Chapter1
JEANMUIR
\"Hasshecome？\"
\"No，Mamma，notyet。\"
\"Iwishitwerewellover。Thethoughtofitworriesandexcitesme。Acushionformyback，Bella。\"
Andpoor，peevishMrs。Coventrysankintoaneasychairwithanervoussighandtheairofamartyr，whileherprettydaughterhoveredaboutherwithaffectionatesolicitude。
\"Whoaretheytalkingof，Lucia？\"askedthelanguidyoungmanloungingonacouchnearhiscousin，whobentoverhertapestryworkwithahappysmileonherusuallyhaughtyface。
\"Thenewgoverness，MissMuir。ShallItellyouabouther？\"
\"No，thankyou。Ihaveaninveterateaversiontothewholetribe。I’veoftenthankedheaventhatIhadbutonesister，andsheaspoiledchild，sothatIhaveescapedtheinflictionofagovernesssolong。\"
\"Howwillyoubearitnow？\"askedLucia。
\"Leavethehousewhilesheisinit。\"
\"No，youwon’t。You’retoolazy，Gerald，\"calledoutayoungerandmoreenergeticman，fromtherecesswherehestoodteasinghisdogs。
\"I’llgiveherathreedays’trial;ifsheprovesendurableIshallnotdisturbmyself;if，asIamsure，sheisabore，I’moffanywhere，anywhereoutofherway。\"
\"Ibegyouwon’ttalkinthatdepressingmanner，boys。Idreadthecomingofastrangermorethanyoupossiblycan，butBellamustnotbeneglected;soIhavenervedmyselftoendurethiswoman，andLuciaisgoodenoughtosayshewillattendtoheraftertonight。\"
\"Don’tbetroubled，Mamma。Sheisaniceperson，Idaresay，andwhenonceweareusedtoher，I’venodoubtweshallbegladtohaveher，it’ssodullherejustnow。LadySydneysaidshewasaquiet，accomplished，amiablegirl，whoneededahome，andwouldbeahelptopoorstupidme，sotrytolikeherformysake。\"
\"Iwill，dear，butisn’titgettinglate？Idohopenothinghashappened。Didyoutellthemtosendacarriagetothestationforher，Gerald？\"
\"Iforgotit。Butit’snotfar，itwon’thurthertowalk\"wasthelanguidreply。
\"Itwasindolence，notforgetfulness，Iknow。I’mverysorry;shewillthinkitsorudetoleavehertofindherwaysolate。
Dogoandseetoit，Ned。\"
\"Toolate，Bella，thetrainwasinsometimeago。
Giveyourorderstomenexttime。MotherandI’llseethattheyareobeyed，\"
saidEdward。
\"Nedisjustatanagetomakeafoolofhimselfforanygirlwhocomesinhisway。Haveacareofthegoverness，Lucia，orshewillbewitchhim。\"
Geraldspokeinasatiricalwhisper，buthisbrotherheardhimandansweredwithagood-humoredlaugh。
\"Iwishtherewasanyhopeofyourmakingafoolofyourselfinthatway，oldfellow。Setmeagoodexample，andIpromisetofollowit。Asforthegoverness，sheisawoman，andshouldbetreatedwithcommoncivility。Ishouldsayalittleextrakindnesswouldn’tbeamiss，either，becausesheispoor，andastranger。\"
\"Thatismydear，good-heartedNed！We’llstandbypoorlittleMuir，won’twe？\"Andrunningtoherbrother，Bellastoodontiptoetoofferhimakisswhichhecouldnotrefuse，fortherosylipswerepursedupinvitingly，andthebrighteyesfullofsisterlyaffection。
\"Idohopeshehascome，for，whenImakeanefforttoseeanyone，Ihatetomakeitinvain。Punctualityissuchavirtue，andIknowthiswomanhasn’tgotit，forshepromisedtobehereatseven，andnowitislongafter，\"beganMrs。Coventry，inaninjuredtone。
Beforeshecouldgetbreathforanothercomplaint，theclockstrucksevenandthedoorbellrang。
