she said the fly was at the door, and Dr. Cameron was waiting.

We girls had never cared much for Miss Majoribanks, but nothing
could exceed her kindness then. I think the reason why schoolmistresses
are not often beloved by their pupils--though there certainly are
exceptions to that rule--is that they do not often show their good hearts.

When Miss Majoribanks buttoned my gloves for me, and smoothed my
hair, and gave me that motherly kiss, I felt I loved her. "God bless
you my dear child! we shall all miss you; you have worked well and
been a credit to the establishment. I am sorry indeed to part with
you." Actually these were Miss Majoribanks' words, and spoken, too,
in a husky voice!

And when I got downstairs, there were all the girls, many of them
with their croquet mallets in their hands, gathered in the front
garden, and little Susie Pierrepoint, the baby of the school,
carrying a large bunch of lavender and sweet-william from her own
little garden, which she thrust into my hands.

"They are for you," cried Susie; and then they all crowded round and
kissed me.

"Good-by, Esther; we are so sorry to lose you; write to us and let
us know how you are."

Jessie's pale little face came last. "Oh, my darling! how I shall be
thinking of you!" cried the affectionate creature; and then I broke
down, and Uncle Geoffrey led me away.