“She is very learned, to be sure,” observed Sophia.
“And something more than learned, I should think,” said Hester; “I fancy she is wise.”
“How can you have discovered that already?” asked Mr Enderby, whose fingers were busy dissecting a stalk of flowering grass.
“I hardly know; I have nothing to quote for my opinion. Her conversation leaves a general impression of her being very sensible.”
“Sensible, as she is a woman,” observed Margaret; “if she were a man, she would be called philosophical.”
“She is very superior,” observed Sophia. “It was mamma’s doing that she is the children’s governess.”
“Philosophical!” repeated Mr Enderby. “It is a happy thing that she is philosophical in her circumstances, poor thing!”
“As she happens to be unprosperous,” said Margaret, smiling. “If she were rich, and strong, and admired, her philosophy would be laughed at; it would only be in the way.”
Mr Enderby sighed, and made no answer. Before any one spoke again, Mr Hope and his little companions came up.
“How quiet you all are!” exclaimed Sydney. “I’ve a good mind to come and fish here again, if you will only go on to be so drowsy.”