of a real bit of
the world can do you no harm. The world has its good points; you will
find that out presently. Perhaps you may not like it, but some people do.
In your case there is no saying. To-morrow I will tell you another story,
but it shall be of the graver and sadder side of life. That story will
also introduce the nobler side of life. But now the time has come for me
to ask you a question, and I expect an answer. The time has come for me
to ask a very straight question.--Verena, you are the eldest; I shall
speak to you."

"Yes?" said Verena.

She felt herself coloring. She said afterwards she knew exactly what was
coming. Pauline must have known also, for she pinched Verena's arm.

"Yes?" repeated the young girl.

"You are surprised at the story I have just related to you," continued
Miss Tredgold. "You think that the courtly grace, the sweet refinement,
the elegant manners, the words that speak of due knowledge of life and
men and women, represent a state of fetterdom; but you must also have
felt their charm."

"To a certain extent," said Verena slowly, "what you have said excited
me."

"You feel it possible that, under certain circumstances, you, too, could
belong to such a group?"

"Perhaps," said Verena.

"There is not a doubt of it, my dear. A few years' training, a little of
that discipline which you call fetters, pretty manners, and suitable
dress would make you quite the sort of girl who would appear amongst my
cultivated friends in the garden by the River Thames. But now for my
question: Could your friend, Nancy King, ever figure in such an
assembly?"

"It would not perhaps be her world," said Verena.

"You have answered me. Now I am going to say something that may annoy
you; nevertheless I must say it. Your acquaintanceship with that girl as
a friend must cease, and absolutely. She is not your equal. You are not
to know her as a friend. If you meet her, there is no reason why you
should not be civil, but civility and friendship are different things. If
the time comes when she is in need or in trouble, I should be deeply
sorry to think you would not help her, but as a friend she is to cease to
exist for you. This is my firm command to all of you girls. There are to
be no two voices on the subject. You may not agree with me now, and you
may think me hard, but I insist on having my own way. You cease to know
Nancy King as a friend. I shall myself write to that young person and
forbid her to