"Gerald, come here, quick!" presently called Bella, from the rustic seat

where she stood beside her governess, who sat with her hand over her

face as if in pain.

Gathering himself up, Coventry slowly obeyed, but involuntarily

quickened his pace as he heard Miss Muir say, "Don't call him; he can

do nothing"; for the emphasis on the word "he" was very significant.

"What is it, Bella?" he asked, looking rather wider awake than usual.

"You startled Miss Muir and made her turn her ankle. Now help her to the

house, for she is in great pain; and don't lie there anymore to frighten

people like a snake in the grass," said his sister petulantly.

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"I beg your pardon. Will you allow me?" And Coventry offered his arm.

Miss Muir looked up with the expression which annoyed him and answered

coldly, "Thank you, Miss Bella will do as well."

"Permit me to doubt that." And with a gesture too decided to be

resisted, Coventry drew her arm through his and led her into the house.

She submitted quietly, said the pain would soon be over, and when

settled on the couch in Bella's room dismissed him with the briefest

thanks. Considering the unwonted exertion he had made, he thought she

might have been a little more grateful, and went away to Lucia, who

always brightened when he came.

No more was seen of Miss Muir till teatime; for now, while the family

were in retirement, they dined early and saw no company. The governess

had excused herself at dinner, but came down in the evening a little

paler than usual and with a slight limp in her gait. Sir John was there,

talking with his nephew, and they merely acknowledged her presence by

the sort of bow which gentlemen bestow on governesses. As she slowly

made her way to her place behind the urn, Coventry said to his brother,

"Take her a footstool, and ask her how she is, Ned." Then, as if

necessary to account for his politeness to his uncle, he explained how

he was the cause of the accident.

"Yes, yes. I understand. Rather a nice little person, I fancy. Not

exactly a beauty, but accomplished and well-bred, which is better for

one of her class."

"Some tea, Sir John?" said a soft voice at his elbow, and there was Miss

Muir, offering cups to the gentlemen.

"Thank you, thank you," said Sir John, sincerely hoping she had

overheard him.

As Coventry took his, he said graciously, "You are very forgiving, Miss

Muir, to wait upon me, after I have caused you so much pain."

"It is my duty, sir" was her reply, in a tone which plainly said, "but

not my pleasure." And she returned to her place, to smile, and chat, and

be charming, with Bella and her brother.




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