"Yes," said the child, softly. "Becca says if you begin a thing you must go on with it. And you see, I shall have to learn as quick as I can, for I mean to be a governess and make money for mother!"
"Good Heavens!" was the ejaculation. "You ought to be in the nursery, instead of talking about making money!"
There was silence after this. The little maiden stole furtive glances up at her new friend through her long eyelashes, wondering if he were displeased with her. She had hard work to keep pace with his rapid strides, and presently heaved a deep sigh.
"I would like my umbrella again, please!"
"Eh? What? Ah, I see! I am going too fast for you; but I have plenty of time, so take your own pace. How long have you been living opposite to me?"
"We came here a week yesterday from London. Mrs. Stock, my schoolmistress, used to be mother's governess. She lets me come to her school without paying much. I like her, but the other girls are afraid of her. I'm afraid of the girls. I don't like children, I think."
"Who do you like?"
"I like babies and dolls. You can hold them in your arms, and they don't tease you. Don't you like babies?"
"I hate them. I believe I'm frightened of them."
A clear rippling laugh broke from the child.