Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/205

Rh : at an early hour the school room was all gaiety and bustle. There were garlands to be suspended, green boughs to be placed, and flowers to be arranged—in all this Fanny's taste was as conspicuous as her activity. The garlands were mostly of her making, the flowers most of her nursing, and all allowed that none could dispose them with half the effect that she could. The task was at length completed, the school rooms had truly put on their holiday look, and Mrs. Cameron was called in to approve and to admire. She was a lady-like person, a little stately, but that suited well with the authority of her station. She came in, and looked around, "I must say, young ladies, this is prettier than ever, your exertions leave me nothing to desire—but you must not over tire yourselves. I want to have you all looking as well as possible."

She then walked through the rooms, admired them in detail, and said something pleasant to almost every one. "I believe now I have