Part 12 (1/2)
”He didn'tcould be nicer than the way he spoke I was telling him--for I had nothis advice, as I often do
He ied Aylmer House as the best possible substitute for Miss Beverley and Mr Bennett I repeated almost the same words I had used to Lucia Lysle--nairls'
schools”
”That was scarcely polite, hters to school”
”Well, yes,” said Mrs Cardew; ”but of course their circumstances are very different”
”I would be sorry if he should feel that difference, Sylvia Tristram is a most excellent fellow”
”He is--indeed he is!” said Mrs Cardew ”Feeling for him, therefore, as you do, dear, you may perhaps be more inclined to listen to an alternative which he proposed to me”
”And what is that, ht occupy our house in London during the school ter the school terms of each year!” echoed Mr Cardew in a voice of dis in London”
”Yes, dearest; but you see we irls If you and I took the children to town they could have governesses and masters--the very best--and would thus be sufficiently educated to take their place in society”
Mr Cardeas quite silent for a full estion To tell the truth, she had done a soreat lady's many rich possessions was a splendid mansion in Grosvenor Street; but, as she hated what is called London society, it had long been let to different tenants, for nothing would induce the Cardews to leave their delightful hoy old house in town
They knew that when the girls came out--a far-distant date as yet--they would have to occupy the house in Grosvenor Street for the season; but Mrs Cardew's suggestion that they should go there alhters' education wasto her husband than he could possibly endure
”I consider the rector very officious,” he said ”Nothing would induce ht you would feel like that, dear I was certain of it”
”You surely would not wish it yourself, Sylvia?”
”I should detest it beyond words,” she replied
”Besides, the house is occupied,” said Mr Cardew, catching at any excuse not to carry out this abominable plan, as he termed it
”Well, dear, at the present ent to ask if he should relet it for the winter and next season, and I have not yet replied to hio to live there”
”I don't wish it, my love”
The pair sat quite silent after Mrs Cardew had made this last remark
After a time her husband said, ”We're really placed in a very cruel dilemma; but doubtless there are schools and schools Now, I feel that the tiht to tell you about Merry”
”What about the dear child?” asked her mother ”Isn't she well?”
”Absolutely and perfectly well, but our dear little girl is consumed by the fever of discontent”
”My dear, you must be mistaken”