Jill nodded.
"And write?"
Another nod.
Mona gave her a little shake.
"Speak properly, Jill. Where are your manners? You are like a little savage this afternoon. I am sure it is high time you had a governess to keep you in order."
Mona did not often speak so crossly.
Jill darted away from her with scarlet cheeks and flashing eyes. "Who is she? and what does she want?" she demanded passionately. "Is she a governess? Because, if she is, I hate her!"
Then flying out of the room she banged the door violently behind her, and raced up-stairs, never drawing breath till she reached the nursery. Here she flung herself down face foremost on the hearthrug, and when a little time later Jack and Bumps rushed in, they found her still muttering angrily to herself.
Jack at once flung himself on the top of her.
"You're in a tantrum! What have you been doing?"