"I wondered how she could manage to walk on her head," said Hetty in the most serious manner; "and why, if she did manage it, it should make her higher. She would be the same length in any case, would she not, Miss Davis?"
Nell laughed again, and Phyllis looked more and more contemptuous. Miss Davis said, "Read on please!" rather severely, at the same time giving Nell a glance of warning.
Hetty read on, making deliberately the most laughable blunders, at some of which Miss Davis herself had to smile. Even Phyllis had to give way on one occasion, and in the midst of a chorus of laughter Hetty stood making a piteous face, pretending not to know what they were laughing at.
"I told you I could read only a little," she said, but at the same time she gave Nell a knowing glance which Phyllis caught.
"She could read better if she pleased. She is only amusing herself," said Phyllis to Miss Davis.
"I hope not, my dear," said the governess; "do not be uncharitable. Well, Hetty, you may put aside your book for to-day. I hope to improve you before your visit is over. Do you know anything of geography? Come, I will give you an easy question. Where is England situated on the map?"
"In the middle of the Red Sea," said Hetty briskly.
"My dear! why do you suppose so?"
"I see it up there on the map," said Hetty; "the sea is marked in red all round it."
Nell tittered again. Phyllis put her fingers in her ears, determined to hear no more of Hetty's absurdities.