Vanity Fair - Page 4/573

In music, in dancing, in orthography, in every variety of embroidery

and needlework, she will be found to have realized her friends' fondest

wishes. In geography there is still much to be desired; and a careful

and undeviating use of the backboard, for four hours daily during the

next three years, is recommended as necessary to the acquirement of

that dignified DEPORTMENT AND CARRIAGE, so requisite for every young

lady of FASHION.

In the principles of religion and morality, Miss Sedley will be found

worthy of an establishment which has been honoured by the presence of

THE GREAT LEXICOGRAPHER, and the patronage of the admirable Mrs.

Chapone. In leaving the Mall, Miss Amelia carries with her the hearts

of her companions, and the affectionate regards of her mistress, who

has the honour to subscribe herself, Madam, Your most obliged humble servant, BARBARA PINKERTON P.S.--Miss Sharp accompanies Miss Sedley. It is particularly requested

that Miss Sharp's stay in Russell Square may not exceed ten days. The

family of distinction with whom she is engaged, desire to avail

themselves of her services as soon as possible.

This letter completed, Miss Pinkerton proceeded to write her own name,

and Miss Sedley's, in the fly-leaf of a Johnson's Dictionary--the

interesting work which she invariably presented to her scholars, on

their departure from the Mall. On the cover was inserted a copy of

"Lines addressed to a young lady on quitting Miss Pinkerton's school,

at the Mall; by the late revered Doctor Samuel Johnson." In fact, the

Lexicographer's name was always on the lips of this majestic woman, and

a visit he had paid to her was the cause of her reputation and her

fortune.

Being commanded by her elder sister to get "the Dictionary" from the

cupboard, Miss Jemima had extracted two copies of the book from the

receptacle in question. When Miss Pinkerton had finished the

inscription in the first, Jemima, with rather a dubious and timid air,

handed her the second.

"For whom is this, Miss Jemima?" said Miss Pinkerton, with awful

coldness.

"For Becky Sharp," answered Jemima, trembling very much, and blushing

over her withered face and neck, as she turned her back on her sister.

"For Becky Sharp: she's going too."

"MISS JEMIMA!" exclaimed Miss Pinkerton, in the largest capitals. "Are

you in your senses? Replace the Dixonary in the closet, and never

venture to take such a liberty in future."

"Well, sister, it's only two-and-ninepence, and poor Becky will be

miserable if she don't get one."

"Send Miss Sedley instantly to me," said Miss Pinkerton. And so

venturing not to say another word, poor Jemima trotted off, exceedingly

flurried and nervous.

Miss Sedley's papa was a merchant in London, and a man of some wealth;

whereas Miss Sharp was an articled pupil, for whom Miss Pinkerton had

done, as she thought, quite enough, without conferring upon her at

parting the high honour of the Dixonary.