CHAPTER III. WORKING AND HOPING What nothing earthly gives or can destroy, Is virtue's prize. POPE. ILLIAM LISTER, of whom little has yet been said, was engaged in a manufacturing house in Scotland. He was older than his sister by four years, and had gained an enviable reputation as an upright and intelligent young man. As before intimated, his father's intemperance rendered home unbearable, and he gladly sought refuge at a distance, and engaged himself as clerk to a respectable firm, where his services were highly valued. Information of the calamity that had overtaken his family had been forwarded to him without delay, and he had arrived at home in time to follow his father's remains to the grave. He had made arrangements with his employers, which allowed of his being absent a few weeks, greatly to Mary's comfort, for to her the presence of her brother was like sunshine amid the gloom. It was delightful to see the confidence and affection by which the two were united, and the tender interest felt by each in the other's happiness. Melancholy as was the cause of William's presence among us, some of the pleasantest hours I ever knew were passed on those autumn evenings during which he remained at Newburn. Mrs. Lister generally retiring early, we three young people gave way to a chastened delight in each other's society, and in that communion of thought which ever springs up between kindred souls. William regarded me most kindly for his sister's sake, and he very soon gained my admiration and esteem. His personal appearance was very prepossessing, but a handsome face and figure seemed only the natural accompaniments of his cultivated mind and noble sentiments. It was quite needful that William should stay some time to wind up his father's affairs. Mr. Lister had been in the early part of his married life a successful merchant, and, but for his unhappy propensity for drinking, might have provided handsomely for his family. To his wife's other griefs had long been added the conviction that poverty was fast coming upon them. She had been obliged, year after year, to reduce her expenditure; leaving the large mansion to which she was taken as a bride, for the small dwelling in which she now lived, and giving up many luxuries and enjoyments to which she had been accustomed. And now it was found that when all legal demands were settled, the only means of support left to her would be an annuity of fifty pounds, which had been settled upon herself. This was even worse than she had feared, and for a time she was inconsolable at the prospect before her, especially for Mary's sake. But Mrs. Lister little knew her daughter's independence and strength of mind. They had never till now been tested in this way; but the state of affairs was no sooner known to Mary, than she formed the resolution to contribute her share to the maintenance of her mother and herself. I was taken into the confidence of the circle, and many consultations were held as to ways and means after Mrs. Lister had left us for the night. Mary actually grew more cheerful as fresh diffculties rose before her. They seemed only to nerve her anew, and to strengthen her for effort. In the first place she anticipated me in proposing a plan which I earnestly desired to have carried out, but scarcely dared to express my wish lest it should appear presumptuous. "You have to pay for lodgings I suppose, Fanny?" she said one evening, as we thus sat talking together “Would you not as soon pay us as any one else?" she continued, as I hesitated, not at first finding words to express my pleasure at the suggestion. "Well then, that is one point settled," she returned, when I joyfully signified my satisfaction. "But urged," William, "Fanny's payment can't support the house you know. I think it will be better for me to seek a situation here." That had at first been Mary's earnest wish, but on talking over the advantages connected with William's present position, she had at once given up the thought of inducing him to leave. "No William," she answered, "you are happy in your present place, well remunerated and likely to rise in the concern. Send us a little help occasionally, and never fear but I can make out the rest." "And what is your employment to be, little woman? asked William. "I have not quite fixed upon it yet," she said, smiling and blushing; "I will write and let you know, dear William, but rest assured it will be nothing you would disapprove.” So Mary's decision was taken; and a few days after William returned to Edinburgh, and I very contentedly settled down as "one of the family," for so I had stipulated that I should be considered. Mrs. Lister and I were not a little curious to know Mary's intentions as to the means by which she expected to assist in keeping house. But nothing was said, and for a time the subject appeared to have been forgotten. She loved her home too well, I was sure, and would be too reluctant to leave her mother, to seek the office of governess in a private family. Yet teaching in some form was most likely to suit her; and I was not much surprised when one morning, after a visit to Newburn, the object of which we had been left to conjecture, she presented us with a neatly-printed circular announcing the opening of a day-school for little boys-not "young ladies;" informing us at the same time that she had taken a room in a pleasant part of the town for the purpose. "So Fanny, dear," she said, looking, not in my face, but her mother's, "you must take my place in keeping mamma company and over-looking Nelly. And on busy days perhaps you will try your hand at cooking, and I know I shall then have a nice dinner waiting for me when I come home." I assured her of my willingness to do all to the best of my ability, my only misgiving being as to Mrs. Lister, who I felt sure would find no attention like Mary's. "That must be my part of the sacrifice," said Mrs. Lister, with some energy. "If Mary is resolved to work, surely the least I can do is to bear her loss without murmuring." Mrs. Lister was really becoming animated by Mary's hopeful spirit, and the future was already brightening before her. And so the beginning of the next week saw Mary set out for the first time on her daily walk to her new duties. The school opened with a fair number of pupils, for "Miss Lister" was not quite unknown in the town and neighbourhood. She always dined at |