Chapter1
JEANMUIR
"Hasshecome？"
"No，Mamma，notyet。"
"Iwishitwerewellover。Thethoughtofitworriesandexcitesme。Acushionformyback，Bella。"
Andpoor，peevishMrs。Coventrysankintoaneasychairwithanervoussighandtheairofamartyr，whileherprettydaughterhoveredaboutherwithaffectionatesolicitude。
"Whoaretheytalkingof，Lucia？"askedthelanguidyoungmanloungingonacouchnearhiscousin，whobentoverhertapestryworkwithahappysmileonherusuallyhaughtyface。
"Thenewgoverness，MissMuir。ShallItellyouabouther？"
"No，thankyou。Ihaveaninveterateaversiontothewholetribe。I’veoftenthankedheaventhatIhadbutonesister，andsheaspoiledchild，sothatIhaveescapedtheinflictionofagovernesssolong。"
"Howwillyoubearitnow？"askedLucia。
"Leavethehousewhilesheisinit。"
"No，youwon’t。You’retoolazy，Gerald，"calledoutayoungerandmoreenergeticman，fromtherecesswherehestoodteasinghisdogs。
"I’llgiveherathreedays’trial;ifsheprovesendurableIshallnotdisturbmyself;if，asIamsure，sheisabore，I’moffanywhere，anywhereoutofherway。"
"Ibegyouwon’ttalkinthatdepressingmanner，boys。Idreadthecomingofastrangermorethanyoupossiblycan，butBellamustnotbeneglected;soIhavenervedmyselftoendurethiswoman，andLuciaisgoodenoughtosayshewillattendtoheraftertonight。"
"Don’tbetroubled，Mamma。Sheisaniceperson，Idaresay，andwhenonceweareusedtoher，I’venodoubtweshallbegladtohaveher，it’ssodullherejustnow。LadySydneysaidshewasaquiet，accomplished，amiablegirl，whoneededahome，andwouldbeahelptopoorstupidme，sotrytolikeherformysake。"
"Iwill，dear，butisn’titgettinglate？Idohopenothinghashappened。Didyoutellthemtosendacarriagetothestationforher，Gerald？"
"Iforgotit。Butit’snotfar，itwon’thurthertowalk"wasthelanguidreply。
"Itwasindolence，notforgetfulness，Iknow。I’mverysorry;shewillthinkitsorudetoleavehertofindherwaysolate。
Dogoandseetoit，Ned。"
"Toolate，Bella，thetrainwasinsometimeago。
Giveyourorderstomenexttime。MotherandI’llseethattheyareobeyed，"
saidEdward。
"Nedisjustatanagetomakeafoolofhimselfforanygirlwhocomesinhisway。Haveacareofthegoverness，Lucia，orshewillbewitchhim。"
Geraldspokeinasatiricalwhisper，buthisbrotherheardhimandansweredwithagood-humoredlaugh。
"Iwishtherewasanyhopeofyourmakingafoolofyourselfinthatway，oldfellow。Setmeagoodexample，andIpromisetofollowit。Asforthegoverness，sheisawoman，andshouldbetreatedwithcommoncivility。Ishouldsayalittleextrakindnesswouldn’tbeamiss，either，becausesheispoor，andastranger。"
"Thatismydear，good-heartedNed！We’llstandbypoorlittleMuir，won’twe？"Andrunningtoherbrother，Bellastoodontiptoetoofferhimakisswhichhecouldnotrefuse，fortherosylipswerepursedupinvitingly，andthebrighteyesfullofsisterlyaffection。
"Idohopeshehascome，for，whenImakeanefforttoseeanyone，Ihatetomakeitinvain。Punctualityissuchavirtue，andIknowthiswomanhasn’tgotit，forshepromisedtobehereatseven，andnowitislongafter，"beganMrs。Coventry，inaninjuredtone。
Beforeshecouldgetbreathforanothercomplaint，theclockstrucksevenandthedoorbellrang。
"Theresheis！"criedBella，andturnedtowardthedoorasiftogoandmeetthenewcomer。
ButLuciaarrestedher，sayingauthoritatively，"Stayhere，child。Itisherplacetocometoyou，notyourstogotoher。"
"MissMuir，"announcedaservant，andalittleblack-robedfigurestoodinthedoorway。Foraninstantnoonestirred，andthegovernesshadtimetoseeandbeseenbeforeawordwasuttered。Alllookedather，andshecastonthehouseholdgroupakeenglancethatimpressedthemcuriously;
thenhereyesfell，andbowingslightlyshewalkedin。Edwardcameforwardandreceivedherwiththefrankcordialitywhichnothingcoulddauntorchill。
"Mother，thisistheladywhomyouexpected。MissMuir，allowmetoapologizeforourapparentneglectinnotsendingforyou。Therewasamistakeaboutthecarriage，or，rather，thelazyfellowtowhomtheorderwasgivenforgotit。Bella，comehere。"
"Thankyou，noapologyisneeded。Ididnotexpecttobesentfor。"Andthegovernessmeeklysatdownwithoutliftinghereyes。
"Iamgladtoseeyou。Letmetakeyourthings，"
saidBella，rathershyly，forGerald，stilllounging，watchedthefiresidegroupwithlanguidinterest，andLucianeverstirred。Mrs。Coventrytookasecondsurveyandbegan：
"Youwerepunctual，MissMuir，whichpleasesme。
I’masadinvalid，asLadySydneytoldyou，Ihope;sothatMissCoventry’slessonswillbedirectedbymyniece，andyouwillgotoherfordirections，assheknowswhatIwish。YouwillexcusemeifIaskyouafewquestions，forLadySydney’snotewasverybrief，andIlefteverythingtoherjudgment。"
"Askanythingyoulike，madam，"answeredthesoft，sadvoice。
"YouareScotch，Ibelieve。"
"Yes，madam。"
"Areyourparentsliving？"
"Ihavenotarelationintheworld。"
"Dearme，howsad！Doyoumindtellingmeyourage？"
"Nineteen。"AndasmilepassedoverMissMuir’slips，asshefoldedherhandswithanairofresignation，forthecatechismwasevidentlytobealongone。
"Soyoung！LadySydneymentionedfive-and-twenty，Ithink，didn’tshe，Bella？"
"No，Mamma，sheonlysaidshethoughtso。Don’tasksuchquestions。It’snotpleasantbeforeusall，"whisperedBella。
Aquick，gratefulglanceshoneonherfromthesuddenlyliftedeyesofMissMuir，asshesaidquietly，"IwishIwasthirty，but，asIamnot，Idomybesttolookandseemold。"
Ofcourse，everyonelookedatherthen，andallfeltatouchofpityatthesightofthepale-facedgirlinherplainblackdress，withnoornamentbutalittlesilvercrossatherthroat。Small，thin，andcolorlessshewas，withyellowhair，grayeyes，andsharplycut，irregular，butveryexpressivefeatures。Povertyseemedtohavesetitsbondstampuponher，andlifetohavehadforhermorefrostthansunshine。
Butsomethinginthelinesofthemouthbetrayedstrength，andtheclear，lowvoicehadacuriousmixtureofcommandandentreatyinitsvaryingtones。Notanattractivewoman，yetnotanordinaryone;and，asshesattherewithherdelicatehandslyinginherlap，herheadbent，andabitterlookonherthinface，shewasmoreinterestingthanmanyablitheandbloominggirl。Bella’sheartwarmedtoheratonce，andshedrewherseatnearer，whileEdwardwentbacktohisdogsthathispresencemightnotembarrassher。
