Miss Davis was netting energetically, and Hetty, who had been studying busily, dropped her book and was gazing absently into the fire.
"Hetty," said Miss Davis presently, "put away your book, I want to talk to you." Hetty obeyed, and looked at her governess expectantly.
"My dear, you know very well that in another year I shall no longer be needed here.

Phyllis and Nell will then be eighteen and seventeen, and their mother has decided that they shall come out at the same time.

When I am gone there will no longer be any object in your staying in this house.

And yet, as you will then be only sixteen, you will be young to begin your life among strangers." "Yes," said Hetty with a sinking of the heart; "but it is very good of you to think about me like this.

Of course I shall have to go.