Rudimental instruction is necessarily the foundation; and as such, must be duly and fully appreciated; but it is the application of knowledge that education is meant to teach, and this must be acquired by “line upon line and precept upon precept; here a little and there a little,” it is not the work of a day; nor is it to be gained by alternate periods at school.  Who know but those who teach, half the time that is required to recover what is lost in these frequently recurring, temporary absences.  It is not only a large portion of rudimental instruction that is lost; but those many opportunities, which every conscientious teacher eagerly, and anxiously, avails herself of, to enforce good principles.  This can be done at no stated periods, but they must be seized as circumstances call them forth, whether suggested by the teachings of the sacred writings, or from the ample pages of history:  or even from the lesson she may convey from the sentiment that often heads a child’s simple copy book.  If these, lost and frittered away periods, be of no account, then there is both time and money thrown away by those who are regular in their scholastic attendance.

Most amply was Mrs. Willoughby’s sedulous care in the education of her daughter, repaid; what comforts it brought to her orphan children; and to how many would it prove equally serviceable, and save them from eating the bitter bread of dependence.

It was but little in consonance with the state of Helen’s feelings, to mix with strangers so soon after her beloved mother’s death, and most gladly would she have declined going back in the evening, and proposed to send an apology, and say she would be with Mrs. Sherman early the following day; but Mrs. Cameron, whom she consulted, and upon whose advice she generally acted, strongly advised her to go, and take Fanny with her, as Mrs. Sherman had requested.

“Situate as you are my dear,” said she, “you owe it to yourself, and the dear children, to make as many friends as you can.  The Shermans are kind-hearted, and I may say influential people, and may do you a great deal of good.  I have known them many years as worthy and sincere characters.”  This was enough:  and Helen was punctual to the time named.

The Doctor was in to tea, and his frank good humoured manner, completely won Helen’s heart.  He too, on his part, was much pleased with her.  After conversing for some time, he appeared thoughtful, and then put several questions to her; among others, asked, if she had ever applied for the allowance from the “Compassionate Fund,” for herself and the children; saying, he knew some who received it; and that he would inquire what forms were necessary for obtaining it:  adding,

“I believe it is not much; not more than ten pounds a year each, but as there are three of you, thirty pounds is worth trying for.”