"Youhavebeenill，Ithink，"continuedMrs。Coventry，whoconsideredthisfactthemostinterestingofallshehadheardconcerningthegoverness。
"Yes，madam，Ileftthehospitalonlyaweekago。"
"Areyouquitesureitissafetobeginteachingsosoon？"
"Ihavenotimetolose，andshallsoongainstrengthhereinthecountry，ifyoucaretokeepme。"
"Andyouarefittedtoteachmusic，French，anddrawing？"
"IshallendeavortoprovethatIam。"
"Bekindenoughtogoandplayanairortwo。Icanjudgebyyourtouch;Iusedtoplayfinelywhenagirl。"
MissMuirrose，lookedaboutherfortheinstrument，andseeingitattheotherendoftheroomwenttowardit，passingGeraldandLuciaasifshedidnotseethem。Bellafollowed，andinamomentforgoteverythinginadmiration。MissMuirplayedlikeonewholovedmusicandwasperfectmistressofherart。Shecharmedthemallbythemagicofthisspell;evenindolentGeraldsatuptolisten，andLuciaputdownherneedle，whileNedwatchedtheslenderwhitefingersastheyflew，andwonderedatthestrengthandskillwhichtheypossessed。
"Pleasesing，"pleadedBella，asabrilliantovertureended。
WiththesamemeekobedienceMissMuircomplied，andbeganalittleScotchmelody，sosweet，sosad，thatthegirl’seyesfilled，andMrs。Coventrylookedforoneofhermanypocket-handkerchiefs。
Butsuddenlythemusicceased，for，withavainattempttosupportherself，thesingerslidfromherseatandlaybeforethestartledlisteners，aswhiteandrigidasifstruckwithdeath。Edwardcaughtherup，and，orderinghisbrotheroffthecouch，laidherthere，whileBellachafedherhands，andhermotherrangforhermaid。Luciabathedthepoorgirl’stemples，andGerald，withunwontedenergy，broughtaglassofwine。SoonMissMuir’slipstrembled，shesighed，thenmurmured，tenderly，withaprettyScotchaccent，asifwanderinginthepast，"Bidewi’me，Mither，I’msaesickansadhereallalone。"
"Takeasipofthis，anditwilldoyougood，mydear，"saidMrs。Coventry，quitetouchedbytheplaintivewords。
Thestrangevoiceseemedtorecallher。Shesatup，lookedabouther，alittlewildly，foramoment，thencollectedherselfandsaid，withapatheticlookandtone，"Pardonme。Ihavebeenonmyfeetallday，and，inmyeagernesstokeepmyappointment，Iforgottoeatsincemorning。I’mbetternow;shallIfinishthesong？"
"Bynomeans。Comeandhavesometea，"saidBella，fullofpityandremorse。
"Scenefirst，verywelldone，"whisperedGeraldtohiscousin。
MissMuirwasjustbeforethem，apparentlylisteningtoMrs。Coventry’sremarksuponfaintingfits;butsheheard，andlookedoverhershoulderswithagesturelikeRachel。Hereyesweregray，butatthatinstanttheyseemedblackwithsomestrongemotionofanger，pride，ordefiance。Acurioussmilepassedoverherfaceasshebowed，andsaidinherpenetratingvoice，"Thanks。Thelastsceneshallbestillbetter。"
YoungCoventrywasacool，indolentman，seldomconsciousofanyemotion，anypassion，pleasurableorotherwise;butatthelook，thetoneofthegoverness，heexperiencedanewsensation，indefinable，yetstrong。Hecoloredand，forthefirsttimeinhislife，lookedabashed。
Luciasawit，andhatedMissMuirwithasuddenhatred;for，inalltheyearsshehadpassedwithhercousin，nolookorwordofhershadpossessedsuchpower。Coventrywashimselfagaininaninstant，withnotraceofthatpassingchange，butalookofinterestinhisusuallydreamyeyes，andatouchofangerinhissarcasticvoice。
"Whatamelodramaticyounglady！Ishallgotomorrow。"
Lucialaughed，andwaswellpleasedwhenhesaunteredawaytobringheracupofteafromthetablewherealittlescenewasjusttakingplace。Mrs。Coventryhadsunkintoherchairagain，exhaustedbytheflurryofthefaintingfit。Bellawasbusiedabouther;andEdward，eagertofeedthepalegoverness，wasawkwardlytryingtomakethetea，afterabeseechingglanceathiscousinwhichshedidnotchoosetoanswer。
Asheupsetthecaddyandutteredadespairingexclamation，MissMuirquietlytookherplacebehindtheurn，sayingwithasmile，andashyglanceattheyoungman，"Allowmetoassumemydutyatonce，andserveyouall。
Iunderstandtheartofmakingpeoplecomfortableinthisway。Thescoop，please。Icangatherthisupquitewellalone，ifyouwilltellmehowyourmotherlikeshertea。"
Edwardpulledachairtothetableandmademerryoverhismishaps，whileMissMuirperformedherlittletaskwithaskillandgracethatmadeitpleasanttowatchher。Coventrylingeredamomentaftershehadgivenhimasteamingcup，toobservehermorenearly，whileheaskedaquestionortwoofhisbrother。Shetooknomorenoticeofhimthanifhehadbeenastatue，andinthemiddleoftheoneremarkheaddressedtoher，sherosetotakethesugarbasintoMrs。Coventry，whowasquitewonbythemodest，domesticgracesofthenewgoverness。
"Really，mydear，youareatreasure;Ihaven’ttastedsuchteasincemypoormaidEllisdied。Bellanevermakesitgood，andMissLuciaalwaysforgetsthecream。Whateveryoudoyouseemtodowell，andthatissuchacomfort。"
"Letmealwaysdothisforyou，then。Itwillbeapleasure，madam。"AndMissMuircamebacktoherseatwithafaintcolorinhercheekwhichimprovedhermuch。
"MybrotheraskedifyoungSydneywasathomewhenyouleft，"saidEdward，forGeraldwouldnottakethetroubletorepeatthequestion。
MissMuirfixedhereyesonCoventry，andansweredwithaslighttremorofthelips，"No，helefthomesomeweeksago。"
Theyoungmanwentbacktohiscousin，saying，ashethrewhimselfdownbesideher，"Ishallnotgotomorrow，butwaittillthethreedaysareout。"
"Why？"demandedLucia。
Loweringhisvoicehesaid，withasignificantnodtowardthegoverness，"BecauseIhaveafancythatsheisatthebottomofSydney’smystery。He’snotbeenhimselflately，andnowheisgonewithoutaword。Iratherlikeromancesinreallife，iftheyarenottoolong，ordifficulttoread。"
"Doyouthinkherpretty？"
"Farfromit，amostuncannylittlespecimen。"
"ThenwhyfancySydneylovesher？"
"Heisanoddity，andlikessensationsandthingsofthatsort。"
"Whatdoyoumean，Gerald？"
"GettheMuirtolookatyou，asshedidatme，andyouwillunderstand。Willyouhaveanothercup，Juno？"
"Yes，please。"Shelikedtohavehimwaituponher，forhedidittonootherwomanexcepthismother。
Beforehecouldslowlyrise，MissMuirglidedtothemwithanothercuponthesalver;and，asLuciatookitwithacoldnod，thegirlsaidunderherbreath，"IthinkithonesttotellyouthatIpossessaquickear，andcannothelphearingwhatissaidanywhereintheroom。Whatyousayofmeisofnoconsequence，butyoumayspeakofthingswhichyoupreferIshouldnothear;therefore，allowmetowarnyou。"Andshewasgoneagainasnoiselesslyasshecame。
