counterpane was wet with her tears, but it was the answer from her
mother which came first, telling her that however praiseworthy her
intentions might be, argument with such a DANGEROUS infidel as Madge
would be most perilous, and she was to desist from it at once. Mrs
Fish had by that post written to Miss Pratt, the schoolmistress, and
Selina no doubt would not be exposed to further temptation. Mrs
Fish's letter to Miss Pratt was very strong, and did not mince
matters. She informed Miss Pratt that a wolf was in her fold, and
that if the creature were not promptly expelled, Selina must be
removed into safety. Miss Pratt was astonished, and instantly, as
her custom was, sought the advice of her sister, Miss Hannah Pratt,
who had charge of the wardrobes and household matters generally.
Miss Hannah Pratt was never in the best of tempers, and just now was
a little worse than usual. It was one of the rules of the school
that no tradesmen's daughters should be admitted, but it was very
difficult to draw the line, and when drawn, the Misses Pratt were
obliged to admit it was rather ridiculous. There was much debate
over an application by an auctioneer. He was clearly not a
tradesman, but he sold chairs, tables and pigs, and, as Miss Hannah
said, used vulgar language in recommending them. However, his wife
had money; they lived in a pleasant house in Lewes, and the line went
outside him. But when a druggist, with a shop in Bond Street,
proposed his daughter, Miss Hannah took a firm stand. What is the
use of a principle, she inquired severely, if we do not adhere to it?
On the other hand, the druggist's daughter was the eldest of six, who
might all come when they were old enough to leave home, and Miss
Pratt thought there was a real difference between a druggist and,
say, a bootmaker.

'Bootmaker!' said Miss Hannah with great scorn. 'I am surprised that