"Why, that, in the first place, it takes a woman of great shrewdness, caution, and knowledge of the world, and one thoroughly versed in household economy, to succeed in the business." "I'm not a fool, Hiram!" exclaimed Mrs. Darlington, losing her self-command. "Perhaps you may alter your opinion on that head some time within the next twelve months," coolly returned Mr. Ellis, rising and beginning to button up his coat. "Such language to me, at this time, is cruel!" said Mrs. Darlington, putting her handkerchief to her eyes. "No," calmly replied her brother, "not cruel, but kind. I wish to save you from trouble." "What else can I do?" asked the widow, removing the handkerchief from her face. "Many things, I was going to say," returned Mr. Ellis. "But, in truth, the choice of employment is not very great. Still, something with a fairer promise than taking boarders may be found." "If you can point me to some better way, brother," said Mrs. Darlington, "I shall feel greatly indebted to you." "Almost any thing is better. Suppose you and Edith were to open a school. Both of you are well--" "Open a school!" exclaimed Mrs. Darlington, interrupting her brother, and exhibiting most profound astonishment. "_I_ open a school! I didn't think _you_ would take advantage of my grief and misfortune to offer me an insult." Mr. Ellis buttoned the top button of his coat nervously, as his sister said this, and, partly turning himself towards the door, said-- "Teaching school is a far more useful, and, if you will, more respectable employment, than keeping a boarding-house. This you ought to see at a glance. As a teacher, you would be a minister of truth to the mind, and have it in your power to bend from evil and lead to good the young immortals committed to your care; while, as a boarding-house keeper, you would merely furnish food for the natural body--a use below what you are capable of rendering to society." But Mrs. Darlington was in no state of mind to feel the force of such an argument. From the thought of a school she shrunk as from something degrading, and turned from it with displeasure. "Don't mention such a thing to me," said she fretfully, "I will not listen to the proposition." "Oh, well, Margaret, as you please," replied her brother, now moving towards the door. "When you ask my advice, I will give it according to my best judgment, and with a sincere desire for your good. If, however, it conflicts with your views, reject it; but, in simple justice to me, do so in a better spirit than you manifest on the present occasion. Good evening!" Mrs. Darlington was too much disturbed in mind to make a reply, and Mr. Hiram Ellis left the room without any attempt on the part of his sister to detain him. On both sides there had been the indulgence of rather more impatience and intolerance than was commendable. CHAPTER III.