"Howdoyoulikethat？"whisperedCoventry，ashiscousinsatlookingafterthegirl，withadisturbedexpression。
"Whatanuncomfortablecreaturetohaveinthehouse！
IamverysorryIurgedhercoming，foryourmotherhastakenafancytoher，anditwillbehardtogetridofher，"saidLucia，halfangry，halfamused。
"Hush，shehearseverywordyousay。Iknowitbytheexpressionofherface，forNedistalkingabouthorses，andshelooksashaughtyaseveryoudid，andthatissayingmuch。Faith，thisisgettinginteresting。"
"Hark，sheisspeaking;Iwanttohear，"andLucialaidherhandonhercousin’slips。Hekissedit，andthenidlyamusedhimselfwithturningtheringstoandfroontheslenderfingers。
"IhavebeeninFranceseveralyears，madam，butmyfrienddiedandIcamebacktobewithLadySydney，till——"Muirpausedaninstant，thenadded，slowly，"tillIfellill。Itwasacontagiousfever，soIwentofmyownaccordtothehospital，notwishingtoendangerher。"
"Veryright，butareyousurethereisnodangerofinfectionnow？"askedMrs。Coventryanxiously。
"None，Iassureyou。Ihavebeenwellforsometime，butdidnotleavebecauseIpreferredtostaythere，thantoreturntoLadySydney。"
"Noquarrel，Ihope？Notroubleofanykind？"
"Noquarrel，but——well，whynot？Youhavearighttoknow，andIwillnotmakeafoolishmysteryoutofaverysimplething。
Asyourfamily，only，ispresent，Imaytellthetruth。Ididnotgobackontheyounggentleman’saccount。Pleaseasknomore。"
"Ah，Isee。Quiteprudentandproper，MissMuir。
Ishallneveralludetoitagain。Thankyouforyourfrankness。Bella，youwillbecarefulnottomentionthistoyouryoungfriends;girlsgossipsadly，anditwouldannoyLadySydneybeyondeverythingtohavethistalkedof。"
"VeryneighborlyofLadyS。tosendthedangerousyoungladyhere，wheretherearetwoyounggentlementobecaptivated。
Iwonderwhyshedidn’tkeepSydneyaftershehadcaughthim，"murmuredCoventrytohiscousin。
"Becauseshehadtheutmostcontemptforatitledfool。"MissMuirdroppedthewordsalmostintohisear，asshebenttotakehershawlfromthesofacorner。
"Howthedeucedidshegetthere？"ejaculatedCoventry，lookingasifhehadreceivedanothersensation。"Shehasspirit，though，anduponmywordIpitySydney，ifhedidtrytodazzleher，forhemusthavegotasplendiddismissal。"
"Comeandplaybilliards。Youpromised，andIholdyoutoyourword，"saidLucia，risingwithdecision，forGeraldwasshowingtoomuchinterestinanothertosuitMissBeaufort。
"Iam，asever，yourmostdevoted。Mymotherisacharmingwoman，butIfindoureveningpartiesslightlydull，whenonlymyownfamilyarepresent。Goodnight，Mamma。"
Heshookhandswithhismother，whoseprideandidolhewas，and，withacomprehensivenodtotheothers，strolledafterhiscousin。
"Nowtheyaregonewecanbequitecozy，andtalkoverthings，forIdon’tmindNedanymorethanIdohisdogs，"saidBella，settlingherselfonhermother’sfootstool。
"Imerelywishtosay，MissMuir，thatmydaughterhasneverhadagovernessandissadlybackwardforagirlofsixteen。
Iwantyoutopassthemorningswithher，andgetheronasrapidlyaspossible。Intheafternoonyouwillwalkordrivewithher，andintheeveningsitwithushere，ifyoulike，oramuseyourselfasyouplease。
Whileinthecountryweareveryquiet，forIcannotbearmuchcompany，andwhenmysonswantgaiety，theygoawayforit。MissBeaufortoverseestheservants，andtakesmyplaceasfaraspossible。Iamverydelicateandkeepmyroomtillevening，exceptforanairingatnoon。Wewilltryeachotherforamonth，andIhopeweshallgetonquitecomfortablytogether。"
"Ishalldomybest，madam。"
Onewouldnothavebelievedthatthemeek，spiritlessvoicewhichutteredthesewordswasthesamethathadstartledCoventryafewminutesbefore，northatthepale，patientfacecouldeverhavekindledwithsuchsuddenfireasthatwhichlookedoverMissMuir’sshoulderwhensheansweredheryounghost’sspeech。
Edwardthoughtwithinhimself，Poorlittlewoman！
Shehashadahardlife。Wewilltryandmakeiteasierwhilesheishere;
andbeganhischaritableworkbysuggestingthatshemightbetired。Sheacknowledgedshewas，andBellaledherawaytoabright，cozyroom，wherewithaprettylittlespeechandagood-nightkissshelefther。
WhenaloneMissMuir’sconductwasdecidedlypeculiar。
Herfirstactwastoclenchherhandsandmutterbetweenherteeth，withpassionateforce，"I’llnotfailagainifthereispowerinawoman’switandwill！"Shestoodamomentmotionless，withanexpressionofalmostfiercedisdainonherface，thenshookherclenchedhandasifmenacingsomeunseenenemy。Nextshelaughed，andshruggedhershoulderswithatrueFrenchshrug，sayinglowtoherself，"Yes，thelastsceneshallbebetterthanthefirst。Mondieu，howtiredandhungryIam！"
Kneelingbeforetheonesmalltrunkwhichheldherworldlypossessions，sheopenedit，drewoutaflask，andmixedaglassofsomeardentcordial，whichsheseemedtoenjoyextremelyasshesatonthecarpet，musing，whileherquickeyesexaminedeverycorneroftheroom。
"Notbad！Itwillbeagoodfieldformetoworkin，andtheharderthetaskthebetterIshalllikeit。Merci，oldfriend。
Youputhearandcourageintomewhennothingelsewill。Come，thecurtainisdown，soImaybemyselfforafewhours，ifactresseseverarethemselves。"
Stillsittingonthefloorsheunboundandremovedthelongabundantbraidsfromherhead，wipedthepinkfromherface，tookoutseveralpearlyteeth，andslippingoffherdressappearedherselfindeed，ahaggard，worn，andmoodywomanofthirtyatleast。Themetamorphosiswaswonderful，butthedisguisewasmoreintheexpressionsheassumedthaninanyartofcostumeorfalseadornment。Nowshewasalone，andhermobilefeaturessettledintotheirnaturalexpression，weary，hard，bitter。
Shehadbeenlovelyonce，happy，innocent，andtender;butnothingofallthisremainedtothegloomywomanwholeanedtherebroodingoversomewrong，orloss，ordisappointmentwhichhaddarkenedallherlife。Foranhourshesatso，sometimesplayingabsentlywiththescanty-locksthathungaboutherface，sometimesliftingtheglasstoherlipsasifthefierydraughtwarmedhercoldblood;andonceshehalfuncoveredherbreasttoeyewithaterribleglancethescarofanewlyhealedwound。Atlastsheroseandcrepttobed，likeonewornoutwithwearinessandmentalpain。
