She rarely left them, however, without giving some substantial proof of the interest she felt in their wants and trials, either by promises of food or clothing, or by money given then and there.

She finally anchored in a pretty school-house that she had lately prevailed on her father to build, close by the Park, where she found Miss Hall patiently superintending the needlework of the girls.

She gave two or three quick nods to the children, and they curtseyed and bowed on her entrance, and then told Miss Hall it was twelve o'clock, and she had had quite enough teaching for one morning.
'I don't see what use it is having a school, if half the children are to stay away,' she said to the mistress.
'It is the harvest, ma'am; they stay at home to take care of the younger children; that is why we have so few.' 'Yes, and half go to the Dissenting schools; I see them creeping out.
Now, children,' turning to the terrified urchins, who were just about to leave the room, if I see any of you going to any other school but this, or going away from church to the meeting-houses, you shall neither have new frocks, hats, nor shawls, nor shall you come to the tea-party I am going to give you soon; do you hear ?' 'Yes, ma'am--yes, ma'am,' muttered the children as they curtseyed and bowed and slipped away.
As Freda and Miss Hall walked through the park to the house, the former grew very excited in her manner.
'I tell you what it is, Nita,' she said, 'Lady Nugent is doing everything in her power to win papa, and as soon as Miss Nugent marries, or rather as soon as somebody marries her fortune, she will get papa to marry her, I am sure of it.

She must propose for him herself, for he will never have the courage to do so; I see through her, and I am sure you must do the same.

He is flattered by the constant attentions, and little notes, and insinuating manners of a very handsome, fashionable, agreeable woman; and she thinks Glanyravon Park and a man of fortune that she will be able to turn round her fingers, better than the jointure she will have to live upon when her daughter leaves her.