And yet, when I was at my father's, did not the men give up their gayest balls and parties in order to pass the evening with me ?" She determined at any rate to get free from the prison in which she found herself, and now began to act for herself, and for the first time to make connected plans for the future.
She took advantage, therefore, of the means of study the place offered her; and as she was already a musician and a good linguist, she speedily went through the little course of study which was considered necessary for ladies in those days.

Her music she practised incessantly, and one day, when the girls were out, and she had remained at home, she was overheard to play a piece so well that Minerva thought, wisely, she could spare herself the expense of a master for the juniors, and intimated to Miss Sharp that she was to instruct them in music for the future.
The girl refused; and for the first time, and to the astonishment of the majestic mistress of the school.

"I am here to speak French with the children," Rebecca said abruptly, "not to teach them music, and save money for you.

Give me money, and I will teach them." Minerva was obliged to yield, and, of course, disliked her from that day.

"For five-and-thirty years," she said, and with great justice, "I never have seen the individual who has dared in my own house to question my authority.