BehindaMask：or，AWoman’sPower。Chapter2AGOODBEGINNINGOnlythehousemaidswereastirwhenMissMuirleftherroomnextmorningandquietlyfoundherwayintothegarden。Asshewalked，apparentlyintentupontheflowers，herquickeyescrutinizedthefineoldhouseanditspicturesquesurroundings。
"Notbad，"shesaidtoherself，adding，asshepassedintotheadjoiningpark，"buttheothermaybebetter，andIwillhavethebest。"
Walkingrapidly，shecameoutatlengthuponthewidegreenlawnwhichlaybeforetheancienthallwhereSirJohnCoventrylivedinsolitarysplendor。Astatelyoldplace，richinoaks，well-keptshrubberies，gaygardens，sunnyterraces，carvedgables，spaciousrooms，liveriedservants，andeveryluxurybefittingtheancestralhomeofarichandhonorablerace。MissMuir’seyesbrightenedasshelooked，herstepgrewfirmer，hercarriageprouder，andasmilebrokeoverherface;thesmileofonewellpleasedattheprospectofthesuccessofsomecherishedhope。Suddenlyherwholeairchanged，shepushedbackherhat，claspedherhandslooselybeforeher，andseemedabsorbedingirlishadmirationofthefairscenethatcouldnotfailtocharmanybeauty-lovingeye。Thecauseofthisrapidchangesoonappeared。Ahale，handsomeman，betweenfiftyandsixty，camethroughthelittlegateleadingtothepark，and，seeingtheyoungstranger，pausedtoexamineher。Hehadonlytimeforaglance，however;sheseemedconsciousofhispresenceinamoment，turnedwithastartledlook，utteredanexclamationofsurprise，andlookedasifhesitatingwhethertospeakorrunaway。GallantSirJohntookoffhishatandsaid，withtheold-fashionedcourtesywhichbecamehimwell，"I
begyourpardonfordisturbingyou，younglady。Allowmetoatoneforitbyinvitingyoutowalkwhereyouwill，andgatherwhatflowersyoulike。
Iseeyoulovethem，sopraymakefreewiththoseaboutyou。"
Withacharmingairofmaidenlytimidityandartlessness，MissMuirreplied，"Oh，thankyou，sir！ButitisIwhoshouldaskpardonfortrespassing。InevershouldhavedaredifIhadnotknownthatSirJohnwasabsent。Ialwayswantedtoseethisfineoldplace，andranoverthefirstthing，tosatisfymyself。"
"Andareyousatisfied？"heasked，withasmile。
"Morethansatisfied——I’mcharmed;foritisthemostbeautifulspotIeversaw，andI’veseenmanyfamousseats，bothathomeandabroad，"sheansweredenthusiastically。
"TheHallismuchflattered，andsowoulditsmasterbeifheheardyou，"beganthegentleman，withanoddexpression。
"Ishouldnotpraiseittohim——atleast，notasfreelyasIhavetoyou，sir，"saidthegirl，witheyesstillturnedaway。
"Whynot？"askedhercompanion，lookingmuchamused。
"Ishouldbeafraid。NotthatIdreadSirJohn;butI’veheardsomanybeautifulandnoblethingsabouthim，andrespecthimsohighly，thatIshouldnotdaretosaymuch，lestheshouldseehowI
admireand——"
"Andwhat，younglady？Finish，ifyouplease。"
"Iwasgoingtosay，lovehim。Iwillsayit，forheisanoldman，andonecannothelplovingvirtueandbravery。"
MissMuirlookedveryearnestandprettyasshespoke，standingtherewiththesunshineglintingonheryellowhair，delicateface，anddowncasteyes。SirJohnwasnotavainman，buthefounditpleasanttohearhimselfcommendedbythisunknowngirl，andfeltredoubledcuriositytolearnwhoshewas。Toowell-bredtoask，ortoabashherbyavowingwhatsheseemedunconsciousof，heleftbothdiscoveriestochance;andwhensheturned，asiftoretracehersteps，heofferedherthehandfulofhothouseflowerswhichheheld，saying，withagallantbow，"InSirJohn’snameletmegiveyoumylittlenosegay，withthanksforyourgoodopinion，which，Iassureyou，isnotentirelydeserved，forIknowhimwell。"
MissMuirlookedupquickly，eyedhimaninstant，thendroppedhereyes，and，coloringdeeply，stammeredout，"Ididnotknow——Ibegyourpardon——youaretookind，SirJohn。"
Helaughedlikeaboy，asking，mischievously，"WhycallmeSirJohn？HowdoyouknowthatIamnotthegardenerorthebutler？"
"Ididnotseeyourfacebefore，andnoonebutyourselfwouldsaythatanypraisewasundeserved，"murmuredMissMuir，stillovercomewithgirlishconfusion。
"Well，well，wewillletthatpass，andthenexttimeyoucomewewillbeproperlyintroduced。BellaalwaysbringsherfriendstotheHall，forIamfondofyoungpeople。"
"Iamnotafriend。IamonlyMissCoventry’sgoverness。"
AndMissMuirdroppedameekcurtsy。AslightchangepassedoverSirJohn’smanner。Fewwouldhaveperceivedit，butMissMuirfeltitatonce，andbitherlipswithanangryfeelingatherheart。Withacuriousairofpride，mingledwithrespect，sheacceptedthestillofferedbouquet，returnedSirJohn’spartingbow，andtrippedaway，leavingtheoldgentlemantowonderwhereMrs。Coventryfoundsuchapiquantlittlegoverness。
"Thatisdone，andverywellforabeginning，"shesaidtoherselfassheapproachedthehouse。
Inagreenpaddockclosebyfedafinehorse，wholifteduphisheadandeyedherinquiringly，likeonewhoexpectedagreeting。
Followingasuddenimpulse，sheenteredthepaddockand，pullingahandfulofclover，invitedthecreaturetocomeandeat。Thiswasevidentlyanewproceedingonthepartofalady，andthehorsecareeredaboutasifbentonfrighteningthenewcomeraway。
"Isee，"shesaidaloud，laughingtoherself。"I
amnotyourmaster，andyourebel。Nevertheless，I’llconqueryou，myfinebrute。"
Seatingherselfinthegrass，shebegantopulldaisies，singingidlythewhile，asifunconsciousofthespiritedprancingsofthehorse。Presentlyhedrewnearer，sniffingcuriouslyandeyeingherwithsurprise。Shetooknonotice，butplaitedthedaisiesandsangonasifhewasnotthere。Thisseemedtopiquethepettedcreature，for，slowlyapproaching，hecameatlengthsoclosethathecouldsmellherlittlefootandnibbleatherdress。Thensheofferedtheclover，utteringcaressingwordsandmakingsoothingsounds，tillbydegreesandwithmuchcoquetting，thehorsepermittedhertostrokehisglossyneckandsmoothhismane。
Itwasaprettysight——theslenderfigureinthegrass，thehigh-spiritedhorsebendinghisproudheadtoherhand。EdwardCoventry，whohadwatchedthescene，founditimpossibletorestrainhimselfanylongerand，leapingthewall，cametojointhegroup，saying，withmingledadmirationandwonderincountenanceandvoice，"Goodmorning，MissMuir。IfIhadnotseenyourskillandcourageprovedbeforemyeyes，Ishouldbealarmedforyoursafety。Hectorisawild，waywardbeast，andhasdamagedmorethanonegroomwhotriedtoconquerhim。"
