CHAPTER XVI.
ELEANOR'S REPUTATION--THE MAD GENTLEMAN--FANCIES AND FOLLIES--MATILDA'S HEALTH--THE NEW DOCTOR.
We were not jealous of Eleanor's popularity.

She was popular with the girls as well as with the teachers.

If she was apt to be opinionated, she was candid, generous, and modest.

She was always willing to help any one, and (the firmest seal of friendship!) she was utterly sincere.
She worked harder than any of us, so it was but just that she should be most commended.

But of all who lagged behind her, and who felt Madame's severity, and created despair in the mind of the little arithmetic-master, the most unlucky was poor Matilda.
Matilda and I were now on the best of terms, and the credit of this happy condition of matters is more hers than mine.
It was not so much that I had learned more tact and sympathy (though I hope these qualities do ripen with years and better knowledge!) as because Matilda did most faithfully try to fulfil the good resolutions Major Buller's kindness had led her to make.
So far as Matilda's ailments were mental, I think that school-life may have been of some benefit.
Since the torments which have taught me caution in a household haunted by boys, I am less confidential with my diary than I used to be.