"Miss Starling seems to have taught them some very useful things," said Miss Phipp, with firm complacency. "She was with you for a good many years, was she not, Mrs. Clinton?"
"Her name was 'Miss Bird,'" said Mrs. Clinton. "We were all very fond of her, and the boys gave her a nickname out of affection."
"Oh!" said Miss Phipp, casting a glance of disapproval on the twins, who met it with eyes of blameless innocence.
Later on when the twins went to their room to change their frocks they dismissed Hannah from attendance on them. "We have something to talk over," said Joan, "and we can do without you this evening."
"You had better wait outside on the mat and we'll call you if we want you," said Nancy.
"Indeed, Miss Nancy, I should demean myself by doing no such thing," said the indignant Hannah. "If you wish to talk between yourselves as well I know what you want to talk about, though deny it you may, straight downstairs do I go, and you may do your 'airs yourself, for I shall not come up again till it's time to tidy."
"Hurry up," said Nancy. "We'll ring if we want you."
When Hannah had departed Joan said, "Well, what do you think of her"
"Who do you mean—Virginia, or Pipp, or Toby?"
"Virginia, of course. I think she's rather sweet. She's worth ten of sweet Sue Clinton, anyhow."