Even the words of protection died on Lady Erpingham's lip, and she it was who felt bashful and disconcerted.
I intend to pass rapidly over the years that elapsed till Constance became a woman.

Let us glance at her education.

Vernon had not only had her instructed in the French and Italian; but, a deep and impassioned scholar himself, he had taught her the elements of the two great languages of the ancient world.

The treasures of those languages she afterwards conquered of her own accord.
Lady Erpingham had one daughter, who married when Constance had reached the age of sixteen.

The advantages Lady Eleanor Erpingham possessed in her masters and her governess Constance shared.