"Goodmorning，Mr。Coventry。Don’ttelltalesofthisnoblecreature，whohasnotdeceivedmyfaithinhim。Yourgroomsdidnotknowhowtowinhisheart，andsosubduehisspiritwithoutbreakingit。"
MissMuirroseasshespoke，andstoodwithherhandonHector’sneckwhileheatethegrasswhichshehadgatheredintheskirtofherdress。
"Youhavethesecret，andHectorisyoursubjectnow，thoughheretoforehehasrejectedallfriendsbuthismaster。Willyougivehimhismorningfeast？Ialwaysbringhimbreadandplaywithhimbeforebreakfast。"
"Thenyouarenotjealous？"Andshelookedupathimwitheyessobrightandbeautifulinexpressionthattheyoungmanwonderedhehadnotobservedthembefore。
"NotI。Pethimasmuchasyouwill;itwilldohimgood。Heisasolitaryfellow，forhescornshisownkindandlivesalone，likehismaster，"headded，halftohimself。
"Alone，withsuchahappyhome，Mr。Coventry？"Andasoftlycompassionateglancestolefromthebrighteyes。
"Thatwasanungratefulspeech，andIretractitforBella’ssake。Youngersonshavenopositionbutsuchastheycanmakeforthemselves，youknow，andI’vehadnochanceyet。"
"Youngersons！Ithought——Ibegpardon。"AndMissMuirpaused，asifrememberingthatshehadnorighttoquestion。
Edwardsmiledandansweredfrankly，"Nay，don’tmindme。YouthoughtIwastheheir，perhaps。Whomdidyoutakemybrotherforlastnight？"
"ForsomeguestwhoadmiredMissBeaufort。Ididnothearhisname，norobservehimenoughtodiscoverwhohewas。Isawonlyyourkindmother，yourcharminglittlesister，and——"
Shestoppedthere，withahalf-shy，half-gratefullookattheyoungmanwhichfinishedthesentencebetterthananywords。
Hewasstillaboy，inspiteofhisone-and-twentyyears，andalittlecolorcameintohisbrowncheekastheeloquenteyesmethisandfellbeforethem。
"Yes，Bellaisacapitalgirl，andonecan’thelplovingher。Iknowyou’llgetheron，for，really，sheisthemostdelightfullittledunce。Mymother’sillhealthandBella’sdevotiontoherhavepreventedourattendingtohereducationbefore。Nextwinter，whenwegototown，sheistocomeout，andmustbepreparedforthatgreatevent，youknow，"
hesaid，choosingasafesubject。
"Ishalldomybest。AndthatremindsmethatIshouldreportmyselftoher，insteadofenjoyingmyselfhere。Whenonehasbeenillandshutupalongtime，thecountryissolovelyoneisapttoforgetdutyforpleasure。PleaseremindmeifIamnegligent，Mr。Coventry。"
"ThatnamebelongstoGerald。I’monlyMr。Nedhere，"
hesaidastheywalkedtowardthehouse，whileHectorfollowedtothewallandsentasonorousfarewellafterthem。
Bellacamerunningtomeetthem，andgreetedMissMuirasifshehadmadeuphermindtolikeherheartily。"Whatalovelybouquetyouhavegot！Inevercanarrangeflowersprettily，whichvexesme，forMammaissofondofthemandcannotgooutherself。Youhavecharmingtaste，"shesaid，examiningthegracefulposywhichMissMuirhadmuchimprovedbyaddingfeatherygrasses，delicateferns，andfragrantwildflowerstoSirJohn’sexotics。
PuttingthemintoBella’shand，shesaid，inawinningway，"Takethemtoyourmother，then，andaskherifImayhavethepleasureofmakingheradailynosegay;forIshouldfindrealdelightindoingit，ifitwouldpleaseher。"
"Howkindyouare！Ofcourseitwouldpleaseher。
I’lltakethemtoherwhilethedewisstillonthem。"AndawayflewBella，eagertogiveboththeflowersandtheprettymessagetothepoorinvalid。
Edwardstoppedtospeaktothegardener，andMissMuirwentupthestepsalone。Thelonghallwaslinedwithportraits，andpacingslowlydownitsheexaminedthemwithinterest。Onecaughthereye，and，pausingbeforeit，shescrutinizeditcarefully。Ayoung，beautiful，butveryhaughtyfemaleface。MissMuirsuspectedatoncewhoitwas，andgaveadecidednod，asifshesawandcaughtatsomeunexpectedchance。
Asoftrustlebehindhermadeherlookaround，and，seeingLucia，shebowed，halfturned，asifforanotherglanceatthepicture，andsaid，asifinvoluntarily，"Howbeautifulitis！MayIaskifitisanancestor，MissBeaufort？"
"Itisthelikenessofmymother"wasthereply，givenwithasoftenedvoiceandeyesthatlookeduptenderly。
"Ah，Imighthaveknown，fromtheresemblance，butIscarcelysawyoulastnight。Excusemyfreedom，butLadySydneytreatedmeasafriend，andIforgetmyposition。Allowme。"
Asshespoke，MissMuirstoopedtoreturnthehandkerchiefwhichhadfallenfromLucia’shand，anddidsowithahumblemienwhichtouchedtheother’sheart;for，thoughaproud，itwasalsoaverygenerousone。
"Thankyou。Areyoubetter，thismorning？"shesaid，graciously。Andhavingreceivedanaffirmativereply，sheadded，asshewalkedon，"Iwillshowyoutothebreakfastroom，asBellaisnothere。
Itisaveryinformalmealwithus，formyauntisneverdownandmycousinsareveryirregularintheirhours。Youcanalwayshaveyourswhenyoulike，withoutwaitingforusifyouareanearlyriser。"
BellaandEdwardappearedbeforetheotherswereseated，andMissMuirquietlyateherbreakfast，feelingwellsatisfiedwithherhour’swork。NedrecountedherexploitwithHector，Belladeliveredhermother’sthanksfortheflowers，andLuciamorethanoncerecalled，withpardonablevanity，thatthegovernesshadcomparedhertoherlovelymother，expressingbyalookasmuchadmirationforthelivinglikenessasforthepaintedone。Allkindlydidtheirbesttomakethepalegirlfeelathome，andtheircordialmannerseemedtowarmanddrawherout;
forsoonsheputoffhersad，meekairandentertainedthemwithgayanecdotesofherlifeinParis，hertravelsinRussiawhengovernessinPrinceJermadoff’sfamily，andallmannerofwittystoriesthatkepttheminterestedandmerrylongafterthemealwasover。Inthemiddleofanabsorbingadventure，Coventrycamein，noddedlazily，liftedhisbrows，asifsurprisedatseeingthegovernessthere，andbeganhisbreakfastasiftheennuiofanotherdayhadalreadytakenpossessionofhim。MissMuirstoppedshort，andnoentreatiescouldinducehertogoon。
"AnothertimeIwillfinishit，ifyoulike。NowMissBellaandIshouldbeatourbooks。"Andshelefttheroom，followedbyherpupil，takingnonoticeoftheyoungmasterofthehouse，beyondagracefulbowinanswertohiscarelessnod。
"Mercifulcreature！shegoeswhenIcome，anddoesnotmakelifeunendurablebymopingaboutbeforemyeyes。Doesshebelongtothemoral，themelancholy，theromantic，orthedashingclass，Ned？"
