How Mrs. Barclay was to initiate a system of higher education in this farmhouse, she did not clearly see. Drawing was a simple thing enough; but how was she to propose teaching languages, or suggest algebra, or insist upon history? She must wait, and feel her way; and in the meantime she scattered books about her room, books chosen with some care, to act as baits; hoping so by and by to catch her fish. Meanwhile she made herself very agreeable in the family; and that without any particular exertion, which she rightly judged would hinder and not help her object.
"Isn't she pleasant?" said Lois one evening, when the family were alone.
"She's elegant!" said Madge.
"She has plenty to say for herself," added Charity.
"But she don't look like a happy woman, Lois," Madge went on. "Her face is regularly sad, when she ain't talking."
"But it's sweet when she is."
"I'll tell you what, girls," said Charity,—"she's a real proud woman."
"O Charity! nothing of the sort," cried Lois. "She is as kind as she can be."
"Who said she wasn't? I said she was proud, and she is. She's a right, for all I know; she ain't like our Shampuashuh people."
"She is a lady," said Lois.