“What would become of Madeline?” was the earnestly-spoken inquiry.
“Of Madeline?” Both Mr. and Mrs. Dainty looked with surprise at Agnes.
“Yes: that dreadful woman would get her again. Maddy would steal off, as she did before. Oh, father, don’t let Miss Harper go away! she’s the only one who can get along with sister now. She is so wise, so good, so loving, and so patient. I looked at her a little while ago, as she sat reading in the Bible to Madeline, and thought her face shone like that of an angel. I wished then that she were my sister, instead of only our governess. Dear father, I think Miss Harper must have been born a true lady.”
“Agnes,” said Mr. Dainty, after musing for some moments, “Uncle John knew her mother.”
“Did he?” The face of Agnes brightened.
“Yes: he knew her a great many years ago.”
“Then he had seen Miss Harper before she came here?”
“Yes; and it was because he had faith in her goodness and intelligence that he was so desirous to have her remain as your governess. We had no knowledge of all this when she came here, but he told us about it this evening. And now she is going to be one of us; that is, she will be as our daughter and your elder sister.”
“How glad I am! how glad I am!” exclaimed Agnes, striking her hands together, while tears filled her eyes. “But, mother, you don’t say any thing!” And she stood up and looked earnestly into her mother’s face.
“Can you accept her as an equal?” asked Mrs. Dainty, almost coldly.