Without making an attempt to assert her authority, the new governess succeeded nevertheless when older and wiser women would have failed.
The secret of Sydney's triumph over adverse circumstances lay hidden in Sydney herself.
Everything in the ordinary routine of life at Mount Morven was a source of delight and surprise to the unfortunate creature who had passed through six years of cruelty, insult, and privation at her aunt's school.

Look where she might, in her new sphere of action, she saw pleasant faces and heard kind words.

At meal times, wonderful achievements in the art of cookery appeared on the table which she had not only never tasted, but never even heard of.

When she went out walking with her pupil they were free to go where they pleased, without restriction of time--except the time of dinner.

To breathe the delicious air, to look at the glorious scenery, were enjoyments so exquisitely exhilarating that, by Sydney's own confession, she became quite light headed with pleasure.