"Have you thought of any sum that might be suitable--for the advantages you require?"
"I should think about two hundred a year. I would give that."
"Very fair," murmured Mrs. Chester. "Of course, any little extras--but that can be left for the present. I should like much to take her."
"For this sum I should expect commensurate advantages," continued Mr. Thornycroft, in his straightforward, candid way. "At present I do not see--you will forgive me, madam--that you are at all prepared for such a pupil. You have no pupils, I think?"
"Not yet."
"And I should wish my daughter to have companions, young ladies of her own age--just three or four, to reconcile her to being away from home, the notion which she does not at all relish. A resident governess would also be essential--unless indeed the lady superintendent devoted her whole time to them."
"Yes, yes; a resident governess, of course," mechanically answered Mrs. Chester.
What more might have been said was arrested by the entrance of the youngest child, his pinafore and mouth smeared with treacle. Clamouring for bread and treacle, Anna had given him a slice to keep him quiet. In the midst of eating it he had broken away, ungrateful boy, and rushed into the presence of Mrs. Chester. Dinah, who had not got on her merino gown yet, or made herself tidy, came and carried him, kicking, away again. Mrs. Chester was depressed by the accident, and sat subdued.
"I think, madam, that if you carry your intention out, the better way will be for you to write to me as soon as you are ready to receive pupils," said Mr. Thornycroft. "I will then consider the matter further, and decide whether or not to send you my daughter. There is no great hurry; Miss Derode has not left us."
"You will not promise her to me?"