At the time of which I am writing, Miss McPherson had twelve young lady boarders and twenty-five day scholars, and was believed to be a rich woman. She was greatly respected in the community, and was one of the first persons consulted in any charitable or social enterprise. She subscribed liberally to the church, where her young ladies occupied three pews all to themselves. She had been one of the first to propose the building of the new parsonage house, and had given a good sum towards it; and she was indeed a very important person in Cohansey society. When the lessons were through, she tapped on her desk for attention. "Now, young ladies, I want you to listen to me!" said she, in her clear, round tones. "Maria Reese, where are your hands and feet?" Maria's hands and feet had a way of being in the wrong place, and on this occasion the hands were behind her back, and one foot was twisted round the leg of her chair. Blushing scarlet, she laid her hands in her lap, straightened up her shoulders, and drew in her chin. "That is much better!" said Miss McPherson. She cast a vigilant eye over the room, and, seeing nothing more to criticise, proceeded with her remarks. "No doubt you have all been discussing this plan of a fair or sale to help in furnishing the house of our respected minister." She paused a moment, and Clarissa Whitecar, as the oldest girl, answered for the rest,— "Yes, ma'am." "Very well. I cannot say," continued Miss McPherson, "that the scheme is one which I should have proposed myself. I prefer more direct ways of accomplishing good works. However, I am aware that something is to be said on the other side. Such a method as the present promotes sociability, and it also affords an opportunity for those have not much money to bestow, to give their time and their work,—it makes room for self-denial, without which no good work is ever accomplished, and also for the exercise of latent neatness and ingenuity. I have considered the matter, and have also consulted with some of the respected parents and guardians of my pupils," continued Miss McPherson, after another little pause; "and I have come to the conclusion—Charity Latch, are you a lady or a pincushion?" The young person thus addressed, a tall, overgrown-looking girl, started violently, and hastily removed from her mouth the brass pin with which she was furtively picking her teeth. Charity was one of those people who never see any deficiency in themselves, and therefore never improve. "I said that I have come to the conclusion to allow the young ladies to devote the hours of afternoon school on Wednesday to working for this object, under certain rules and restrictions, which must be remembered, as I shall allow no departure from them. "First. Every young lady must provide her own working implements. "Second. Every piece of work must be commenced subject to the approval of myself or Miss Jessy, who will preside in my absence.