“I can’t make her out. I think she’s real nice, and then the next minute she does something so queer, I don’t know what to make of it.”
“I think she’s what they call eccentric,” said Marjorie. “And I do believe if we let her alone a good deal, she’ll let us alone. She seems awfully wrapped up in her own affairs. If she doesn’t interfere too much, I think we’ll get along all right. But I wish Mother was home.”
“So do I. Oh, Mops, there isn’t one day gone yet! Out of forty-two!”
“Well, skip into bed; the time flies faster when you’re asleep.”
“So it does,” agreed Kitty; “good-night.”
CHAPTER IV
THE IDES OF MARCH
Somehow, the days managed to follow each other much at their usual rate of speed. Life held a great variety of interests for the little Maynards, and though at times they greatly missed their parents, yet at other times they were gaily absorbed in their work or play, and were happy and bright as usual. Miss Larkin proved to be rather an uncertain quantity. Sometimes she ruled the household with a rod of iron, laying down laws and issuing commands with great austerity. And then, again, she would seem to forget all about the Maynards and become absorbed in her own affairs, even neglecting to give orders for dinner!
But the children didn’t care. So long as she left them free to pursue their own important occupations, she was welcome to amuse herself in any way she chose. And with good-natured, large-hearted Ellen in charge of the kitchen, there was no danger of any one going hungry for long.
Instead of going to school, as King and Kitty did, Marjorie went every day across the street to Delight Spencer’s, where Miss Hart, Delight’s governess, taught both girls. Miss Hart’s methods of teaching were unusual, but exceedingly pleasant.
Often the girls had no idea as to what lessons would be taught until they came to the schoolroom.