\"Theresheis！\"criedBella，andturnedtowardthedoorasiftogoandmeetthenewcomer。
ButLuciaarrestedher，sayingauthoritatively，\"Stayhere，child。Itisherplacetocometoyou，notyourstogotoher。\"
\"MissMuir，\"announcedaservant，andalittleblack-robedfigurestoodinthedoorway。Foraninstantnoonestirred，andthegovernesshadtimetoseeandbeseenbeforeawordwasuttered。Alllookedather，andshecastonthehouseholdgroupakeenglancethatimpressedthemcuriously;
thenhereyesfell，andbowingslightlyshewalkedin。Edwardcameforwardandreceivedherwiththefrankcordialitywhichnothingcoulddauntorchill。
\"Mother，thisistheladywhomyouexpected。MissMuir，allowmetoapologizeforourapparentneglectinnotsendingforyou。Therewasamistakeaboutthecarriage，or，rather，thelazyfellowtowhomtheorderwasgivenforgotit。Bella，comehere。\"
\"Thankyou，noapologyisneeded。Ididnotexpecttobesentfor。\"Andthegovernessmeeklysatdownwithoutliftinghereyes。
\"Iamgladtoseeyou。Letmetakeyourthings，\"
saidBella，rathershyly，forGerald，stilllounging，watchedthefiresidegroupwithlanguidinterest，andLucianeverstirred。Mrs。Coventrytookasecondsurveyandbegan：
\"Youwerepunctual，MissMuir，whichpleasesme。
I’masadinvalid，asLadySydneytoldyou，Ihope;sothatMissCoventry’slessonswillbedirectedbymyniece，andyouwillgotoherfordirections，assheknowswhatIwish。YouwillexcusemeifIaskyouafewquestions，forLadySydney’snotewasverybrief，andIlefteverythingtoherjudgment。\"
\"Askanythingyoulike，madam，\"answeredthesoft，sadvoice。
\"YouareScotch，Ibelieve。\"
\"Yes，madam。\"
\"Areyourparentsliving？\"
\"Ihavenotarelationintheworld。\"
\"Dearme，howsad！Doyoumindtellingmeyourage？\"
\"Nineteen。\"AndasmilepassedoverMissMuir’slips，asshefoldedherhandswithanairofresignation，forthecatechismwasevidentlytobealongone。
\"Soyoung！LadySydneymentionedfive-and-twenty，Ithink，didn’tshe，Bella？\"
\"No，Mamma，sheonlysaidshethoughtso。Don’tasksuchquestions。It’snotpleasantbeforeusall，\"whisperedBella。
Aquick，gratefulglanceshoneonherfromthesuddenlyliftedeyesofMissMuir，asshesaidquietly，\"IwishIwasthirty，but，asIamnot，Idomybesttolookandseemold。\"
Ofcourse，everyonelookedatherthen，andallfeltatouchofpityatthesightofthepale-facedgirlinherplainblackdress，withnoornamentbutalittlesilvercrossatherthroat。Small，thin，andcolorlessshewas，withyellowhair，grayeyes，andsharplycut，irregular，butveryexpressivefeatures。Povertyseemedtohavesetitsbondstampuponher，andlifetohavehadforhermorefrostthansunshine。
Butsomethinginthelinesofthemouthbetrayedstrength，andtheclear，lowvoicehadacuriousmixtureofcommandandentreatyinitsvaryingtones。Notanattractivewoman，yetnotanordinaryone;and，asshesattherewithherdelicatehandslyinginherlap，herheadbent，andabitterlookonherthinface，shewasmoreinterestingthanmanyablitheandbloominggirl。Bella’sheartwarmedtoheratonce，andshedrewherseatnearer，whileEdwardwentbacktohisdogsthathispresencemightnotembarrassher。
\"Youhavebeenill，Ithink，\"continuedMrs。Coventry，whoconsideredthisfactthemostinterestingofallshehadheardconcerningthegoverness。
