“Phyllis, I wish to speak to you,” said her governess.
“What is it now?” said Phyllis, but she was aroused by the tone.
She looked full up into Miss Fleet’s small grey eyes, and her heart beat fast. For although Miss Fleet was really affectionate to the little girl, and was as a rule gentle, there were times when she could be quite the reverse. Phyllis saw that such a time had arrived.
“I wish to speak to you,” said Miss Fleet. “During lessons you are to be industrious, careful, studious, and respectful. These books are not to be treated with levity; they are to be studied, and pondered over, and digested.”
“Well, let’s begin and get it over,” said Phyllis.
She sat down by the table, drew a blotting-pad towards her and a bottle of ink, and looked up at her governess.
“And, oh, Miss Fleet! I want to say something. I can’t go with you to Dartfield to-day.”
“Why not, pray?”
“The four Hilchesters, the Rectory children, are coming here; I asked them yesterday. They are coming immediately after lunch, and they will stay to supper. I thought perhaps we might have supper in the evenings now that father is away. You don’t mind, do you, Fleetie dear?”
“But I do mind very much indeed,” said Miss Fleet. “What business had you to ask the Hilchesters without my permission?”