Bessie had been listening very thoughtfully to all that passed, and now she said gravely,—
"Grandmamma, I s'pose you mean me to take a lesson of your story, and to understand that if it is Maggie's duty to go to school and study, it is mine to stay at home and not study much, 'cause mamma wishes it. So one way is her duty, and another way is my duty."
"I did not mean the story more for one than for the other," said Mrs. Stanton, smiling; "but I am glad you want to learn something from it, dear; and I think you are right in saying that your duty lies in one way, and Maggie's in another. See who is knocking at the door, Maggie."
It was Patrick to say Miss Ashton was below; and he was told to ask her to walk up, while the children were sent from the room, that mamma might be at liberty to talk to her.
Miss Ashton did not stay very long; but it seemed to Maggie and Bessie an age, as they sat upon a hall chair, and waited for her to come from mamma's room; so that, as Maggie said, "They might see if her look had any good news for them."
Not only her looks, but her pleasant voice also, brought good news to them; for, as she met the two wistful faces which gazed up into hers, she stopped and said, smiling, "So I am to have two dear little scholars from here, instead of one, if your papa will consent."
Instantly every corner of Maggie's face brightened into smiles and dimples; while Bessie, slipping off the chair, seized upon Miss Ashton's hand.
"Oh, could you, Miss Ashton? could you, really?" she exclaimed.
"Could I what? Agree to take a loving little girl with her sister, and teach her just as much as her mother thinks it best for her to learn? Well, I think I shall try and see how it will work."
At this Maggie too came down from the chair, and took Miss Ashton's other hand.