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Rh, as they could scarcely help doing, the growth of Mr. John's attachment to herself, that they approved of it. His pleasure in the governess's society was greater and more unmixed than that of his noble betrothed. Miss Hope was older, more experienced, and had more tact. Lady Eveline was timid and sensitive; she did not love him well enough to be confiding and affectionate, and though they were engaged, he had always stood a little in awe of her. Under a very commonplace character, John Derrick concealed an enormous amount of vanity, and a disposition to take deep offence if he was slighted, so that Miss Hope, who really loved him, and to whom he was the most important person in he world, was sure to be a pleasanter companion than the inexperienced girl who had been persuaded into an engagement with him for family and worldly reasons, and whose parents underrated all but the wealth of her suitor.

When Lady Eveline's name was mentioned in conversation between pupil and teacher, John Derrick thought it rather good fun to speak slightingly of her beauty and other attractions. His promise to keep the engagement secret allowed of this latitude, and as Charlotte and Anne were always praising the Lady Eveline, he though it necessary to say something