“Yes,” said Mrs. Ward very quietly.
“Lady Lysle’s niece Aneta is also one of your pupils.”
“That is true, Mr. Cardew.”
“Lady Lysle is my wife’s cousin.”
Mrs. Ward bowed very slightly.
“I will come to the point now, Mrs. Ward. I am the father of two little girls. They are of the same age as Molly and Isabel Tristram; that is, they are both just sixteen. They are twins. They are my only children. Some day they will be rich, for we have no son, and they will inherit considerable property.” Mrs. Ward looked scarcely interested at this. “Hitherto,” continued Mr. Cardew, “I have stoutly opposed school-life for my children, and in consequence they have been brought up at home, and have had the best advantages that could be obtained for them in a country life. Things went apparently all right until two or three days ago, when I discovered that my girl—her name is Meredith; we call her Merry for short—was exceedingly anxious to change her home-life for school-life. At the same time, our excellent daily governess and the music-master who taught the children have been obliged to discontinue their work. 52 The girls are at an age when education is essential; and, although I hate schools, I have come here to talk over the possibility of your receiving them.”
“Had you delayed coming to me, Mr. Cardew, until this evening I should have had no vacancy, for at the present moment I have twelve applications for the two vacancies which are to be filled at Aylmer House. But do you really wish me to consider the proposal of taking your girls when you hate school-life for young ladies?”
Mr. Cardew could not help smiling. “Then you are not anxious to have them?”
“Certainly not, unless you yourself and Mrs. Cardew most earnestly desire to send them to me. Suppose, before we go any further, that I take you over the house.”
“Thank you,” said Mr. Cardew in a tone of relief.