\"Yes，madam，Ileftthehospitalonlyaweekago。\"
\"Areyouquitesureitissafetobeginteachingsosoon？\"
\"Ihavenotimetolose，andshallsoongainstrengthhereinthecountry，ifyoucaretokeepme。\"
\"Andyouarefittedtoteachmusic，French，anddrawing？\"
\"IshallendeavortoprovethatIam。\"
\"Bekindenoughtogoandplayanairortwo。Icanjudgebyyourtouch;Iusedtoplayfinelywhenagirl。\"
MissMuirrose，lookedaboutherfortheinstrument，andseeingitattheotherendoftheroomwenttowardit，passingGeraldandLuciaasifshedidnotseethem。Bellafollowed，andinamomentforgoteverythinginadmiration。MissMuirplayedlikeonewholovedmusicandwasperfectmistressofherart。Shecharmedthemallbythemagicofthisspell;evenindolentGeraldsatuptolisten，andLuciaputdownherneedle，whileNedwatchedtheslenderwhitefingersastheyflew，andwonderedatthestrengthandskillwhichtheypossessed。
\"Pleasesing，\"pleadedBella，asabrilliantovertureended。
WiththesamemeekobedienceMissMuircomplied，andbeganalittleScotchmelody，sosweet，sosad，thatthegirl’seyesfilled，andMrs。Coventrylookedforoneofhermanypocket-handkerchiefs。
Butsuddenlythemusicceased，for，withavainattempttosupportherself，thesingerslidfromherseatandlaybeforethestartledlisteners，aswhiteandrigidasifstruckwithdeath。Edwardcaughtherup，and，orderinghisbrotheroffthecouch，laidherthere，whileBellachafedherhands，andhermotherrangforhermaid。Luciabathedthepoorgirl’stemples，andGerald，withunwontedenergy，broughtaglassofwine。SoonMissMuir’slipstrembled，shesighed，thenmurmured，tenderly，withaprettyScotchaccent，asifwanderinginthepast，\"Bidewi’me，Mither，I’msaesickansadhereallalone。\"
\"Takeasipofthis，anditwilldoyougood，mydear，\"saidMrs。Coventry，quitetouchedbytheplaintivewords。
Thestrangevoiceseemedtorecallher。Shesatup，lookedabouther，alittlewildly，foramoment，thencollectedherselfandsaid，withapatheticlookandtone，\"Pardonme。Ihavebeenonmyfeetallday，and，inmyeagernesstokeepmyappointment，Iforgottoeatsincemorning。I’mbetternow;shallIfinishthesong？\"
\"Bynomeans。Comeandhavesometea，\"saidBella，fullofpityandremorse。
\"Scenefirst，verywelldone，\"whisperedGeraldtohiscousin。
MissMuirwasjustbeforethem，apparentlylisteningtoMrs。Coventry’sremarksuponfaintingfits;butsheheard，andlookedoverhershoulderswithagesturelikeRachel。Hereyesweregray，butatthatinstanttheyseemedblackwithsomestrongemotionofanger，pride，ordefiance。Acurioussmilepassedoverherfaceasshebowed，andsaidinherpenetratingvoice，\"Thanks。Thelastsceneshallbestillbetter。\"
YoungCoventrywasacool，indolentman，seldomconsciousofanyemotion，anypassion，pleasurableorotherwise;butatthelook，thetoneofthegoverness，heexperiencedanewsensation，indefinable，yetstrong。Hecoloredand，forthefirsttimeinhislife，lookedabashed。
Luciasawit，andhatedMissMuirwithasuddenhatred;for，inalltheyearsshehadpassedwithhercousin，nolookorwordofhershadpossessedsuchpower。Coventrywashimselfagaininaninstant，withnotraceofthatpassingchange，butalookofinterestinhisusuallydreamyeyes，andatouchofangerinhissarcasticvoice。
