"Then, I won't! Get that cake—swish!" and she swung her skirts round, scattering her flowers in all directions.
"Very well," answered the man hopelessly, turning to retire.
"Stay," said Miss Woodford firmly, "did I understand Mr. Medhurst said Miss Ellice was to have an egg for breakfast?"
"Yes, miss, but she won't eat it when she wants cake."
"Then she isn't hungry, and had better wait until lunch," answered the new governess.
James's eyes grew round with astonishment. Two governesses had been tried before, but they had both departed in a week, utterly defeated by the small person who now stood between them, her eyes blazing defiance.
"I don't care what you say, I will have cake; I'll go and ask Betsy." With this the small figure flew to the kitchen, demanding attention to her wants in a storm of passionate cries.
"Yes, yes, missy, I'll get the tin down. Don't make such a fuss, dearie, you'll disturb your poor mamma," entreated cook persuasively.
"Miss Ellice is not to have any cake, Betsy," said Miss Woodford's voice decidedly.
The woman turned round to find the new governess standing by her side. She looked her amazement, and then dropped her hands from the cupboard: