ed； to the broken hum of conversation as the drawing…room door opened and closed。 When tired of this occupation； I would retire from the stairhead to the solitary and silent nursery： there； though somewhat sad； I was not miserable。 To speak truth； I had not the least wish to go into pany； for in pany I was very rarely noticed； and if Bessie had but been kind and panionable； I should have deemed it a treat to spend the evenings quietly with her； instead of passing them under the formidable eye of Mrs。 Reed； in a room full of ladies and gentlemen。 But Bessie； as soon as she had dressed her young ladies； used to take herself off to the lively regions of the kitchen and housekeeper’s room； generally bearing the candle along with her。 I then sat with