nine training taxed us body and mind. There were the varied designs and nameless shades of embroidery in silks; the progress of the brilliant filigree from its first inception; the countless varieties of wrought muslin essential to a lady-like wardrobe; and the movements of pencil and paint-brush, from the transcript of the simplest flower to the landscape, the group of figures, or "the human face divine."
Besides these, the fitting and responsibility of what was termed plain work devolved upon us. Among the most elaborate portions of this department was the construction of fine linen shirts, with their appanage of ruffles. Though occasionally sorely puzzled, we soon discovered that it was our policy, perhaps safety, to appear to be ignorant of nothing. Young as we were, we boldly adventured on untried ground, though with many things that we were expected to teach we had as little congeniality as experience. Yet a deep interest in the welfare of those whom we instructed, and their affectionate attentions, lightened every toil. In process of time, what was at first laborious became easy, and the irksome pleasant.
Still, the chief solace was our own unswerving, all-pervading friendship. Every evening, in our sequestered nook, we confidentially compared the result of our investigations during the day, imparted such idioms of character as had unfolded, taking counsel for the reform of those who needed it, and for the welfare of
