e, I never quite believed what I heard of jealous ill-nature, but I
have seen how it was ever since those Christmas parties, when certainly
people paid her a great deal of attention.'

'Who would not?--the prettiest, most agreeable young woman there.'

'It may be vexatious to be eclipsed not only in beauty, but in style, by
a strange governess,' said Mrs. Prendergast. 'That set all the mothers
and daughters against her, and there have been some spiteful little
attempts at mortifying her, which have made Sarah and me angry beyond
description! All that they say only impels me towards her. She is a
rare creature, most engaging, but I do sometimes fear that I may have
spoilt her a little, for she has certainly not done quite so well of
late. At first she worked hard to keep in advance of Sarah, saying how
she felt the disadvantage of superficial learning and desultory habits;
she kept in the background, and avoided amusements; but I suppose
reaction is natural with recovered spirits, and this summer she has taken
less pains, and has let Francis occupy her too much, and--what I like
least of all--her inattention brings back the old rubs with Sarah's
temper.'

'You must take her in hand.'

'If she were but my daughter or niece!'

'I thought you had made her feel as such.'

'This sort of reproof is the difficulty, and brings back the sense of our
relative positions. However, the thing is to be done as much for her
sake as for our own.'

Lucilla knew that a lecture was impending, but she really loved and
esteemed Mrs. Prendergast too much to prepare to champ the bit. That
lady's warmth and simplicity, and, above all, the largeness of mind that
prevented her from offending or being offended by trifles, had endeared
her extremely to the young governess. Not only had these eight months
passed without the squabble that Owen had predicted would send her to
Hiltonbury in a week, but Cilla had decidedly, though insensibly, laid
aside many of the sentiments and habits in which poor Honor's opposition
had merely confirmed her. The effect of the sufferings of the past
summer had subdued her for a long time, the novelty of her position had
awed her, and what Mrs. Prendergast truly called the reaction had been so
tardy in coming on that it was a surprise even to herself. Sensible that
she had given cause for displeasure, she courted the _tete-a-tete_, and
herself began thus--'I beg your pardon for my idleness. It is a fata