"May I say what I think about it?" asked Margaret, coming eagerly forward.
"Yes, do, child," said Mrs. Grey, who had been listening in amused silence to the mixture of fun and earnestness visible in her young folks.
"Mrs. Heath always does what she wants the children to do; she never tells them to say 'I thank you,' but always thanks them, down to the youngest, whenever she has a chance; she never orders them about, either, but always gives directions kindly; and she never speaks unkindly to them at any time."
"And never slides down the banisters or slams doors," Belle added, right merrily.
By this time Margaret had shrunk back, rather frightened at having spoken out before so many listeners.
"You are right, Margaret," said Mrs. Grey, not a little pleased at the girl's close observation; "emphatically right. In my observation of life, I have seen plenty of illustrations to prove that you are.
"Listen, while I rehearse:
"'John!'
"'Sir!'