The governess was turning to leave the room. Once again she came back.
"I know you won't do it," she said, "and yet I long to ask you to. I do so wish you would let me take her to school instead of——"
"Really!" said Mrs. Mitford.
She was a very imperious little woman; she hated anyone even to suggest that her way was not the right way.
"Really!" she repeated. "I am sorry, but I cannot have my plans interfered with. My friend Miss Neil will take Christian to the school."
Tears sprang to Miss Thompson's eyes.
"It is only that she loves me, and she does not care for Miss Neil."
"Very silly of her!" said the mother. "She will have to see a good deal of Miss Neil while we are away. You would like me to write that recommendation for you to-night, Miss Thompson? Well, I have nothing but good to say of you. I hope you will get a comfortable situation before long."
"Thank you," said Miss Thompson a little coldly.
She left the room and returned to the schoolroom, where Christian was pretending to read a new story-book her father had given her that morning. It was rather old-fashioned. She did not exactly care for it; she thought there were too many characters, and that the plot was not brisk enough. Nevertheless she went on reading it. It would probably interest her later on; she knew that her mind was not with the written words that night.