Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/238

232 hieroglyphics in chalk, that required practise indeed to decipher them. By dint of the most persevering attention she conquered all the difficulties, and not one of the least was her mother's objection, who saw in the employ a degradation. Fanny would only let her think of its utility and its kindness.

We have alluded to Edith's morning walk, to fetch milk, it led to far more important consequences. The farmer had the care of the only large house in the neighbourhood. It had the history belonging to so many. Its proprietors were living in a foreign land, too embarrassed to return to their own, yet unable or unwilling to part with the noble old place which had been theirs so long. Edith first, and Fanny afterwards, accompanied the farmer's wife on her periodical visits for airing the deserted rooms. There was a large library, and from its dusty shelves they soon obtained permission to take what they pleased, on condition that one set of books were returned to their places, before others were brought away.