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Ярмарка тщеславия / Vanity Fair
Ярмарка тщеславия / Vanity Fair
© Селянцева Н. В., адаптация текста
© ООО «Издательство АСТ», 2017
1
On one shiny morning in June, there drove up to the great iron gate of Miss Pinkerton’s academy for young ladies, on Chiswick Mall, a large family coach, with two fat horses. As a black servant pulled the bell a score of young heads were seen in the narrow windows of the old brick house.
“It is Mrs. Sedley’s coach, sister,” said Miss Jemima.
“Have you completed all the necessary preparations for Miss Sedley’s departure, Miss Jemima?” asked Miss Pinkerton herself.
“The girls were up at four this morning, packing her trunks, sister,” replied Miss Jemima.
“We have also prepared her billet.”
In the present instance Miss Pinkerton’s “billet” was to the following effect:
– The Mall, Chiswick, June 15, 18
MADAM, – After her six years’ residence at the Mall, I have the happiness of presenting Miss Amelia Sedley to her parents, as a young lady worthy to occupy a fitting position in their refined circle. 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.
This letter completed, Miss Pinkerton wrote her own name, and Miss Sedley’s, in the fly-leaf of a Johnson’s Dictionary – the interesting work which she presented to her scholars, on their departure from the Mall.