"No one gets into a scrape with mamma," said Amy; "but I am sure it would be me she would blame now; and I am so sorry I was cross."
"Never mind anything more about it," said Margaret; "just look natural again, and then we shall not care."
Amy did her best to look natural, but her mamma's quick eye soon perceived on her return that there had been something amiss; however, she asked no questions, knowing that she should hear everything when they were alone; and both Dora and Margaret were considerably relieved when they found themselves seated at the dining-table, with Amy looking as bright and happy as usual.
"You must make a good luncheon, my dears," said Mrs Herbert; "for I suppose you dine very late."
"Oh no!" replied Dora, "this will be our dinner; mamma always dislikes our being late."
"She says it makes us ill, and spoils our complexions," added Margaret, casting, at the same time, a glance at her white neck in the glass which hung opposite to her; "so we always dine about two with Emily Morton and Rose in the schoolroom."
"Is Miss Morton very strict?" asked Amy.
"Strict!" answered Dora, with a toss of her head, "Who should she be strict with? She is not our governess."
"But then she teaches you some things," said Amy.
"Oh yes, music and drawing; but that any one can do. I should just as soon think of attending to Morris as to her."