The feeble novels reappeared, and as Alice made no adverse comment, they soon came and went with the old regularity.
This afternoon the sisters were disposed for conversation.

The same grave thought preoccupied both of them, and they soon made it their subject.
'Surely,' Alice began by murmuring, half absently, 'I shall soon hear of something.' 'I am dreadfully uneasy on my own account,' her sister replied.
'You think the person at Southend won't write again ?' 'I'm afraid not.

And she seemed so _very_ unsatisfactory.

Positively illiterate--oh, I couldn't bear that.' Virginia gave a shudder as she spoke.
'I almost wish,' said Alice, 'that I had accepted the place at Plymouth.' 'Oh, my dear! Five children and not a penny of salary.

It was a shameless proposal.' 'It was, indeed,' sighed the poor governess.