There was a very affectionate greeting at the door, and then Miss Burge went out, and the two Misses Lambent came in, looking very stiff and uncompromising as soon as they were alone with Hazel.
“How do you do. Miss Thorne?” said Miss Lambent in a very chilling way; and Miss Beatrice echoed her words, and finished their freezing as they fell.
“Are you going to take a class, Beatrice?” said Miss Lambent.
“No, sister, I thought that I would say a few words to Miss Thorne, unless you would prefer speaking.”
“No, sister, I think you had better speak,” said Miss Lambent austerely; “and—tut—tut—tut! I extremely regret this! such a thing never occurred in the school before. Miss Thorne, I will not trouble my brother by making any report of this, but I must request you to preserve better discipline in the school.”
“Discipline, ma’am! I thought the girls were very quiet.”
“I must request that you do not speak to me, the vicar’s sister, in so haughty a tone, Miss Thorne.”
“I beg your pardon, ma’am; I wish to be respectful,” said Hazel humbly.
“But your ways are not respectful, and I must point out to you that both upon week-days and Sundays the behaviour of the girls has not been good. I distinctly saw that child putting out her tongue at me—that girl—Potts, I think, is her name.”
“I will certainly speak to the child, ma’am,” said Hazel quietly, though a feeling of indignation made the blood flush to her cheeks.