Every morning is spent at the table by the bow-window, where we grapple with mathematics and the English language primarily, with a little about the natural world and some logic when we can. The afternoons are spent with Matron; the reason being, when I returned from the Menagerie that day, I was set upon by some other inmates for my special treatment, who gave me very rough words and bid me begone. They put upon me and used me very ill, pulled me by the nose and struck at me. Thereafter, I remain with Matron, she my protector and I her pet. The founder insists I must continue to learn the skills of housekeeping, as, despite my education, I may well attract a husband one day or, if not, require such skills to earn my keep. So Matron keeps me with her each afternoon and we go through the playact of learning domestic service, yet she sometimes turns to me and pinches my cheek saying, ‘You’ll not need this, eh, my clever chick? You’ll be no oyster-wench. You will make your way in the world and be done for very nicely.’ I begin my forays into that world in my first geography lesson.
