"I should think it would be enough to break down your health—such constant care and responsibility. It is Nan's salvation to have you with her, but do you think you can hold out?"
Miss Blake pondered a moment and then nodded her head decidedly. "I will hold out," she said staunchly.
"You don't know how boisterous she was, and how it shocked me! At last I grew frenzied, and when Ruth was brought in to me injured in that way, through her fault, I supposed, I lost control of myself entirely, and felt that, come what might, the girl must be attended to. There's no doubt of it, your Nan is improved, and if this neighborhood is not made miserable by her piercing war-cries, her hairbreadth adventures, and her eccentric behavior generally, it is all owing to you. But here she comes herself! Put away your work! Quick!"
Nan knocked politely at the open door.
"Oh, come in, dear!" said Mrs. Newton cordially, and the governess looked at her encouragingly and smiled.
"Bridget told me to come right up," explained Nan. "Is Ruth out?"
"No, taking a nap in the nursery. She'll be awake soon now, I'm sure. Take off your things and sit down."
"Won't I be in the way?"
Mrs. Newton patted her on the shoulder. "No, my dear, you won't. On the contrary, it will be very pleasant to have you here to take a cup of tea with Miss Blake and me; will you excuse me a moment while I go and call Katy to bring it up?"
"I thought you were in your room," said Nan to Miss Blake as their hostess left the room.