Part 26 (2/2)
Brenda and her companions went away, and during the rest of the day, whenever they had a spare moment, the girls talked over Audrey and Evelyn.
The next morning the cousins arrived. They came in Audrey's pretty governess-cart, and Audrey drove the fat pony herself. A groom took it back to the Castle, with orders to come for his young ladies at six in the evening, for Lady Frances had arranged that the girls were to have both early dinner and tea at school.
They both entered the house, and even Audrey just for a moment felt slightly nervous. The elder Miss Henderson took them into her private sitting-room, asked them a few questions, and then, desiring them to follow her, went down a long pa.s.sage which led into the large schoolroom. Here the girls, about forty in number, were all a.s.sembled.
Miss Henderson introduced the new pupils with a few brief words. She then went up to Miss Lucy and asked her, as soon as prayers were over, to question both Audrey and Evelyn with regard to their attainments, and to put them into suitable cla.s.ses.
The Misses Wynford sat side by side during prayers, and immediately afterwards were taken into Miss Lucy's private sitting-room. Here a very vigorous examination ensued, with the result that Audrey was promoted to take her place with the head girls, and Evelyn was conducted to the Fourth Form. Her companions received her with smiling eyes and beaming looks. She felt rather cross, however; and was even more so when the English teacher, Miss Thompson, set her some work to do. Evelyn was extremely backward with regard to her general education. But Miss Sinclair had such marvelous tact, that, while she instructed the little girl and gave her lessons which were calculated to bring out her best abilities, she never let her feel her real ignorance. At school, however, all this state of things was reversed. Audrey, calm and dignified, took a high position in the school; and Evelyn was simply, in her own opinion, nowhere. A sulky expression clouded her face. She thought of Jasper's words, and determined that no one should break her spirit.
”You will read over the reign of Edward I., and I will question you about it when morning school is over,” said Miss Thompson in a pleasant tone. ”After recreation I will give you your lessons to prepare for to-morrow. Now, please attend to your book. You will be able to take your proper place in cla.s.s to-morrow.”
Miss Thompson as she spoke handed a History of England to the little girl. The History was dry, and the reign, in Evelyn's opinion, not worth reading. She glanced at it, then turned the book, open as it was, upside down on her desk, rested her elbows on it, and looked calmly around her.
”Take up your book, Miss Wynford, and read it,” said Miss Thompson.
Evelyn smiled quietly.
”I know all about the reign,” she said. ”I need not read the history any more.”
The other girls smiled. Miss Thompson thought it best to take no notice.
The work of the school proceeded; and at last, when recess came, the English teacher called the little girl to her.
”Now I must question you,” she said. ”You say you know the reign of Edward I. Let me hear what you do know. Stand in front of me, please; put your hands behind your back. So.”
”I prefer to keep my hands where they are,” said Evelyn.
”Do what I say. Stand upright. Now then!”
Miss Thompson began catechizing. Evelyn's cra.s.s ignorance instantly appeared. She knew nothing whatever of that special period of English history; indeed, at that time her knowledge of any history was practically _nil_.
”I am sorry you told me what was not true with regard to the reign of Edward I.,” said the governess. ”In this school we are very strict and particular. I will say nothing further on the matter to-day; but you will stay here and read over the history during recess.”
”What!” cried Evelyn, her face turning white. ”Am I not to have my recreation?”
”Recess only lasts for twenty minutes; you will have to do without your amus.e.m.e.nt in the playground this morning. To-morrow I hope you will have got through your lessons well and be privileged to enjoy your pastime with the other pupils.”
”Do you know who I am?” began Evelyn.
”Yes-perfectly. You are little Evelyn Wynford. Now be a good girl, Evelyn, and attend to your work.”
Miss Thompson left the room. Evelyn found herself alone. A wild fury consumed her. She jumped up.
”Does she think for a single moment that I am going to obey her?”
thought the naughty child. ”Oh, if only Jasper were here! Oh Jasper! you were right; they are trying to break me in, but they won't succeed.”
A book which the governess had laid upon a table near attracted the little girl's attention. It was not an ordinary lesson-book, but a very beautiful copy of Ruskin's _Sesame and Lilies_. Evelyn took up the book, opened it, and read the following words on the t.i.tle-page:
<script>