\"Whatamelodramaticyounglady！Ishallgotomorrow。\"
Lucialaughed，andwaswellpleasedwhenhesaunteredawaytobringheracupofteafromthetablewherealittlescenewasjusttakingplace。Mrs。Coventryhadsunkintoherchairagain，exhaustedbytheflurryofthefaintingfit。Bellawasbusiedabouther;andEdward，eagertofeedthepalegoverness，wasawkwardlytryingtomakethetea，afterabeseechingglanceathiscousinwhichshedidnotchoosetoanswer。
Asheupsetthecaddyandutteredadespairingexclamation，MissMuirquietlytookherplacebehindtheurn，sayingwithasmile，andashyglanceattheyoungman，\"Allowmetoassumemydutyatonce，andserveyouall。
Iunderstandtheartofmakingpeoplecomfortableinthisway。Thescoop，please。Icangatherthisupquitewellalone，ifyouwilltellmehowyourmotherlikeshertea。\"
Edwardpulledachairtothetableandmademerryoverhismishaps，whileMissMuirperformedherlittletaskwithaskillandgracethatmadeitpleasanttowatchher。Coventrylingeredamomentaftershehadgivenhimasteamingcup，toobservehermorenearly，whileheaskedaquestionortwoofhisbrother。Shetooknomorenoticeofhimthanifhehadbeenastatue，andinthemiddleoftheoneremarkheaddressedtoher，sherosetotakethesugarbasintoMrs。Coventry，whowasquitewonbythemodest，domesticgracesofthenewgoverness。
\"Really，mydear，youareatreasure;Ihaven’ttastedsuchteasincemypoormaidEllisdied。Bellanevermakesitgood，andMissLuciaalwaysforgetsthecream。Whateveryoudoyouseemtodowell，andthatissuchacomfort。\"
\"Letmealwaysdothisforyou，then。Itwillbeapleasure，madam。\"AndMissMuircamebacktoherseatwithafaintcolorinhercheekwhichimprovedhermuch。
\"MybrotheraskedifyoungSydneywasathomewhenyouleft，\"saidEdward，forGeraldwouldnottakethetroubletorepeatthequestion。
MissMuirfixedhereyesonCoventry，andansweredwithaslighttremorofthelips，\"No，helefthomesomeweeksago。\"
Theyoungmanwentbacktohiscousin，saying，ashethrewhimselfdownbesideher，\"Ishallnotgotomorrow，butwaittillthethreedaysareout。\"
\"Why？\"demandedLucia。
Loweringhisvoicehesaid，withasignificantnodtowardthegoverness，\"BecauseIhaveafancythatsheisatthebottomofSydney’smystery。He’snotbeenhimselflately，andnowheisgonewithoutaword。Iratherlikeromancesinreallife，iftheyarenottoolong，ordifficulttoread。\"
\"Doyouthinkherpretty？\"
\"Farfromit，amostuncannylittlespecimen。\"
\"ThenwhyfancySydneylovesher？\"
\"Heisanoddity，andlikessensationsandthingsofthatsort。\"
\"Whatdoyoumean，Gerald？\"
\"GettheMuirtolookatyou，asshedidatme，andyouwillunderstand。Willyouhaveanothercup，Juno？\"
\"Yes，please。\"Shelikedtohavehimwaituponher，forhedidittonootherwomanexcepthismother。
Beforehecouldslowlyrise，MissMuirglidedtothemwithanothercuponthesalver;and，asLuciatookitwithacoldnod，thegirlsaidunderherbreath，\"IthinkithonesttotellyouthatIpossessaquickear，andcannothelphearingwhatissaidanywhereintheroom。Whatyousayofmeisofnoconsequence，butyoumayspeakofthingswhichyoupreferIshouldnothear;therefore，allowmetowarnyou。\"Andshewasgoneagainasnoiselesslyasshecame。
\"Howdoyoulikethat？\"whisperedCoventry，ashiscousinsatlookingafterthegirl，withadisturbedexpression。
