I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments already experienced; but I found the dressing of Mary Ann was no light matter, as her abundant hair was to be smeared with pomade, plaited in three long tails, and tied with bows of ribbon: a task my unaccustomed fingers found great difficulty in performing.

She told me her nurse could do it in half the time, and, by keeping up a constant fidget of impatience, contrived to render me still longer.

When all was done, we went into the schoolroom, where I met my other pupil, and chatted with the two till it was time to go down to breakfast.

That meal being concluded, and a few civil words having been exchanged with Mrs.
Bloomfield, we repaired to the schoolroom again, and commenced the business of the day.

I found my pupils very backward, indeed; but Tom, though averse to every species of mental exertion, was not without abilities.