saidGerald，loungingoverhiscoffeeashedidovereverythingheattempted。
"Tononeofthem;sheisacapitallittlewoman。
IwishyouhadseenhertameHectorthismorning。"AndEdwardrepeatedhisstory。
"Notabadmoveonherpart，"saidCoventryinreply。
"Shemustbeanobservingaswellasanenergeticyoungperson，todiscoveryourchiefweaknessandattackitsosoon。Firsttamethehorse，andthenthemaster。Itwillbeamusingtowatchthegame，onlyIshallbeunderthepainfulnecessityofcheckmatingyouboth，ifitgetsserious。"
"Youneedn’texertyourself，oldfellow，onmyaccount。
IfIwasnotabovethinkingillofaninoffensivegirl，Ishouldsayyouweretheprizebestworthwinning，andadviseyoutotakecareofyourownheart，ifyou’vegotone，whichIratherdoubt。"
"Ioftendoubtit，myself;butIfancythelittleScotchwomanwillnotbeabletosatisfyeitherofusuponthatpoint。Howdoesyourhighnesslikeher？"askedCoventryofhiscousin，whosatnearhim。
"BetterthanIthoughtIshould。Sheiswell-bred，unassuming，andveryentertainingwhenshelikes。ShehastoldussomeofthewittieststoriesI’veheardforalongtime。Didn’tourlaughterwakeyou？"repliedLucia。
"Yes。Nowatoneforitbyamusingmewitharepetitionofthesewittytales。"
"Thatisimpossible;heraccentandmannerarehalfthecharm，"saidNed。"Iwishyouhadkeptawaytenminuteslonger，foryourappearancespoiltthebeststoryofall。"
"Whydidn’tshegoon？"askedCoventry，witharayofcuriosity。
"Youforgetthatsheoverhearduslastnight，andmustfeelthatyouconsiderherabore。Shehaspride，andnowomanforgetsspeecheslikethoseyoumade，"answeredLucia。
"Orforgivesthem，either，Ibelieve。Well，Imustberesignedtolanguishunderherdispleasurethen。OnSydney’saccountItakeaslightinterestinher;notthatIexpecttolearnanythingfromher，forawomanwithamouthlikethatneverconfidesorconfessesanything。
ButIhaveafancytoseewhatcaptivatedhim;forcaptivatedhewas，beyondadoubt，andbynoladywhomhemetinsociety。Didyoueverhearanythingofit，Ned？"askedGerald。
"I’mnotfondofscandalorgossip，andneverlistentoeither。"WithwhichremarkEdwardlefttheroom。
Luciawascalledoutbythehousekeeperamomentafter，andCoventrylefttothesocietymostwearisometohim，namelyhisown。Asheentered，hehadcaughtapartofthestorywhichMissMuirhadbeentelling，andithadexcitedhiscuriositysomuchthathefoundhimselfwonderingwhattheendcouldbeandwishingthathemighthearit。
Whatthedeucedidsherunawayfor，whenIcamein？hethought。Ifsheisamusing，shemustmakeherselfuseful;forit’sintenselydull，Iown，here，inspiteofLucia。Hey，what’sthat？
Itwasarich，sweetvoice，singingabrilliantItalianair，andsingingitwithanexpressionthatmadethemusicdoublydelicious。
SteppingoutoftheFrenchwindow，Coventrystrolledalongthesunnyterrace，enjoyingthesongwiththerelishofaconnoisseur。Othersfollowed，andstillhewalkedandlistened，forgetfulofwearinessortime。Asoneexquisiteairended，heinvoluntarilyapplauded。MissMuir’sfaceappearedforaninstant，thenvanished，andnomoremusicfollowed，thoughCoventrylingered，hopingtohearthevoiceagain。Formusicwastheonethingofwhichheneverwearied，andneitherLucianorBellapossessedskillenoughtocharmhim。Foranhourheloiteredontheterraceorthelawn，baskinginthesunshine，tooindolenttoseekoccupationorsociety。AtlengthBellacameout，hatinhand，andnearlystumbledoverherbrother，wholayonthegrass。
"Youlazyman，haveyoubeendawdlinghereallthistime？"shesaid，lookingdownathim。
"No，I’vebeenverybusy。Comeandtellmehowyou’vegotonwiththelittledragon。"
"Can’tstop。ShebademetakearunaftermyFrench，sothatImightbereadyformydrawing，andsoImust。"
"It’stoowarmtorun。Sitdownandamuseyourdesertedbrother，whohashadnosocietybutbeesandlizardsforanhour。"
Hedrewherdownashespoke，andBellaobeyed;for，inspiteofhisindolence，hewasonetowhomallsubmittedwithoutdreamingofrefusal。
"Whathaveyoubeendoing？Muddlingyourpoorlittlebrainswithallmannerofelegantrubbish？"
"No，I’vebeenenjoyingmyselfimmensely。Jeanissointeresting，sokindandclever。Shedidn’tboremewithstupidgrammar，butjusttalkedtomeinsuchprettyFrenchthatIgotoncapitally，andlikeitasIneverexpectedto，afterLucia’sdullwayofteachingit。"
"Whatdidyoutalkabout？"
"Oh，allmannerofthings。Sheaskedquestions，andIanswered，andshecorrectedme。"
"Questionsaboutouraffairs，Isuppose？"
"Notone。Shedon’tcaretwosousforusorouraffairs。
Ithoughtshemightliketoknowwhatsortofpeoplewewere，soItoldheraboutPapa’ssuddendeath，UncleJohn，andyou，andNed;butinthemidstofitshesaid，inherquietway，’Youaregettingtooconfidential，mydear。Itisnotbesttotalktoofreelyofone’saffairstostrangers。
Letusspeakofsomethingelse。’"
"Whatwereyoutalkingofwhenshesaidthat，Bell？"
"You。"
"Ah，thennowondershewasbored。"
"Shewastiredofmychatter，anddidn’thearhalfIsaid;orshewasbusysketchingsomethingformetocopy，andthinkingofsomethingmoreinterestingthantheCoventrys。"
"Howdoyouknow？"
"Bytheexpressionofherface。Didyoulikehermusic，Gerald？"
"Yes。WassheangrywhenIclapped？"
"Shelookedsurprised，thenratherproud，andshutthepianoatonce，thoughIbeggedhertogoon。Isn’tJeanaprettyname？"
"Notbad;butwhydon’tyoucallherMissMuir？"
"Shebeggedmenot。Shehatesit，andlovestobecalledJean，alone。I’veimaginedsuchanicelittleromanceabouther，andsomedayIshalltellher，forI’msureshehashadalovetrouble。"
"Don’tgetsuchnonsenseintoyourhead，butfollowMissMuir’swell-bredexampleanddon’tbecuriousaboutotherpeople’saffairs。Askhertosingtonight;itamusesme。"
"Shewon’tcomedown，Ithink。We’veplannedtoreadandworkinmyboudoir，whichistobeourstudynow。Mammawillstayinherroom，soyouandLuciacanhavethedrawingroomalltoyourselves。"
"Thankyou。WhatwillNeddo？"
"HewillamuseMamma，hesays。DearoldNed！Iwishyou’dstiraboutandgethimhiscommission。Heissoimpatienttobedoingsomethingandyetsoproudhewon’taskagain，afteryouhaveneglecteditsomanytimesandrefusedUncle’shelp。"
"I’llattendtoitverysoon;don’tworryme，child。
Hewilldoverywellforatime，quietlyherewithus。"
