POOR MATILDA--THE AWKWARD AGE--MRS.

BULLER TAKES COUNSEL WITH HER FRIENDS--THE "MILLINER AND MANTUAMAKER"-- MEDICAL ADVICE--THE MAJOR DECIDES.
It was not because Major Buller's high opinion of Miss Airlie was in any way lowered that he decided to send us to school.

In fact it was only under long and heavy pressure, from circumstances as well as from Aunt Theresa, that he gave his consent to a plan which never quite met with his approval.
Several things at this time seemed to conspire to effect it.

The St.
Quentins were going on long leave, and Miss Airlie would go with them.
This was a heavy blow.

Then we heard of this school after Miss Airlie had left Riflebury, a fact so opportune as to be (so Aunt Theresa said) "quite providential." If we were to go to school, sending us to this one would save the trouble of making personal inquiries, and perhaps a less wise selection, for Major Buller had confidence in Mr.Arkwright's good judgment.