teaching music. She chose Sherbrooke rather than Montreal, because
in the latter place every lady who wished to earn her own living
started out as a music teacher, and the teachers were rapidly
threatening to outnumber the pupils, and to equal many of them as
regards want of knowledge.

Close to Mrs. O'Grady's new residence, and removed a short distance
from the town, there dwelt a wealthy old farmer named Clarkson.
Mr. Clarkson was a bachelor about 65 years old, who, by steady
attention to his farm and shrewd speculations, had amassed a
considerable fortune, being considered one of the "solid men" of
Sherbrooke. Clarkson happening to meet Mrs. O'Grady at the house of
one of the principal clergymen, became enamored of her at first sight,
and at the first opportunity proposed for her hand. This she was at
first both to give, her heart at the time being elsewhere; but, as
Clarkson offered to settle all his property on her and her children,
and he himself, though neither young nor handsome, was very agreeable,
and held a high position in the community, she finally consented,
and was led a second time to the hymeneal altar.

Mr. Clarkson was very proud of his handsome wife, he ordered a
handsome phaeton and pair of bay ponies from Montreal for her
private use, and gave her an unlimited allowance of pin money, and
she might be seen any afternoon, fashionably attired, driving from
one shop to another, followed by the admiring eyes of the bank
clerks and beaux, and the envious glances of the single young ladies
of Sherbrooke.

After three or four months Mrs. Clarkson told her husband that she
had been invited to go on a visit to Montreal, and urged him to