The question of expense being now beneath the notice of the family, Francine had been sent to England, especially recommended to Miss Ladd as a young lady with grand prospects, sorely in need of a fashionable education.

The voyage had been so timed, by the advice of the schoolmistress, as to make the holidays a means of obtaining this object privately.

Francine was to be taken to Brighton, where excellent masters could be obtained to assist Miss Ladd.

With six weeks before her, she might in some degree make up for lost time; and, when the school opened again, she would avoid the mortification of being put down in the lowest class, along with the children.
The examination of Miss de Sor having produced these results was pursued no further.

Her character now appeared in a new, and not very attractive, light.