'Don't you feel how naughty it is of you,' resumed Miss
Monflathers, 'to be a wax-work child, when you might have the proud
consciousness of assisting, to the extent of your infant powers,
the manufactures of your country; of improving your mind by the
constant contemplation of the steam-engine; and of earning a
comfortable and independent subsistence of from two-and-ninepence
to three shillings per week? Don't you know that the harder you
are at work, the happier you are?'
'"How doth the little--"' murmured one of the teachers, in
quotation from Doctor Watts.
'Eh?' said Miss Monflathers, turning smartly round. 'Who said
that?'
Of course the teacher who had not said it, indicated the rival who
had, whom Miss Monflathers frowningly requested to hold her peace;
by that means throwing the informing teacher into raptures of joy.
'The little busy bee,' said Miss Monflathers, drawing herself up,
'is applicable only to genteel children.
"In books, or work, or healthful play"
is quite right as far as they are concerned; and the work means
painting on velvet, fancy needle-work, or embroidery.
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