"My dear—since Mrs. Mowbray is so kind—it would be a great thing for
Rotha the best thing that could happen to her—"
Mrs. Busby turned her eyes to her visiter.
"Since you are so good, Mrs. Mowbray—it is more than I could ask you to do—"
"I shall be very glad to do it. I am nothing if not professional, you know," Mrs. Mowbray said rising and drawing her fur together again. "Then that is settled."— And with gracious deference and sweetness of manner she took her leave.
"That's what I call a good riddance!" exclaimed Antoinette when she was free to express her opinion.
"You will find it a happy relief," added Mr. Busby. "And not a little saving, too."
Mrs. Busby was silent. With all the relief and the saving, there was yet something in the plan which did not suit her. Nevertheless, the relief, and the saving, were undoubted facts; and she held her tongue.
"Mamma, what are you going to do about Rotha's dresses?"
"I will see, when she comes to me with a proper apology."
Of all this nothing was told to Rotha. So she was a little surprised, when next morning Mrs. Mowbray came into the schoolroom and desired to see her after school. But then Mrs. Mowbray's first words were about her cold.