“She is wiser and better than I am,” replied Agnes, humbly. “If she will accept me as a sister, my heart will yield to her joyfully. Dear mother, take her into favor and love, for she is worthy.”
“Leave us now, daughter,” said Mrs. Dainty, in a softened voice. “We will talk about this another time.”
And Agnes, after kissing her mother affectionately, withdrew from the library.
“The thing is inevitable.” Mrs. Dainty was not by any means reconciled, as both tone and manner indicated.
“But easy.”
“Easy?”
“Yes, and may be accepted gracefully. Let us be thankful that Miss Harper is not a proud, selfish, designing girl, whose first effort would be to produce alienation between us and Mr. Fleetwood.”
The thoughts of Mrs. Dainty reverted at once to the insolent manner in which she had conducted herself toward Miss Harper, and her efforts to degrade her in the family; and a wave of apprehension swept across her selfish heart.
“But,” continued Mr. Dainty, “of this I do not imagine there is any thing to fear. Miss Harper I regard as above suspicion. There is no doubt of her being able to influence your uncle against us if she should be so inclined. Let us act wisely, and not produce in her that inclination. Madeline, you see as clearly as I do the doubtful position we now occupy. The tables are suddenly turned upon us, and we are to-day in the power of an obscure young girl upon whom we have looked down as the humble governess of our children. It is no use to strive against the inevitable. We must either accept or reject her. If the former, it will have to be done heartily. Neither coldness nor reserve will answer. Miss Harper is clear-seeing, sensitive, and high-spirited. Her relation to Mr. Fleetwood gives her a position of equality, and any attempt on your part to degrade her, in even the slightest thing, will be felt and resented by both.”
“I see; I see,” answered Mrs. Dainty, moodily. “But, when a thing has to be done, only fools hesitate. I will discipline my feelings to-night, and to-morrow put on toward this usurping girl a new exterior. Don’t fear but that I shall play my part.”