And even Nell would perhaps smile at me as a simpleton if she saw me looking for particular affection.

Even you, Hetty--you who think so much about love!--could I manage you at all if I did not know how to look stern ?" "You could," said Hetty; "you could manage me better by smiling at me; just try, Miss Davis.

But oh, I forgot; I have got to be a governess too, and perhaps I had better be hardened up." Miss Davis was silent, thinking over Hetty's words.

That this ardent child found her "hardened up" was an unpleasant surprise to her; but she was not above taking a hint even from one so young and faulty as Hetty.
She would try to be warmer, brighter with this girl.

And then she reflected sadly on the prospect before Hetty.