"Yes, oh yes; if I could get the pupils."
"I had better tell you what I require for my daughter," observed Mr. Thornycroft. "She must be in a family where the habits and arrangements are essentially good; not the scanty, coarse provision generally pertaining to a school. She must be well waited on, well fed, well treated; her companions must be the daughters of gentlemen; her education must be continued on the same liberal scale as that on which it has been hitherto conducted. And I should wish her to get from the lady principal that good, conscientious, careful training that is rarely given except by a mother."
"Is she well advanced for her age? In music, for instance?" asked Mrs. Chester, after a pause.
"Very well. She plays the harp and piano, sings, and has begun harmony. German and French she speaks well; but, all that you can inquire into yourself. In saying that her education must be liberal, the word is sufficiently comprehensive."
"And for these advantages what sum would you be prepared to pay?"
"Whatever was asked me, madam, in reason--in reason, of course. I am at my ease in the world in regard to money, and shall certainly not spare it on my only daughter."
Mrs. Chester's mouth watered. She was sure she had heard of such a thing as three hundred a year being asked in a case like this, and given. Time enough for terms, though, yet.
"Miss Thornycroft has hitherto been educated at home, I believe?"
"She has; but she is getting beyond the control of her governess, Miss Derode, and I think she would be better at school for the next year or two. A good soul, poor Miss Derode, as ever lived, and thoroughly accomplished; but Mary Anne has begun to laugh at her instead of obeying her. That won't do, you know."
Mrs. Chester sat twirling the crape of her dress between her fingers in thought. Presently she looked at Mr. Thornycroft.