“It may cost you a struggle,” said her husband, “but the strife will soon be over. I hope much from her gentle nature, and much from her clear perception of right. She will not, I am sure, take a mean advantage of this great diversion in her favor.”
“Time will show,” was the almost sullen response.
CHAPTER XXVII.
GETTING RIGHT.
No word of caution had been spoken in the ears of Agnes by either her father or her mother; and so, with a heart full of joy at the news she had heard, she ran to the chamber where Florence was alone with Madeline, and, throwing her arms around her neck, kissed her, and said,—
“Dear sister! Dear sister!”
Florence returned the embrace, and kissed Agnes tenderly.
“Dear sister!” murmured the excited girl, again pressing her lips to the cheek of Miss Harper.
“I am your true friend, Agnes,” said the young governess, calmly—“your true and loving friend.”
“Be nearer than a friend; even as a sister. Father says that now you are to be as a daughter in the house. Uncle John has told him all. Oh, I am so glad! so glad!”
The face of Miss Harper grew pale, and she sat very still for some moments.