"Tell me, Herbert, what is the matter with that curious old woman ?" "Do you mean Mrs.Presty ?" "Yes.

She has just been telling me that our friend Mrs.MacEdwin has taken a fancy to Miss Westerfield, and would be only too glad to deprive us of our pretty governess." "Did Mrs.Presty say that in Miss Westerfield's presence ?" "No.

Soon after you and Catherine left the room, Miss Westerfield left it too.

I daresay I am wrong, for I haven't had time to think of it; but Mrs.Presty's manner suggested to me that she would be glad to see the poor girl sent out of the house." "I am going to speak to her, Randal, on that very subject.

Is she still in the drawing-room ?" "Yes." "Did she say anything more to you ?" "I didn't give her the chance; I don't like Mrs.Presty.You look worn and worried, Herbert.