ABSTRACT

In a few days Miss Monro obtained a most satisfactory reply to her letter of inquiries as to whether a daily governess 110 could find employment in East Chester. For once, the application seemed to have come just at the right time. The canons were most of them married men, with young families; those at present in residence welcomed the idea of such instruction as Miss Monro could offer for their children, and could almost answer for their successors 289in office. This was a great step gained. Miss Monro, the daughter of the precentor 112 to this very cathedral, had a secret unwillingness to being engaged as a teacher by any wealthy tradesman there; but, to be received into the canons’ families in almost any capacity, was like going home. Moreover, besides the empty honour of the thing, there were many small pieces of patronage in the gift of the chapter – 113 such as a small house opening on to the Close, 114 which had formerly belonged to the verger, 115 but which was now vacant, and was offered to Miss Monro at a nominal rent.