"You must try to be very good till she comes," she said cheerfully. "The time will soon pass. Jill, what made you so naughty this afternoon? I was quite ashamed of you."
Jill got very red, and twisted her hands together, as was her habit when embarrassed. Then she looked straight at her sister with a defiant sparkle in her eyes.
"Of course we don't like her," she said. "You've told us how you used to hate your governess, and we shall do it too."
"Oh dear!" said Mona with a smile and a groan. "I'm always so stupid when I talk to you. My governess was very different from Miss Falkner—she was a tall, grim, strict old thing, who never smiled. I've found you a very different kind of governess, and you will all love her, I feel sure."
"I wish she was coming now," said Jill gloomily.
"Why? What a queer child you are."
"It's only," explained Jack hastily, "we've settled to do something when she comes, and we don't like waiting."
"What is it?" asked Mona unsuspiciously.
"Oh, it's a secret," exclaimed Jill; "we aren't going to tell any one."
"I hope it isn't anything naughty. I wish you would try to be good. I can't think why you are always in mischief!"