 was mistaken. There was a difference amongst
them as amongst the educated; and when I got to know them, and they me, this
difference rapidly developed itself. Their amazement at me, my language, my
rules, and ways, once subsided, I found some of these heavy-looking, gaping
rustics wake up into sharp-witted girls enough. Many showed themselves obliging,
and amiable too; and I discovered amongst them not a few examples of natural
politeness and innate self-respect, as well as of excellent capacity, that won
both my good-will and my admiration. These soon took a pleasure in doing their
work well; in keeping their persons neat; in learning their tasks regularly; in
acquiring quiet and orderly manners. The rapidity of their progress, in some
instances, was even surprising; and an honest and happy pride I took in it:
besides, I began personally to like some of the best girls; and they liked me. I
had amongst my scholars several farmers' daughters: young women grown, almost.
These could already read, write, and sew; and to them I taught the elements of
grammar, geography, history, and the finer kinds of needlework. I found
estimable characters amongst them - characters desirous of information, and
disposed for improvement - with whom I passed many a pleasant evening hour in
their own homes. Their parents then (the farmer and his wife) loaded me with
attentions. There was an enjoyment in accepting their simple kindness, and in
repaying it by a consideration - a scrupulous regard to their feelings - to
which they were not, perhaps, at all times accustomed, and which both charmed
and benefited them; because, while it elevated them in their own eyes, it made
them emulous to merit the deferential treatment they received.
    I felt I became a favourite in the neighbourhood. Whenever I went out, I
heard on all sides cordial salutations, and was welcomed with friendly smiles.
To live amidst general regard, though it be but the regard of working-people, is
like »sitting in sunshine, calm and sweet«: serene inward feelings bud and bloom
under the ray. At this period of my life, my heart far oftener swelled with
thankfulness than sank with dejection: and yet, reader, to tell you all, in the
midst of this calm, this useful existence - after a day passed in honourable
exertion amongst my scholars, an evening spent in drawing or reading contentedly
alone - I used to rush into strange dreams at night: dreams many-coloured,
agitated, full of the ideal
