and the money placed at her disposal.  Among the villagers was a woman named Blanche Delebarre, a widow, whose only son had been from home since his tenth year, under the care of an uncle, who had offered to educate him, and fit him for a life of higher usefulness than that of a mere peasant.  There was a gentleness about this woman, and something that marked her as superior to her class.  Yet she was an humble villager, dependent upon the labor of her own hands, and claimed no higher station.

Nina became acquainted with Blanche soon after the commencement of her residence at the castle.  When she communicated to her the wishes of her father, and mentioned the money that had been placed at her disposal, the woman took her hand and said, while a beautiful light beamed from her countenance—­

“It is more blessed to give than to receive, my child.  Happy are they who have the power to confer benefits, and who do so with willing hearts.  I fear, however, that you will find your task a difficult one.  Everywhere are the idle and undeserving, and these are more apt to force themselves forward as objects of benevolence than the truly needy and meritorious.  As I know every one in the village, perhaps I may be able to guide you to such objects as deserve attention.”

“My good mother,” replied Nina, “I will confide in your judgment.  I will make you my almoner.”

“No, my dear young lady, it will be better for you to dispense with your own hands.  I will merely aid you to make a wise dispensation.”

“I am ready to begin.  Show me but the way.”

“Do you see that company of children on the green?” said Blanche.

“Yes.  And a wild company they are.”

“For hours each day they assemble as you see them, and spend their time in idle sports.  Sometimes they disagree and quarrel.  That is worse than idleness.  Now, come here.  Do you see that little cottage yonder on the hill-side, with vines clustering around the door?”

“Yes.”

“An aged mother and her daughter reside there.  The labor of the daughter’s hands provides food and raiment for both.  These children need instruction, and Jennet Fleury is fully qualified to impart it.  Their parents cannot, or will not, pay to send them to school, and Jennet must receive some return for her labors, whatever they be.”

“I see it all,” cried Nina with animation.  “There must be a school in the village.  Jennet shall be the teacher.”

“If this can be done, it will be a great blessing,” said Blanche.

“It shall be done.  Let us go over to that sweet little cottage at once and see Jennet.”