"I am, as ever, your most devoted. My mother is a charming woman, but I

find our evening parties slightly dull, when only my own family are

present. Good night, Mamma." He shook hands with his mother, whose pride

and idol he was, and, with a comprehensive nod to the others, strolled

after his cousin.

"Now they are gone we can be quite cozy, and talk over things, for I

don't mind Ned any more than I do his dogs," said Bella, settling

herself on her mother's footstool.

"I merely wish to say, Miss Muir, that my daughter has never had a

governess and is sadly backward for a girl of sixteen. I want you to

pass the mornings with her, and get her on as rapidly as possible. In

the afternoon you will walk or drive with her, and in the evening sit

with us here, if you like, or amuse yourself as you please. While in the

country we are very quiet, for I cannot bear much company, and when my

sons want gaiety, they go away for it. Miss Beaufort oversees the

servants, and takes my place as far as possible. I am very delicate and

keep my room till evening, except for an airing at noon. We will try

each other for a month, and I hope we shall get on quite comfortably

together."

"I shall do my best, madam."

One would not have believed that the meek, spiritless voice which

uttered these words was the same that had startled Coventry a few

minutes before, nor that the pale, patient face could ever have kindled

with such sudden fire as that which looked over Miss Muir's shoulder

when she answered her young host's speech.

Edward thought within himself, Poor little woman! She has had a hard

life. We will try and make it easier while she is here; and began his

charitable work by suggesting that she might be tired. She acknowledged

she was, and Bella led her away to a bright, cozy room, where with a

pretty little speech and a good-night kiss she left her.

When alone Miss Muir's conduct was decidedly peculiar. Her first act was

to clench her hands and mutter between her teeth, with passionate force,

"I'll not fail again if there is power in a woman's wit and will!" She

stood a moment motionless, with an expression of almost fierce disdain

on her face, then shook her clenched hand as if menacing some unseen

enemy. Next she laughed, and shrugged her shoulders with a true French

shrug, saying low to herself, "Yes, the last scene shall be better

than the first. Mon dieu, how tired and hungry I am!"




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