"I am only saving that if anything did I'd be worse than ever."
"I wish you wouldn't talk like that."
"I can't help it sometimes, for I am—yes, I am—much cleverer now."
This little conversation took place in a small arbor at the Rectory; and just at this moment some one called Agnes, and Agnes, looking for permission at Irene, who nodded in reply, ran off. A moment later Miss Carter herself entered the bower, where Irene was still sitting.
"So you are not afraid of me now, Cartery dear," said Irene, speaking in the sort of tone which she supposed Maud Singleton adopted.
"No, I am not afraid of you. You are much altered. I came to say how much I admire you. In short, you are not the same girl you used to be."
"Well, it is owing to two influences," said Irene: "to Rosamund, who is so strong and brave, and took me in hand, and showed me myself, and did not express a scrap of fright, however much terror I tried to inspire her with; and it is owing also to even a stronger influence."
"And what is that?" said Miss Carter.
"Well, you see, there is that little thing—that darling—I can scarcely speak her name without trembling. I love her so much. She is like my own little child."
"Do you mean little Agnes Frost?"