Margaret at once decided that she was not the child's mother, nor an elder sister, but some one who had charge of her, though not exactly a governess.

The child was about nine years old; she had a quantity of golden hair that waved naturally, and a spiritual face with deep violet eyes, a broad white forehead and a pathetic little mouth.
She examined each picture, and then looked up quickly at the lady, keeping her wide eyes fixed on the latter's face with an expression of watchful interest.

The lady explained each picture to her, but in such a soft whisper that Margaret could not hear a sound.

Yet the child evidently understood every word easily.

It was natural to suppose that the lady spoke under her breath in order not to disturb Margaret while she was asleep.
'It is very kind of you to whisper,' said the Primadonna graciously, 'but I am awake now.' The lady turned with a pleasant smile.
'Thank you,' she answered.
The child did not notice Margaret's little speech, but looked up from the book for the explanation of the next picture.
'It is the inside of the Colosseum in Rome, and you will see it before long,' said the lady very distinctly.