She knew the lady of Castle Holbein, and arose up quickly and in some confusion.

But she soon recovered herself, and welcomed, with a low courtesy, the visitors who had come to grace her humble abode.

When the object of this visit was made known, Jennet replied that the condition of the village children had often pained her, and that she had more than once prayed that some way would open by which they could receive instruction.

She readily accepted the proposal of Nina to become their teacher, and wished to receive no more for the service than what she could now earn by reeling silk.
It did not take long to get the proposed school in operation.

The parents were willing to send their children, the teacher was willing to receive them, and the young lady patroness was willing to meet the expenses.
Nina said nothing to her father of what she was doing.