He put the question rather hurriedly; he seemed half to expect an indignant，or at least a disdainful rejection of the offer: not knowing all my thoughts and feelings，though guessing some，he could not tell in what light the lot would appear to me. In truth it was humble- but then it was sheltered，and I wanted a safe asylum: it was plodding- but then，pared with that of a governess in a rich house，it was independent; and the fear of servitude with strangers entered my soul like iron: it was not ignoble- not unworthy- not mentally degrading. I made my decision.

"I thank you for the proposal，Mr. Rivers，and I accept it with all my heart."

"But you prehend me?" he said. "It is a village school: your scholars will be only poor girls- cottagers" children- at the best，farmers" daughters. Knitting，sewing，reading，writing，ciphering，will be all you will have to teach. What will you do with your acplishments? What，with the largest portion of your mind- sentiments- tastes?"

"Save them till they are wanted. They will keep."

"You know what you undertake，then?"

"I do."

He now smiled: and not a bitter or a sad smile，but one well pleased and deeply gratified.

"And when will you mence the exercise of your function?"

"I will go to my house to-morrow，and open the school，if you like，next week."