“No, my love; I know no one in this world who is perfect, and Selina, though several years older than you are, is still very young, and requires much care and instruction to form her character; but she has fewer faults than any other little girl I know—she is indeed singularly admirable; Mrs. Roberts, I have no doubt, will think herself very fortunate to have such a pupil.”
“And what will she think about me, papa?” she anxiously inquired.
“Why, she will probably think that she has got rather an impetuous little woman to manage, one who often allows her imagination to get the better of her.” But seeing Leila’s downcast face, he added,—“yet I feel sure also that she will not be long of loving my little girl, though she is not perfect; and now Leila,” he continued, “have you any idea of what is to be done to-day?”
“No, papa, I have no idea. Are we to begin our lessons again? Oh, no! I see you have a plan—I see it in your face. Do tell me: I am sure you have something pleasant to tell.”
“Yes,” Mr. Howard answered, “I think you will like the arrangement for this forenoon. I have just been proposing to your aunt that we should visit Woodlands, that you should see your future home, my child; and we have settled that you young folks are to walk there with Nurse and Amy, and I have ordered the open carriage to drive your uncle and aunt; we shall probably be there first to receive you.”
“Papa, how delightful! May I run and tell Selina and Matilda the good news? and Alfred, may he go too?”
“Certainly, my love.”
“Well then, I am off—how delightful to have so much to tell; and I may speak about our governess also, papa, may I not?”
“Yes, my love, you may; but your aunt has probably by this time mentioned the subject to your cousins; I know she intended doing so this morning.”