\"Whatanuncomfortablecreaturetohaveinthehouse！
IamverysorryIurgedhercoming，foryourmotherhastakenafancytoher，anditwillbehardtogetridofher，\"saidLucia，halfangry，halfamused。
\"Hush，shehearseverywordyousay。Iknowitbytheexpressionofherface，forNedistalkingabouthorses，andshelooksashaughtyaseveryoudid，andthatissayingmuch。Faith，thisisgettinginteresting。\"
\"Hark，sheisspeaking;Iwanttohear，\"andLucialaidherhandonhercousin’slips。Hekissedit，andthenidlyamusedhimselfwithturningtheringstoandfroontheslenderfingers。
\"IhavebeeninFranceseveralyears，madam，butmyfrienddiedandIcamebacktobewithLadySydney，till——\"Muirpausedaninstant，thenadded，slowly，\"tillIfellill。Itwasacontagiousfever，soIwentofmyownaccordtothehospital，notwishingtoendangerher。\"
\"Veryright，butareyousurethereisnodangerofinfectionnow？\"askedMrs。Coventryanxiously。
\"None，Iassureyou。Ihavebeenwellforsometime，butdidnotleavebecauseIpreferredtostaythere，thantoreturntoLadySydney。\"
\"Noquarrel，Ihope？Notroubleofanykind？\"
\"Noquarrel，but——well，whynot？Youhavearighttoknow，andIwillnotmakeafoolishmysteryoutofaverysimplething。
Asyourfamily，only，ispresent，Imaytellthetruth。Ididnotgobackontheyounggentleman’saccount。Pleaseasknomore。\"
\"Ah，Isee。Quiteprudentandproper，MissMuir。
Ishallneveralludetoitagain。Thankyouforyourfrankness。Bella，youwillbecarefulnottomentionthistoyouryoungfriends;girlsgossipsadly，anditwouldannoyLadySydneybeyondeverythingtohavethistalkedof。\"
\"VeryneighborlyofLadyS。tosendthedangerousyoungladyhere，wheretherearetwoyounggentlementobecaptivated。
Iwonderwhyshedidn’tkeepSydneyaftershehadcaughthim，\"murmuredCoventrytohiscousin。
\"Becauseshehadtheutmostcontemptforatitledfool。\"MissMuirdroppedthewordsalmostintohisear，asshebenttotakehershawlfromthesofacorner。
\"Howthedeucedidshegetthere？\"ejaculatedCoventry，lookingasifhehadreceivedanothersensation。\"Shehasspirit，though，anduponmywordIpitySydney，ifhedidtrytodazzleher，forhemusthavegotasplendiddismissal。\"
\"Comeandplaybilliards。Youpromised，andIholdyoutoyourword，\"saidLucia，risingwithdecision，forGeraldwasshowingtoomuchinterestinanothertosuitMissBeaufort。
\"Iam，asever，yourmostdevoted。Mymotherisacharmingwoman，butIfindoureveningpartiesslightlydull，whenonlymyownfamilyarepresent。Goodnight，Mamma。\"
Heshookhandswithhismother，whoseprideandidolhewas，and，withacomprehensivenodtotheothers，strolledafterhiscousin。
\"Nowtheyaregonewecanbequitecozy，andtalkoverthings，forIdon’tmindNedanymorethanIdohisdogs，\"saidBella，settlingherselfonhermother’sfootstool。
\"Imerelywishtosay，MissMuir，thatmydaughterhasneverhadagovernessandissadlybackwardforagirlofsixteen。
Iwantyoutopassthemorningswithher，andgetheronasrapidlyaspossible。Intheafternoonyouwillwalkordrivewithher，andintheeveningsitwithushere，ifyoulike，oramuseyourselfasyouplease。
