reward of her constant exertions. Mrs. Beaumont had always been fond of work, it was now a great resource; and it soon became an amusement to teach Edith, whose quickness of apprehension was surprising.
They had been some time resident in the village, when Fanny one evening was in the kitchen engaged in washing the tea-things, a task she had taken upon herself, when she observed that their hostess, instead of seizing with her usual delight the opportunity for a little chat, remained in what seemed a very disconsolate silence, Fanny saw that more than once the tears rise to the old woman's eyes. She could not see this without an attempt at consolation; she took her hand, and asked her kindly what was the matter. The poor old creature was ready enough to talk of her troubles, she said that her son had been offered a situation as shopman in the next market town.
"It is a great thing for him, Miss, but—"
"You do not like to part with him. But the distance is not great, and it is for his good."
