you see that
stile? and that nice white cottage by that large pool of water, where
those children are throwing stones? We have only to turn down by those
tall trees, and we shall be there in a moment."

"I dare not go: I know Mrs. Adair will be so angry!"

"I am determined you shall come! you are the most stupid little thing in
England!" As Miss Bruce said this, she took firm hold of her companion's
frock and arm, and drew her towards the water. Isabella in vain tried to
escape. By this time, they had almost reach the pool; a boy, who had
been amusing two children, making circles with sto