Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/273

Rh only think of that odious Mrs. Bennett never naming you. What does she keep you shut up here for?"

"You did not know then that I was governess to the children."

"Governess!" cried Miss Elphinstone: "do you think that I should have been here a week without seeing you if I had had the most remote idea of it. I heard that there were two children heavily afflicted, and of course avoided any enquiry. Ah, I see how it is, you are too pretty."

Fanny blushed, and added, "But I must not keep you here, you will be missed."

"Very true," replied the other, "and, as my father's friend, I would not affront Mr. Bennett: but I have so much to say to you. Do you mind sitting up? Come with me to my room, I must leave you there; I shall say good night as soon as I can, down stairs, and you can, in the meantime, take a nap on the sofa."

"But Mrs. Bennett will be angry."

"I do not care for the unreasonable anger of