e of this party, always adding a reflection, however, that she
hoped she might not be spoiled by so foolish an indulgence. "If I were
going to be a governess," thought she, "I should try to fit myself for
the position. Of course it is father's and mother's affair, but when one
has a little brains one can't help thinking, I believe if I were in
mother's position I should be wiser; but then, of course, I cannot have
any things or people to manage till I am grown up. It is the duty of a
girl to do what she is told; afterwards people will have to do what she
tells them. When the time comes for me to be a mistress I shall take
good care that everybody does what is right."

These reflections occurred to Phyllis while she was sitting out a dance
for which Hetty had got a partner.

Soon afterwards, while the breathless flock of young dancers were
fanning themselves on the sofas, the lady of the house requested Hetty
to recite or act something to amuse the company.

At this proposal Hetty was startled and dismayed. It was a very long
time since she had done anything of the kind, except for the amusement
of Mark and Nell, and she had forgotten all the old stories and
characters that used to be found so entertaining by grown people. She
felt a shyness amounting to terror at being obliged to come forward and
perform before this company; and, besides, she was very sure that Mrs.
Enderby would disapprove of her doing so. She therefore begged earnestly
to be excused, and retreated into a corner. The lady of the house
desisted for a time from her persuasions, but after another dance was
finished she renewed her request. Hetty's distress increased, but she
felt quite unable to explain to her hostess the reasons why it was
impossible she could comply with her wishes. She could only repeat:

"I forget how to do it; indeed I do. And Mrs. Enderby does not like it."

"Mrs. Enderby would like you to please me," said the hostess. "And I
cannot think you forget. My daughters tell me you were most amusing last
week when they saw you."

"Was I?" said Hetty, dismayed. "But that was in the garden and came by
accident. I could not do anything before all this crowd."

"Well, if you were a shy child I could understand," said the lady; "but
you know I heard you long ago when you were much younger. If you were
not shy then you cannot be so now."

Hetty could not explain that it was just because she was older now that
she was shy. Long ago she ha