“Jane knew her mother always meant what she said, and after she had made up her mind it was no use arguing with her; and she went back to her place, feeling that, whatever she might have to endure, all she could do was to make the best of it. “At the end of the two years she left; but she was a good cook,—not hurt by her hard work, although I know well—for I have heard her speak of it many times—her work was very hard for the body, and trying to the mind. She was immediately afterwards engaged by a family, who lived near her old mistress; and had twelve pounds a-year. After being there six years, through some changes in the household, she left; but she enjoyed the reputation of being the best cook in the neighbourhood, and was immediately offered a situation in a large establishment, at wages of sixteen pounds a-year. Here she remained ten years, and then married, having saved upwards of two hundred pounds: for, besides good wages, she had occasionally received presents from various members of the families in which she had lived, who valued her exceedingly, and speak of her to this day with respect and affection. She was married from her mistress’s house, where a wedding breakfast was provided. When she went off with her husband, the whole family assembled to bid her farewell, and express their good wishes; and one of the great boys did not forget to throw an old shoe after them, for luck. The last time I saw her, she was in a most comfortably furnished cottage, nursing her baby; and, amongst other things, she said to me— “‘The best thing that ever happened to me in my life was my mother saying to me, ‘Whatever you may think of it, Jane, I mean you to stay there two years.’” One of my party was a gipsy-girl, about thirteen years of age. She seemed to listen to this story with great interest; and after I had ended, she exclaimed, without addressing herself to any one in particular— “I will learn to do something _well_; I am determined I will.” “That is capital,” I said: “it is just that resolution which is wanted; everything else is sure to follow.