"I used to think patronage and things of that sort very disagreeable and not worth having, but I 've got wiser, and to a certain extent I 'm glad to use whatever advantages I have in my power, if they can be honestly got." "Why did n't you let us help you in the beginning?
We should have been very glad to, I 'm sure," put in Mrs.Shaw, who quite burned to be known as a joint patroness with Mrs.Davenport.
"I know you would, but you have all been so kind to me I did n't want to trouble you with my little plans till the first steps were taken.
Besides, I did n't know as you would like to recommend me as a teacher, though you like me well enough as plain Polly." "My dear, of course I would, and we want you to take Maud at once, and teach her your sweet songs.

She has a fine voice, and is really suffering for a teacher." A slight smile passed over Polly's face as she returned her thanks for the new pupil, for she remembered a time when Mrs.Shaw considered her "sweet songs" quite unfit for a fashionable young lady's repertoire.
"Where is your room ?" asked Maud.
"My old friend Miss Mills has taken me in, and I am nicely settled.
Mother did n't like the idea of my going to a strange boarding-house, so Miss Mills kindly made a place for me.

You know she lets her rooms without board, but she is going to give me my dinners, and I 'm to get my own breakfast and tea, quite independently.

I like that way, and it 's very little trouble, my habits are so simple; a bowl of bread and milk night and morning, with baked apples or something of that sort, is all I want, and I can have it when I like." "Is your room comfortably furnished?
Can't we lend you anything, my dear?
An easy-chair now, or a little couch, so necessary when one comes in tired," said Mrs.Shaw, taking unusual interest in the affair.
"Thank you, but I don't need anything, for I brought all sorts of home comforts with me.

Oh, Fan, you ought to have seen my triumphal entry into the city, sitting among my goods and chattels, in a farmer's cart." Polly's laugh was so infectious that every one smiled and forgot to be shocked at her performance.