"'Not a governess, for the love of Heaven, papa!' exclaimed poor I, my fears at that moment totally getting the better of my prudence.
"'No, not a governess, Miss Mannering,' replied the Colonel, somewhat sternly, 'but a young lady from whose excellent example, bred as she has been in the school of adversity, I trust you may learn the art to govern yourself. '
"To answer this was trenching upon too dangerous ground, so there was a pause.
"'Is the young lady a Scotchwoman, papa?'
"'Yes'—dryly enough.
"'Has she much of the accent, sir?'
"'Much of the devil!' answered my father hastily; 'do you think I care about a's and aa's, and i's and ee's?—I tell you, Julia, I am serious in the matter. You have a genius for friendship, that is, for running up intimacies which you call such'—(was not this very harshly said, Matilda?)—'Now I wish to give you an opportunity at least to make one deserving friend, and therefore I have resolved that this young lady shall be a member of my family for some months, and I expect you will pay to her that attention which is due to misfortune and virtue.'
"'Certainly, sir.—Is my future friend red-haired?'
"He gave me one of his stern glances; you will say, perhaps, I deserved it; but I think the deuce prompts me with teasing questions on some occasions.
"'She is as superior to you, my love, in personal appearance, as in prudence and affection for her friends.'