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234 in sketching any object on the minute. A small slate which she carried constantly about with her became an easy means of communication with all, while to her mother and sister she could talk on her fingers with the greatest rapidity. All this however was the work of time, for nearly five years had passed since they first sought the distant and quiet village.

They had been five years of content and employment. Mrs. Beaumont's health, though never strong, was better than it had ever been before, and her two children were pictures of youth and loveliness. But even the lowliest degree of content has its changes, and the smaller, even as the greater, portion in life has its trouble. The trifling sum which they had so husbanded was gradually drawing to a close: a new shop, opened at the other extremity of the village, had drawn away much of old Sarah's custom, who was daily more desirous of going to reside with her son. His success in life had been the fitting reward of his industry and good conduct. It was fortunate