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。