Georgie was not allowed to walk in the wet grass, to climb up the ladder on to the half-completed hayrick, and romp under the rick-cloth, to paddle with naked feet in the shallow brook, or any other of the things that country children have done from time immemorial.

Such things she was taught were not ladylike, and, above all, she was kept away from the cottage people.

She was not permitted to enter their doors, to converse with the women, or to watch the carter with his horses.

Such vulgar folk and their vulgar dialect were to be carefully avoided.

Nor must she get into a hedge after a bird's-nest, lest she should tear her frock.
It was not long before the governess really ruled the house.