They must not make too much of a fine lady of me.

I must exercise, if I would gather the roses of health.
Surely no young girl could begin the ordeal of duty under kinder, more favoring auspices.
After the first dreaded morning when Mr.Regulus, tall, stately, and imposing, ushered me into the apartment where I was to preside with delegated authority, led me up a low flight of steps and waved his hand towards a high magisterial arm-chair which was to be my future throne, I felt a degree of self-confidence that surprised and encouraged me.

Every thing was so novel, so fresh, it imparted an elasticity to my spirits I had not felt in Mrs.Linwood's luxurious home.

Then there was something self-sustaining, inspiring in the consciousness of intellectual exertion and moral courage, in the thought that I was doing some little good in the world, that I was securing the approbation of Mrs.Linwood and of the excellent Dr.Harlowe.The children, who had most of them been my fellow pupils, looked upon Gabriella Lynn, the protegee of the rich Mrs.
Linwood, as a different being from Gabriella Lynn of the little gray cottage in the woods.

I have no doubt they thought it very grand to ride on that beautiful pony, with its saddle-cloth of blue and silver, and glittering martingale, escorted by a servant too! Had they been disposed to rebel at my authority, they would not have dared to do so, for Mr.
Regulus, jealous for my new dignity, watched over it with an eagle eye.
Where were the chains, whose prophetic clanking had chilled my misgiving heart?
They were transformed to flowery garlands, of daily renewing fragrance and bloom.