Page:A New England Tale.djvu/90

Rh philosophers attributed the success which has been the envy and admiration of the world. There was a perpetual sunshine in her face, that delighted her patron. He had thought nothing could be more interesting than Jane's pensive dejected expression; but he now felt, that it was beautiful as well as natural for the young plant to expand its leaves to the bright rays of the sun, and to rejoice in his beams. Mary Hull was heard to say, quite as often as the beauty of the expression would justify, the Lord be thanked, our dear young lady once more wears the "cheerfulness of countenance that betokens a heart in prosperity."

Double duties were laid on Jane at home, but she won her way through them. The strict rule of her aunt's house did not allow her to "watch with the constellations," but she "made acquaintance with the gray dawn," and learnt by "employing them well," (the mode recommended by Elizabeth Smith,) the value of minutes as well as hours. The bad envied her progress, the stupid were amazed at it, and the generous delighted with it. She went, rejoicing on her way, far before her cousins, who, stung by her manifest superiority, made unwonted exertions; and Martha might have fairly competed with her for the prizes that were to be given, had she not often been confused and obstructed by the perversities of her temper.

The winter and the spring winged their rapid light. The end of the term, which was to close with an exhibition, approached. The note of