You see, Miss Grey, it is just the same as any other trade or profession: they that wish to prosper must devote themselves body and soul to their calling; and if they begin to yield to indolence or self-indulgence they are speedily distanced by wiser competitors: there is little to choose between a person that ruins her pupils by neglect, and one that corrupts them by her example.

You will excuse my dropping these little hints: you know it is all for your own good.

Many ladies would speak to you much more strongly; and many would not trouble themselves to speak at all, but quietly look out for a substitute.

That, of course, would be the _easiest_ plan: but I know the advantages of a place like this to a person in your situation; and I have no desire to part with you, as I am sure you would do very well if you will only think of these things and try to exert yourself a _little_ more: then, I am convinced, you would _soon_ acquire that delicate tact which alone is wanting to give you a proper influence over the mind of your pupil.' I was about to give the lady some idea of the fallacy of her expectations; but she sailed away as soon as she had concluded her speech.

Having said what she wished, it was no part of her plan to await my answer: it was my business to hear, and not to speak.
However, as I have said, Matilda at length yielded in some degree to her mother's authority (pity it had not been exerted before); and being thus deprived of almost every source of amusement, there was nothing for it but to take long rides with the groom and long walks with the governess, and to visit the cottages and farmhouses on her father's estate, to kill time in chatting with the old men and women that inhabited them.