"I know perfectly well that you have claws, my dear, but you must keep them sheathed. As to going back to Miss Simpkins, I shall see her myself, and I am sure I can manage that part. You have got to come with me there after we have finished our present conversation, and you have got to beg her pardon in the most humble and proper fashion."
"I really don't know how I am to do it, Janey."
"But I do, love; you must just lean on me, and do exactly what I advise; it won't be for the first time."
"I know that," said poor Sophy, "and you are three years younger than me, and all. I didn't think you'd be such an awful tyrant; it seems rather hard to bear from one's younger sister."
"But I am older in mind, darling."
"Yes, yes, and much cleverer; but after all a worm will turn. Suppose I refuse to go back to Miss Simpkins?"
"Then, my love, I will try and screw together sufficient money to send you back third class to Aunt Jane's."
"Oh, I can't; I won't do that; it would be too horrible!"
"Listen to me, Sophy. I always said I would help you. You are very pretty, but you are not clever. You have not been educated up to the required standard; you have no chance whatever of getting a situation as governess. In these days it is the most difficult thing in the world for lady-girls who are not educated, and have not got special talents, to find anything at all to do. You are in great luck in getting this situation as companion, and I am absolutely determined that you shall not lose it. In two years' time I shall have left school. My object then is to get a good situation as English and musical teacher in one of the high schools. When I have got such a post, I may want you to live with me, Sophy, as housekeeper; there is no saying. You would like that, wouldn't you?"