"Youalwayssaythat，yetyouknowhechafesandisunhappyatbeingdependentonyou。MammaandIdon’tmind;butheisaman，anditfretshim。Hesaidhe’dtakemattersintohisownhandssoon，andthenyoumaybesorryyouweresoslowinhelpinghim。"
"MissMuirislookingoutofthewindow。You’dbettergoandtakeyourrun，elseshewillscold。"
"Notshe。I’mnotabitafraidofher，she’ssogentleandsweet。I’mfondofheralready。You’llgetasbrownasNed，lyinghereinthesun。Bytheway，MissMuiragreeswithmeinthinkinghimhandsomerthanyou。"
"Iadmirehertasteandquiteagreewithher。"
"Shesaidhewasmanly，andthatwasmoreattractivethanbeautyinaman。Shedoesexpressthingssonicely。NowI’moff。"
AndawaydancedBella，hummingtheburdenofMissMuir’ssweetestsong。
"’Energyismoreattractivethanbeautyinaman。’
Sheisright，buthowthedeucecanamanbeenergetic，withnothingtoexpendhisenergiesupon？"musedCoventry，withhishatoverhiseyes。
Afewmomentslater，thesweepofadresscaughthisear。Withoutstirring，asidelongglanceshowedhimMissMuircomingacrosstheterrace，asiftojoinBella。Twostonestepsleddowntothelawn。Helaynearthem，andMissMuirdidnotseehimtillcloseuponhim。
Shestartedandslippedonthelaststep，recoveredherself，andglidedon，withaglanceofunmistakablecontemptasshepassedtherecumbentfigureoftheapparentsleeper。SeveralthingsinBella’sreporthadnettledhim，butthislookmadehimangry，thoughhewouldnotownit，eventohimself。
"Gerald，comehere，quick！"presentlycalledBella，fromtherusticseatwhereshestoodbesidehergoverness，whosatwithherhandoverherfaceasifinpain。
Gatheringhimselfup，Coventryslowlyobeyed，butinvoluntarilyquickenedhispaceasheheardMissMuirsay，"Don’tcallhim;hecandonothing";fortheemphasisontheword"he"wasverysignificant。
"Whatisit，Bella？"heasked，lookingratherwiderawakethanusual。
"YoustartledMissMuirandmadeherturnherankle。
Nowhelphertothehouse，forsheisingreatpain;anddon’tliethereanymoretofrightenpeoplelikeasnakeinthegrass，"saidhissisterpetulantly。
"Ibegyourpardon。Willyouallowme？"AndCoventryofferedhisarm。
MissMuirlookedupwiththeexpressionwhichannoyedhimandansweredcoldly，"Thankyou，MissBellawilldoaswell。"
"Permitmetodoubtthat。"Andwithagesturetoodecidedtoberesisted，Coventrydrewherarmthroughhisandledherintothehouse。Shesubmittedquietly，saidthepainwouldsoonbeover，andwhensettledonthecouchinBella’sroomdismissedhimwiththebriefestthanks。Consideringtheunwontedexertionhehadmade，hethoughtshemighthavebeenalittlemoregrateful，andwentawaytoLucia，whoalwaysbrightenedwhenhecame。
NomorewasseenofMissMuirtillteatime;fornow，whilethefamilywereinretirement，theydinedearlyandsawnocompany。
Thegovernesshadexcusedherselfatdinner，butcamedownintheeveningalittlepalerthanusualandwithaslightlimpinhergait。SirJohnwasthere，talkingwithhisnephew，andtheymerelyacknowledgedherpresencebythesortofbowwhichgentlemenbestowongovernesses。Assheslowlymadeherwaytoherplacebehindtheurn，Coventrysaidtohisbrother，"Takeherafootstool，andaskherhowsheis，Ned。"Then，asifnecessarytoaccountforhispolitenesstohisuncle，heexplainedhowhewasthecauseoftheaccident。
"Yes，yes。Iunderstand。Ratheranicelittleperson，Ifancy。Notexactlyabeauty，butaccomplishedandwell-bred，whichisbetterforoneofherclass。"
"Sometea，SirJohn？"saidasoftvoiceathiselbow，andtherewasMissMuir，offeringcupstothegentlemen。
"Thankyou，thankyou，"saidSirJohn，sincerelyhopingshehadoverheardhim。
AsCoventrytookhis，hesaidgraciously，"Youareveryforgiving，MissMuir，towaituponme，afterIhavecausedyousomuchpain。"
"Itismyduty，sir"washerreply，inatonewhichplainlysaid，"butnotmypleasure。"Andshereturnedtoherplace，tosmile，andchat，andbecharming，withBellaandherbrother。
Lucia，hoveringnearheruncleandGerald，keptthemtoherself，butwasdisturbedtofindthattheireyesoftenwanderedtothecheerfulgroupaboutthetable，andthattheirattentionseemeddistractedbythefrequentburstsoflaughterandfragmentsofanimatedconversationwhichreachedthem。Inthemidstofanaccountofatragicaffairwhichsheendeavoredtomakeasinterestingandpatheticaspossible，SirJohnburstintoaheartylaugh，whichbetrayedthathehadbeenlisteningtoalivelierstorythanherown。Muchannoyed，shesaidhastily，"Iknewitwouldbeso！Bellahasnoideaofthepropermannerinwhichtotreatagoverness。SheandNedwillforgetthedifferenceofrankandspoilthatpersonforherwork。Sheisinclinedtobepresumptuousalready，andifmyauntwon’ttroubleherselftogiveMissMuirahintintime，Ishall。"
"Waittillshehasfinishedthatstory，Ibegofyou，"saidCoventry，forSirJohnwasalreadyoff。
"Ifyoufindthatnonsensesoentertaining，whydon’tyoufollowUncle’sexample？Idon’tneedyou。"
"Thankyou。Iwill。"AndLuciawasdeserted。
ButMissMuirhadendedand，beckoningtoBella，lefttheroom，asifquiteunconsciousofthehonorconferreduponherorthedullnesssheleftbehindher。Nedwentuptohismother，GeraldreturnedtomakehispeacewithLucia，and，biddingthemgood-night，SirJohnturnedhomeward。Strollingalongtheterrace，hecametothelightedwindowofBella’sstudy，andwishingtosayawordtoher，hehalfpushedasidethecurtainandlookedin。Apleasantlittlescene。Bellaworkingbusily，andnearherinalowchair，withthelightfallingonherfairhairanddelicateprofile，satMissMuir，readingaloud。"Novels！"thoughtSirJohn，andsmiledatthemforapairofromanticgirls。Butpausingtolistenamomentbeforehespoke，hefounditwasnonovel，buthistory，readwithafluencywhichmadeeveryfactinteresting，everysketchofcharactermemorable，bythedramaticeffectgiventoit。SirJohnwasfondofhistory，andfailingeyesightoftencurtailedhisfavoriteamusement。
Hehadtriedreaders，butnonesuitedhim，andhehadgivenuptheplan。
Nowashelistened，hethoughthowpleasantlythesmoothlyflowingvoicewouldwileawayhisevenings，andheenviedBellahernewacquisition。
Abellrang，andBellasprangup，saying，"Waitformeaminute。ImustruntoMamma，andthenwewillgoonwiththischarmingprince。"
Awayshewent，andSirJohnwasabouttoretireasquietlyashecame，whenMissMuir’speculiarbehaviorarrestedhimforaninstant。Droppingthebook，shethrewherarmsacrossthetable，laidherheaddownuponthem，andbrokeintoapassionoftears，likeonewhocouldbearrestraintnolonger。Shockedandamazed，SirJohnstoleaway;
