“Perhaps Evelyn will abolish it when she comes in for the property,” said Audrey in a low tone. Her face looked scarcely amiable as she said the words.
Miss Sinclair regarded her with a puzzled expression.
“Audrey dear,” she said after a pause, “I am very fond of you.”
“And I of you,” said Audrey a little unwillingly. “You are more friend than governess. I should like best to go to school, of course; but as father says that that is quite impossible, I have to put up with the next best; and you are a very good next best.”
“Then if I am, may I just as a friend, and one who loves you very dearly, make a remark?”
“It is going to be something odious,” said Audrey—“that goes without saying—but I suppose I’ll listen.”
“Don’t you think you are just a wee bit in danger of becoming selfish, Audrey?” said her governess.
“Am I? Perhaps so; I am afraid I don’t care.”
“You would if you thought it over; and this is New Year’s Day, and it is a lovely afternoon, and you might come for a ride—I wish you would.”
“I will not run the chance of meeting those folks on any consideration whatever,” said Audrey; “but I will go for a walk with you, if you like.”