Miss Burke considered how she might best interfere with the process without setting aside the mistress’s authority. She waited till prayers were over, and then called the two boys before her. She represented to the sobbing culprit the enormity of biting human flesh, and then asked Jemmy if he had any urgent desire to bite Tommy. “I don’t want to bite him, unless I’m bid,” was the reply. “Very well; then, suppose you forgive him instead. This will make him very careful not to hurt you another time. Will it not, Tommy?” Tommy agreed, and words instead of wounds were exchanged. The next inquiry was for the Bridgemans. Ned was called out of the ranks of departing school-boys, and Jane was sent for, being detained from school this day to help to prepare for the corporation dinner. On her appearance, she was recognized as the cleaner of spits, who had listened so eagerly to the praises of the Foundling Hospital. Miss Burke told them how she had heard of their circumstances, and her intention to visit them from time to time. She asked them if they were happy. “Yes, ma’am,” replied Jane, readily; “a deal happier than we thought.” Ned, however, only bit his lip to keep back his tears. Miss Burke framed her speech to suit both. “You know,” she said, “that we all consider that you are here only for a time, and we trust a short time. It has pleased God to take from you your natural protectors and teachers; and children like you must be taken care of, and taught, before you can find a way in the world. But, if you choose, you may soon make yourselves fit for a better and a happier place than this; and the more cheerfully you set about it, Ned, the more quickly you will learn. You, Jane, should seek out the more sober and quiet young women to talk to, instead of listening to the foolish gossip that goes on in the yard. Has Susan been kind to you?” “She always keeps by herself when she can, ma’am.” “She will be kind to you, however, I am sure, if you deserve it; and I believe she can teach you many things you will like to learn.”