Then, by way of changing the subject and beguiling the way, she began to address to me long and solemn exhortations as to my conduct at the new school.

She knew as much about "schools for backward and troublesome boys" as I did; but that was no matter.
She made me promise, for one thing, that I would make a point of wearing a clean collar three times a week; and, for another, of calling the housekeeper's attention to the very first sign of a hole in my socks.
(As my socks, by the way, usually showed the daylight in upon six out of the ten toes, and one out of the two heels every time I took off my boots, I was promising a lot when I made this bargain!) Further, I was to see my Sunday clothes were always _hung_ on pegs, and not _laid_ in drawers; and my blue necktie, mind, was not to be touched till my black- and-pink was past work.
From these matters she passed on to my conduct towards my new masters and companions.
"Mind and always tell them the truth straight out, Freddy," she said, "and say `sir' whenever you speak to Mr Ladislaw--and say your prayers regularly night and day, won't you?
and be very careful to use your own comb and brush, and not lend them about to the other young gentlemen." Mrs Hudson, you see, had an easy way of flying from one topic to another.

Her exhortations were crowded with pieces of good advice, which may have sounded funny when all strung together, but were each of them admirable taken separately.

I of course promised her everything.
The journey was a long one, but the day was bright, and we had a good basketful of provender, so it was not tedious.

At length the driver turned round, and said we should come in sight of Stonebridge at the next turn of the road.
My spirits began to sink for the first time.