herself. "I came here to instruct these children," said she to herself,
"not to act in the capacity of nursery-maid. However, I will bear it
patiently for the present; perhaps I shall gain an influence over them,
by having them so constantly with me, that I could not acquire in any
other way. There is so much to be corrected in their habits and
language, besides their being so woefully ignorant!"

Agnes continued talking pleasantly to little Rosa, while she was
dressing; and when they went down stairs, hand in hand, the very
pleasantest relations appeared to be established between them.

"What shall we call you?" asked Rosa.

"You may call me 'cousin Agnes,' if you choose," she answered, "and if
your papa and mamma are willing."

"Oh, I shall like that!" said Rosa.

Soon after Agnes and little Rosa re-entered the sitting-room, the Misses
Fairland returned from their walk. They were gayly and showily attired
in the very height of the fashion, and entered the door talking and
laughing very loudly; but when introduced to Miss Elwyn, they stopped
and opened their eyes in unaffected amazement. As Agnes rose with
graceful ease to meet them, looking so lovely in her deep mourning
dress, and with her rich waving chesnut hair, simply parted on her
forehead, and gathered in a knot behind, there was a most striking
contrast between her and the gaudily dressed, beflounced, and beflowered
ladies, who were fashionably and formally curtseying, and presenting her
the tips of their fingers.

Though younger by some years than the youngest of the Miss Fairlands,
there was a dignified self-possession about Agnes, which was quite
astonishing to them. Though rather of the _hoyden-ish_ class themselves,
they could not fail at once to recognize the air of refinement which
marks the true lady, and while intending by their own appearance to
over-awe the new governess, they were so completely taken by surprise by
her perfect ease and composure of manner, that they alone appeared stiff
and awkward, and she unembarrassed and easy.

And this was the prim old-maidish governess they had been expecting!
this fresh, blooming, lovely looking girl! It was by no means a pleasant
surprise to the Misses Fairland. However, she was nothing but a
_governess_ after all; and could easily be kept in the back ground; it
was to Be hoped she would know her place and keep it.

The Misses Fairland made the mistake very common with persons of weak
mind, and li