More about Bessy
It may be supposed that Mrs. Goodriche gave some good advice to her niece whilst they were in their room, for Miss Bessy came down looking rather sulky, and said very little at breakfast; only that she attempted several times to hold discourse with Lucy in whispers, for which they were quietly called to order by Lucy's father.
Mr. Fairchild said:
"You must not whisper at table, my dears, for we are met to make ourselves agreeable either by talking or attentive listening."
After breakfast Mrs. Fairchild said:
"As we hope your visit, Mrs. Goodriche, will be a long one, we will, if you please, go on with our plans. I shall go into my school-room with my little girls, and leave you and Bessy to yourselves; you will see us again about twelve o'clock."
"Very right," replied Mrs. Goodriche, with a smile;
"and I trust that Bessy and I shall be as busy as you will be."