That evening when the children were in bed she sat by the open school-room window. Her thoughts were not sad ones, though she had had much in her life to make her sad. And when a slender figure in a black lace gown came across the dusky lawn and spoke to her, it was the young heiress's face that looked weary and troubled, not the governess's.
Miss Falkner looked up brightly.
"Isn't it a delicious evening?"
"Is it? Yes, I suppose so. I wish I enjoyed things as you do, Miss Falkner."
There was a little silence.
Then Mona sat on the low window-ledge and put her light shawl over her shoulders.
"I must have some one to talk to to-night, or I feel I shall go crazy, and I have come out of doors to get away from Miss Webb, because she is so cross with me."
Miss Falkner looked her sympathy but said nothing.
"Jill has altered a chapter in my life to-day, and I don't know whether I am glad or sorry."