Enough was collected to justify a beginning on a small scale. A house

was to be taken where Mr. Mauleverer and a matron would receive the

first pupils, teach them wood engraving, and prepare the earlier numbers

of the magazine. When a little more progress had been made, the purchase

of a printing-press might be afforded, and it might be struck off by

the girls themselves, but in the meantime they must be dependent on the

regular printer. On this account Mr. Mauleverer thought it best to open

the establishment, not at Avonmouth, but at St. Herbert's, where he had

acquaintance that would facilitate the undertaking.

Rachel was much disappointed. To be in and out constantly, daily

teaching and watching the girls, and encouraging them by learning the

employment herself, had been an essential portion of her vision. She

had even in one of her most generous moods proposed to share the delight

with the Williamses, and asked Ermine if she would not, if all things

suited, become the resident matron. However, Mr. Mauleverer said

that there was an individual of humbler rank, the widow of a National

Schoolmaster, so anxious to devote herself to the work, that he had

promised she should share it whenever he was in a condition to set the

asylum on foot; and he assured Rachel that she would find this person

perfectly amenable to all her views, and ready to work under her.

He brought letters in high praise of the late school master, and

recommendations of his widow from the clergyman of the parish where

they had lived; and place and name being both in the "Clergy List," even

Ermine and Alison began to feel ashamed of their incredulity, whilst as

to Grace, she had surrendered herself completely to the eager delight of

finding a happy home for the little children in whom she was interested.

Grace might laugh a little at Rachel, but in the main her trust in her

sister's superiority always led her judgment, and in the absence of

Colonel Keith, Fanny was equally willing to let Rachel think for her

when her own children were not concerned.

Rachel did not give up her hopes of fixing the asylum near her till

after a considerable effort to get a house for it at Avonmouth, but this

was far from easy. The Curtises' unwillingness to part with land for

building purposes enhanced the price of houses, and in autumn and winter

the place was at its fullest, so that she could not even rent a house

but at a ruinous price. It would be the best way to build on Homestead

land, but this would be impracticable until spring, even if means were

forthcoming, as Rachel resolved they should be, and in the meantime

she was obliged to acquiesce in Mr. Mauleverer's assurance that a small

house in an overbuilt portion of St. Norbert's would be more eligible

than one in some inland parish. Anything was better than delay. Mr.

Mauleverer was to superintend from his lodgings.




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