"One of our arrangements," she said aloud, "was that Clara's governess was not to be asked into the drawing-room when we had visitors."
"Why not?" inquired the baronet, carelessly.
"My dear boy, it would not be prudent; and it would displease your sisters very much, and perhaps interfere with their plans and wishes."
"Being a very pretty—nay, a most lovely girl, she is to be punished for her beauty, then, by being shut out of all society?"
"How do you know she is beautiful?" asked Lady Dartelle. "Do not speak too loudly, my dear; your sisters may hear you."
"I saw her the other morning on the shore, and I tell you honestly, mother, I think her the most beautiful girl I have ever seen; and she is as good as she is beautiful."
"How do you know that?" asked Lady Dartelle a little anxiously.
"Because she told me quite frankly that you did not wish her to be in the way of visitors, and because she has kept out of my way ever since."
"She is a prudent girl," said Lady Dartelle. "Aubrey, my dear, I know how weak young men are in the matter of beauty. Do not try to get up a flirtation with her. Your sisters do not like her very much; and if there should be anything of what I have mentioned, I shall be obliged to send her away at once. Your own good sense will tell you that."