"Yes; and now they will forget everything we have taught them," said Beryl despondingly, "and no one will tell them about Jesus. It seems as if everything were against our doing anything for the kingdom."
"We can ask God to send some one else to teach them," suggested Coral.
"Yes; we can do that," said Beryl reluctantly.
This suggestion was not quite to her mind. It was hard to think of the work which was so dear to her being given to the hand of another. The rest of the day did not pass very happily for the children. The coming of the governess hung like a dark cloud on their horizon, and the forebodings which it awakened, made it impossible for them to enjoy the freedom of the present.
[CHAPTER XIV]
THE GOVERNESS
THE hour of the governess's arrival came all too soon for Coral and Beryl. The children wore very grave faces, as, fresh from the hands of Lucy, with clean white frocks and smoothly brushed hair, they went down to the drawing-room to await the coming of the stranger, whom they were inclined to regard as their natural enemy.
Tea-things stood ready on the drawing-room table, and Miss Hollys, very handsomely dressed, sat on a low chair languidly working at some embroidery. In her way, she was as anxious as the children with respect to the newcomer. The arrangement was one she had long desired, and from which she hoped to reap advantage. If Miss Burton proved an agreeable companion, it would be very pleasant to have some one besides the children to speak to; some one, too, who would be better able to appreciate her pretty dresses and the costly ornaments on which she prided herself.
Moreover, the presence of the governess in the house would set Miss Hollys free to leave home as frequently as she wished, and she had already planned a visit she would make as soon as she had seen Miss Burton comfortably settled with the children. Pleasant and self-congratulatory as Miss Hollys' reflections were, she was not so absorbed in them as to be unconscious of the severe shock to her nervous system, conveyed by Beryl's violently banging the door behind her as she entered the room.
"Oh, Beryl," exclaimed her aunt crossly; "when will you learn to close a door quietly? Thank goodness, there is a governess coming to teach you manners! If ever a girl needed to be well taken in hand, you do. I hope Miss Burton is a thorough disciplinarian, and will keep you in strict order."