civility of Mrs. Wilson,
'Which I hope, madam,' said Miss Jenny, 'I did not do wrong in
accepting.' 'You did very properly, my dear,' said Mrs. Teachum, 'for
when any person is willing to oblige you, without any inconvenience to
themselves, it is always right to accept their offer, as you thereby
gratify them, by putting it in their power to give you pleasure.'

Miss Jenny then with great cheerfulness and freedom, told her governess
all that had paled in conversation, both in their walk to the
dairy house, and at Lord X--'s, what little Polly had said in the
housekeeper's room, as also Mrs. Wilson's answer; and said, by Mrs.
Wilson's downcast look, she was afraid that poor Lord X---- and his lady
were not so happy as might be wished. 'But,' continued she, 'I did
not ask Mrs. Wilson any questions, because you have taught me, madam,
carefully to avoid the least appearance of impertinent curiosity.'

'You was very right, my dear,' said Mrs. Teachum, 'in asking no farther
questions; nor would she, I dare say, as she is a prudent woman, have
gratified you if you had; for though the unhappy story is too well known
all over the country, yet it would have been very unbecoming in one
of the family to have published it.' Mrs. Teachum saw in her little
scholars' eyes, a secret wish of knowing what this story was; and, after
a short pause, she said, 'Since I find you disposed, my good girls, to
make the proper use of what you hear, I will indulge your curiosity.

'Lord X---- and his lady have been married seven years; Lord X---- is
the wretchedest creature breathing, because he has no children, and
therefore no heir to his title and large estate. He was naturally of a
haughty impetuous temper, and impatient of any the least disappointment;
and this disposition not being subdued in his youth, has led him into
all sort of excesses. His lady is not much better tempered than himself,
and valuing herself highly upon her beauty, and the large fortune
she brought him, greatly resents his sometimes insolent, and always
neglectful usage of her. They have hitherto lived on in the most
jarring, disputing manner, and took no care to conceal their quarrels
from the world; but at last they