The first and second classes occupied a long room, divided by a wooden partition; in each division were four long ranges of desks; and at the end was the _estrade_, or platform, for the presiding instructor.

On the last row, in the quietest corner, sat Charlotte and Emily, side by side, so deeply absorbed in their studies as to be insensible to any noise or movement around them.

The school-hours were from nine to twelve (the luncheon hour), when the boarders and half-boarders--perhaps two-and-thirty girls--went to the refectoire (a room with two long tables, having an oil- lamp suspended over each), to partake of bread and fruit; the _externes_, or morning pupils, who had brought their own refreshment with them, adjourning to eat it in the garden.

From one to two, there was fancy- work--a pupil reading aloud some light literature in each room; from two to four, lessons again.

At four, the externes left; and the remaining girls dined in the refectoire, M.and Madame Heger presiding.