Chapter 3

_From Norah to Magdalen_.

_[Forwarded, with the Two Letters that follow it, from the Post-office,
Birmingham.]_

"Westmoreland House, Kensington, July 1st.

"MY DEAREST MAGDALEN--When you write next (and pray write soon!) address
your letter to me at Miss Garth's. I have left my situation; and some
little time may elapse before I find another.

"Now it is all over I may acknowledge to you, my darling, that I was not
happy. I tried hard to win the affection of the two little girls I had
to teach; but they seemed, I am sure I can't tell why, to dislike me
from the first. Their mother I have no reason to complain of. But their
grandmother, who was really the ruling power in the house, made my life
very hard to me. My inexperience in teaching was a constant subject
of remark with her; and my difficulties with the children were always
visited on me as if they had been entirely of my own making. I tell you
this, so that you may not suppose I regret having left my situation. Far
from it, my love--I am glad to be out of the house.

"I have saved a little money, Magdalen; and I should so like to spend it
in staying a few days with you. My heart aches for a sight of my sister;
my ears are weary for the sound of her voice. A word from you telling me
where we can meet, is all I want. Think of it--pray think of it.

"Don't suppose I am discouraged by this first check. There are many kind
people in the world; and some of them may employ me next time. The way
to happiness is often very hard to find; harder, I almost think, for
women than for men. But if we only try patiently, and try long enough,
we reach it at last--in heaven, if not on earth. I think _my_ way now is
the way which leads to seeing you again. Don't forget that, my love, the
next time you think of

"NORAH."