‘And poor Lily wearing herself to a shadow, in vain attempts to mend matters,’ said Claude.
‘If Lily was the eldest, things would be very different,’ said Mr. Mohun.
‘Or even if she had been as wise last year as she is now,’ said Claude, ‘she would have kept Emily in order then, but now it is too late.’
‘This year is, on many accounts, much to be regretted,’ said Mr. Mohun, ‘but I think it has brought out Lily’s character.’
‘And a very fine character it is,’ said Claude.
‘Very. She has been, and is, more childish than Eleanor ever was, but she is her superior in most points. She has been your pupil, Claude, and she does you credit.’
‘Thereby hangs a tale which does me no credit,’ muttered Claude, as he remembered how foolishly he had roused her spirit of contradiction, besides the original mischief of naming Eleanor the duenna; ‘but we will not enter into that now. I see this governess is their best chance. Have you heard of one?’
‘Of several; but the only one who seems likely to suit us is out of reach for the present, and I do not regret it, for I shall not decide till Eleanor comes.’
‘Emily will not be much pleased,’ said Claude. ‘It has long been her great dread that Aunt Rotherwood should recommend one.’
‘Ay, Emily’s objections and your aunt’s recommendations are what I would gladly avoid,’ said Mr. Mohun.