Chapter 34 Part 1

It was near Christmas by the time all was settled, the season of General Holiday approached.

I now, closed Morton's school, taking care that the parting should not be bare and on my

side.

Good fortune opens the hand as well as the heart wonderfully.

And to give somewhat, when we have largely received, is but to afford a vent to the unusual

abulation of the sensations.

I had long felt with pleasure that many of my rustic scholars liked me, and when we parted

that consciousness was confirmed, they manifested their affection plainly and strongly.

Deep was my gratification to find I had really a place in their unsophisticated hearts.

I promised them that never a week should pass in future that I did not visit them and

give them an hour's teaching in their school.

Mr. Rivers came up as having seen the classes, now numbering sixty girls, file out before

me, and lock the door, I stood with the key in my hand, exchanging a few words of

special farewell, some half dozen of my best scholars, as decent, respectable, modest,

and well-informed young women as could be found in the ranks of the British peasantry.

And that is saying a great deal, for after all, the British peasantry are the best taught,

best-mannered, most self-respecting of any in Europe.

Do you consider you have got your reward for a season of exertion, as Mr. Rivers, when

they were gone?

Does not the consciousness of having done some real good in your day and generation give

pleasure?

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