butallthatnightthekindheartedgentlemanpuzzledhisbrainswithconjecturesabouthisniece’sinterestingyounggoverness，quiteunconsciousthatsheintendedheshoulddoso。
BehindaMask：or，AWoman’sPower。Chapter3PASSIONANDPIQUEForseveralweeksthemostmonotonoustranquillityseemedtoreignatCoventryHouse，andyet，unseen，unsuspected，astormwasgathering。
ThearrivalofMissMuirseemedtoproduceachangeineveryone，thoughnoonecouldhaveexplainedhoworwhy。Nothingcouldbemoreunobtrusiveandretiringthanhermanners。ShewasdevotedtoBella，whosoonadoredher，andwasonlyhappywheninhersociety。SheministeredinmanywaystoMrs。Coventry’scomfort，andthatladydeclaredthereneverwassuchanurse。Sheamused，interestedandwonEdwardwithherwitandwomanlysympathy。ShemadeLuciarespectandenvyherforheraccomplishments，andpiquedindolentGeraldbyherpersistentavoidanceofhim，whileSirJohnwascharmedwithherrespectfuldeferenceandthegracefullittleattentionsshepaidhiminafrankandartlessway，verywinningtothelonelyoldman。Theveryservantslikedher;andinsteadofbeing，whatmostgovernessesare，aforlorncreaturehoveringbetweensuperiorsandinferiors，JeanMuirwasthelifeofthehouse，andthefriendofallbuttwo。
Luciadislikedher，andCoventrydistrustedher;
neithercouldexactlysaywhy，andneitherownedthefeeling，eventothemselves。
Bothwatchedhercovertlyyetfoundnoshortcominganywhere。Meek，modest，faithful，andinvariablysweet-tempered——theycouldcomplainofnothingandwonderedattheirowndoubts，thoughtheycouldnotbanishthem。
Itsooncametopassthatthefamilywasdivided，orratherthattwomemberswereleftverymuchtothemselves。Pleadingtimidity，JeanMuirkeptmuchinBella’sstudyandsoonmadeitsuchapleasantlittlenookthatNedandhismother，andoftenSirJohn，cameintoenjoythemusic，reading，orcheerfulchatwhichmadetheeveningssogay。Luciaatfirstwasonlytoogladtohavehercousintoherself，andhetoolazytocarewhatwentonabouthim。Butpresentlyheweariedofhersociety，forshewasnotabrilliantgirl，andpossessedfewofthosewinningartswhichcharmamanandstealintohisheart。Rumorsofthemerrymakingsthatwentonreachedhimandmadehimcurioustosharethem;echoesoffinemusicwentsoundingthroughthehouse，asheloungedabouttheemptydrawingroom;andpealsoflaughterreachedhimwhilelisteningtoLucia’sgravediscourse。
Shesoondiscoveredthathersocietyhadlostitscharm，andthemoreeagerlyshetriedtopleasehim，themoresignallyshefailed。BeforelongCoventryfellintoahabitofstrollingoutupontheterraceofanevening，andamusinghimselfbypassingandrepassingthewindowofBella’sroom，catchingglimpsesofwhatwasgoingonandreportingtheresultofhisobservationstoLucia，whowastooproudtoaskadmissiontothehappycircleortoseemtodesireit。
"IshallgotoLondontomorrow，Lucia，"Geraldsaidoneevening，ashecamebackfromwhathecalled"asurvey，"lookingverymuchannoyed。
"ToLondon？"exclaimedhiscousin，surprised。
"Yes，ImustbestirmyselfandgetNedhiscommission，oritwillbealloverwithhim。"
"Howdoyoumean？"
"Heisfallinginloveasfastasitispossibleforaboytodoit。Thatgirlhasbewitchedhim，andhewillmakeafoolofhimselfverysoon，unlessIputastoptoit。"
"Iwasafraidshewouldattemptaflirtation。Thesepersonsalwaysdo，theyaresuchamischief-makingrace。"
"Ah，butthereyouarewrong，asfaraslittleMuirisconcerned。Shedoesnotflirt，andNedhastoomuchsenseandspirittobecaughtbyasillycoquette。Shetreatshimlikeaneldersister，andminglesthemostattractivefriendlinesswithaquietdignitythatcaptivatestheboy。I’vebeenwatchingthem，andthereheis，devouringherwithhiseyes，whileshereadsafascinatingnovelinthemostfascinatingstyle。BellaandMammaareabsorbedinthetale，andseenothing;butNedmakeshimselfthehero，MissMuirtheheroine，andlivesthelovescenewithalltheardorofamanwhosehearthasjustwakedup。Poorlad！Poorlad！"
Lucialookedathercousin，amazedbytheenergywithwhichhespoke，theanxietyinhisusuallylistlessface。Thechangebecamehim，foritshowedwhathemightbe，makingoneregretstillmorewhathewas。Beforeshecouldspeak，hewasgoneagain，toreturnpresently，laughing，yetlookingalittleangry。
"Whatnow？"sheasked。
"’Listenersneverhearanygoodofthemselves’isthetruestofproverbs。IstoppedamomenttolookatNed，andheardthefollowingflatteringremarks。Mammaisgone，andNedwasaskinglittleMuirtosingthatdeliciousbarcaroleshegaveustheotherevening。
"’Notnow，nothere，’shesaid。
"’Whynot？Yousangitinthedrawingroomreadilyenough，’saidNed，imploringly。
"’Thatisaverydifferentthing，’andshelookedathimwithalittleshakeofthehead，forhewasfoldinghishandsanddoingthepassionatepathetic。
"’Comeandsingittherethen，’saidinnocentBella。
’Geraldlikesyourvoicesomuch，andcomplainsthatyouwillneversingtohim。’
"’Heneverasksme，’saidMuir，withanoddsmile。
"’Heistoolazy，buthewantstohearyou。’
"’Whenheasksme，Iwillsing——ifIfeellikeit。’Andsheshruggedhershoulderswithaprovokinggestureofindifference。
"’Butitamuseshim，andhegetssoboreddownhere，’
beganstupidlittleBella。’Don’tbeshyorproud，Jean，butcomeandentertainthepooroldfellow。’
"’No，thankyou。IengagedtoteachMissCoventry，nottoamuseMr。Coventry’wasalltheanswershegot。
"’YouamuseNed，whynotGerald？Areyouafraidofhim？’askedBella。
"MissMuirlaughed，suchascornfullaugh，andsaid，inthatpeculiartoneofhers，’Icannotfancyanyonebeingafraidofyourelderbrother。’
"’Iam，veryoften，andsowouldyoube，ifyoueversawhimangry。’AndBellalookedasifI’dbeatenher。
"’Doesheeverwakeupenoughtobeangry？’askedthatgirl，withanairofsurprise。HereNedbrokeintoafitoflaughter，andtheyareatitnow，Ifancy，bythesound。"
"Theirfoolishgossipisnotworthgettingexcitedabout，butIcertainlywouldsendNedaway。It’snousetryingtogetridof’thatgirl，’asyousay，formyauntisasdeludedaboutherasNedandBella，andshereallydoesgetthechildalongsplendidly。DispatchNed，andthenshecandonoharm，"saidLucia，watchingCoventry’salteredfaceashestoodinthemoonlight，justoutsidethewindowwhereshesat。
返回顶部