That afternoon she called Bridget to her.
'Bride,' she said, 'I have something to say to you.'
'Yes, mamma,' Biddy replied, but without giving much attention. It was probably, she thought, only to reprove her for her way of sitting at table, or for having been cross to Jane, or for one of the hundred and one little misdemeanours she was always being guilty of. And Biddy was in a queerish mood just now: there was a good deal of battling and pulling two ways going on in her baby heart. Was the lazy little _soul_ beginning to grow, I wonder?
'Yes, mamma,' she said indifferently, with her peevish 'I didn't mean,' quite ready to trot out on the smallest provocation.
'You must give your attention, my dear,' said Mrs. Vane; 'it is something rather particular I want to tell you about.'
'I _am_ giving my attention,' said Biddy, though it did not look very like it.
'Well, then,' her mother went on, determined not to notice Bride's evident wish to pick a quarrel, 'listen. You know that Miss Millet cannot come back to us for a good long while. Alie's lessons do not matter so much as yours, for she is very well on for her age and a little rest will do her no harm; besides, she will have some lessons with papa and some with me. But we have not time for you too.'
'And you couldn't manage me if you had,' said Biddy gloomily.
Mrs. Vane took no notice--'And besides, at your age it is most important to be very regular. So I have engaged a daily governess for you, my dear Biddy--that means a governess who will come every morning for three hours, just to teach you. But she won't live in the house with us as Miss Millet does.'
'Won't she take us walks?' demanded Biddy.
'Not every day, for some days she is engaged in the afternoons. But twice a week she will come back in the afternoons and take you a walk and stay to have tea with you. Her name is Miss Neale; she is very nice, though she is younger and--less experienced than Miss Millet. I hope you will be very good with her, Bride.'
'No, mamma,' she said. 'I don't want to be naughty, but I can't help it. I'm sure I shall be very naughty with her.'
Mrs. Vane kept her patience. She looked at Biddy quietly.
'Why, Biddy?' she asked. 'You are old enough to understand that I have taken a good deal of trouble about this for you.'