"It is by her desire that I call her my mother." By this time Miss Davis knew who Hetty was, as she had heard something about Mrs.Rushton's having adopted a village child.
"My dears," she said, "don't let us be unkind to each other.

Come, we must have our tea, and Miss Gray will be social and join us, even though she has had some before." And she handed a cup to the little visitor.
"Now, Hetty," continued Miss Davis, "I suppose I may call you Hetty, instead of Miss Gray, as you are only a little girl ?" "Yes," said Hetty slowly, half liking Miss Davis, but feeling afraid she was laughing at her.
Tea was finished almost in silence, not all Miss Davis's efforts making Hetty and Phyllis feel at ease with each other.

Nell, being rather in awe of her elder sister, of whose general propriety of conduct and good sense she had a high opinion, was not very successful in her attempts at conversation.

When the meal was over Miss Davis proposed a walk in the garden before study time.
"Can you play lawn tennis ?" asked Nell as they walked towards the tennis-ground.
"No, I never play at anything," said Hetty sadly, "When not with--_my mamma_," she said with a flash of the eyes at seeing Phyllis looking at her, "I have always been alone." Miss Davis glanced at the child with pity, but Hetty, catching her eye, would not bear to be pitied.
"It is much pleasanter to be with grown people in the drawing-room," she said.

"I should not like at all to live as you do." "Do you always wear such splendid frocks ?" asked Phyllis, examining her from head to foot with critical eyes.
"Yes," said Hetty.