It was becoming a source of serious anxiety whether they could possibly make ends meet; and when, the next Christmas, Ascott sent them a five pound note--an actual five pound note, together with a fond, grateful letter that was worth it all--the aunts were deeply thankful, and very happy.
But still the school declined.

One night they were speculating upon the causes of this, and Hilary was declaring, in a half jocular, half earnest way, that it must be because a prophet is never a prophet in his own country.
"The Stowbury people will never believe how clever I am.

Only, it is a useless sort of cleverness, I fear.

Greek, Latin, and mathematics are no good to infants under seven, such as Stowbury persists in sending to us." "They think I am only fit to teach little children--and perhaps it is true," said Miss Leaf.
"I wish you had not to teach at all.

I wish I was a daily governess--I might be, and earn enough to keep the whole family; only, not here." "I wonder," said Johanna, thoughtfully, "if we shall have to make a change." "A change!" It almost pained the elder sister to see how the younger brightened up at the word.