Fanny had obediently swallowed her own globule, but little Wilfred was
a different matter, and she retreated from the large eyes and open book,
saying that he was better, and that Mr. Frampton should look at him; but
Rachel was not to be eluded, and was in full career of elucidation to
the meanest capacity, when a sharp skirmish between the boys ended
the conversation, and it appeared that Conrade had caught Francis
just commencing an onslaught on the globules, taking them for English
sweetmeats of a minute description.
The afternoon passed with the strange heaviness well known to those who
find it hard to resume broken threads after long parting. There was much
affection, but not full certainty what to talk about, and the
presence of the boys would have hindered confidence, even had they not
incessantly occupied their mother. Conrade, indeed, betook himself to
a book, but Francis was only kept out of mischief by his constantly
turning over pictures with him; however, at dark, Coombe came to convey
them home, and the ladies of the Homestead experienced a sense of
relief. Rachel immediately began to talk of an excellent preparatory
school.
"I was thinking of asking you," said Fanny, "if there is any one here
who would come as a daily governess."
"Oh!" cried Rachel, "these two would be much better at school, and I
would form the little ones, who are still manageable."
"Conrade is not eight years old yet," said his mother in an imploring
tone, "and the Major said I need not part with him till he has grown a
little more used to English ways."
"He can read, I see," said Grace, "and he told me he had done some Latin
with the Major."
"Yes, he has picked up a vast deal of information, and on the voyage the
Major used to teach him out of a little pocket Virgil. The Major said it
would not be of much use at school, as there was no dictionary; but
that the discipline and occupation would be useful, and so they were.
Conrade, will do anything for the Major, and indeed so will they all."
Three Majors in one speech, thought Rachel; and by way of counteraction
she enunciated, "I could undertake the next pair of boys easily, but
these two are evidently wanting school discipline."
Lady Temple feathered up like a mother dove over her nest.
"You do not know Conrade. He is so trustworthy and affectionate, dear
boy, and they are both always good with me. The Major said it often
hurts boys to send them too young."