Lady Frances gave a sigh of relief. She was much interested in the Misses Henderson; she herself had helped them to start their school. Accordingly, that very afternoon she ordered the carriage and drove to Chepstow House. The Misses Henderson were expecting her, and received her in state in their drawing-room.
“You know what I have come about?” she said. “Now, the thing is this—can you do it?”
“I am quite certain of one thing,” said the elder Miss Henderson—“that there will be no stone left unturned on our parts to make the experiment satisfactory.”
“Poor, dear Miss Sinclair—it is too terrible her having to leave!” said Lady Frances. “We shall never get her like again. To find exactly the governess for girls like my daughter and niece is no easy matter.”
“As to your dear daughter, she certainly will not be hard to manage,” said the younger Miss Henderson.
“You are right, Miss Lucy,” said Lady Frances, turning to her and speaking with decision. “I have always endeavored to train Audrey in those nice observances, those moral principles, and that high tone which befits a girl who is a lady and who in the future will occupy a high position.”
“But your niece—your niece; she is the real problem,” said the elder Miss Henderson.
“Yes,” answered Lady Frances, with a sigh. “When she came to me she was little less than a savage. She has improved. I do not like her—I do not pretend for a moment that I do—but I wish to give the poor child every possible advantage, and I am anxious, if possible, that my prejudice shall not weigh with me in any sense in my dealings with her; but she requires very firm treatment.”
“She shall have it,” said the elder Miss Henderson; and a look of distinct pleasure crossed her face. “I have had refractory girls before now,” she said, “and I may add with confidence, Lady Frances, that I have always broken them in. I do not expect to fail in the case of Miss Wynford.”
“Firm discipline is essential,” replied Lady Frances. “I told Miss Sinclair so, and she agreed with me. I do not exactly know what her method was, nor how she managed, but the child seemed happy, she learnt her lessons correctly, and, in short, she has improved. I trust the improvement will continue under your management.”