"I suppose I am," said Bert, shaking her head in comic despair.
"You'll grow up with no more knowledge than a Hottentot."
"Don't they have any schools among the Hottentots?"
"I suppose not."
"How delightful that must be! Why can't we move out where they live?"
"I don't know but we shall have to," said her father, "as, hereabouts, young ladies are expected to know something about books. But that reminds me I don't know but I shall succeed in engaging a governess for you to-day."
"A governess to-day!" exclaimed Bert, in dismay.
"Yes. I have made an appointment with a lady to call here at nine o'clock, and, if I am satisfied with her, I intend to engage her."
"And if I am satisfied with her," added Bert.