Whileinthecountryweareveryquiet，forIcannotbearmuchcompany，andwhenmysonswantgaiety，theygoawayforit。MissBeaufortoverseestheservants，andtakesmyplaceasfaraspossible。Iamverydelicateandkeepmyroomtillevening，exceptforanairingatnoon。Wewilltryeachotherforamonth，andIhopeweshallgetonquitecomfortablytogether。\"
\"Ishalldomybest，madam。\"
Onewouldnothavebelievedthatthemeek，spiritlessvoicewhichutteredthesewordswasthesamethathadstartledCoventryafewminutesbefore，northatthepale，patientfacecouldeverhavekindledwithsuchsuddenfireasthatwhichlookedoverMissMuir’sshoulderwhensheansweredheryounghost’sspeech。
Edwardthoughtwithinhimself，Poorlittlewoman！
Shehashadahardlife。Wewilltryandmakeiteasierwhilesheishere;
andbeganhischaritableworkbysuggestingthatshemightbetired。Sheacknowledgedshewas，andBellaledherawaytoabright，cozyroom，wherewithaprettylittlespeechandagood-nightkissshelefther。
WhenaloneMissMuir’sconductwasdecidedlypeculiar。
Herfirstactwastoclenchherhandsandmutterbetweenherteeth，withpassionateforce，\"I’llnotfailagainifthereispowerinawoman’switandwill！\"Shestoodamomentmotionless，withanexpressionofalmostfiercedisdainonherface，thenshookherclenchedhandasifmenacingsomeunseenenemy。Nextshelaughed，andshruggedhershoulderswithatrueFrenchshrug，sayinglowtoherself，\"Yes，thelastsceneshallbebetterthanthefirst。Mondieu，howtiredandhungryIam！\"
Kneelingbeforetheonesmalltrunkwhichheldherworldlypossessions，sheopenedit，drewoutaflask，andmixedaglassofsomeardentcordial，whichsheseemedtoenjoyextremelyasshesatonthecarpet，musing，whileherquickeyesexaminedeverycorneroftheroom。
\"Notbad！Itwillbeagoodfieldformetoworkin，andtheharderthetaskthebetterIshalllikeit。Merci，oldfriend。
Youputhearandcourageintomewhennothingelsewill。Come，thecurtainisdown，soImaybemyselfforafewhours，ifactresseseverarethemselves。\"
Stillsittingonthefloorsheunboundandremovedthelongabundantbraidsfromherhead，wipedthepinkfromherface，tookoutseveralpearlyteeth，andslippingoffherdressappearedherselfindeed，ahaggard，worn，andmoodywomanofthirtyatleast。Themetamorphosiswaswonderful，butthedisguisewasmoreintheexpressionsheassumedthaninanyartofcostumeorfalseadornment。Nowshewasalone，andhermobilefeaturessettledintotheirnaturalexpression，weary，hard，bitter。
Shehadbeenlovelyonce，happy，innocent，andtender;butnothingofallthisremainedtothegloomywomanwholeanedtherebroodingoversomewrong，orloss，ordisappointmentwhichhaddarkenedallherlife。Foranhourshesatso，sometimesplayingabsentlywiththescanty-locksthathungaboutherface，sometimesliftingtheglasstoherlipsasifthefierydraughtwarmedhercoldblood;andonceshehalfuncoveredherbreasttoeyewithaterribleglancethescarofanewlyhealedwound。Atlastsheroseandcrepttobed，likeonewornoutwithwearinessandmentalpain。
BehindaMask：or，AWoman’sPower。Chapter2AGOODBEGINNINGOnlythehousemaidswereastirwhenMissMuirleftherroomnextmorningandquietlyfoundherwayintothegarden。Asshewalked，apparentlyintentupontheflowers，herquickeyescrutinizedthefineoldhouseanditspicturesquesurroundings。
\"Notbad，\"shesaidtoherself，adding，asshepassedintotheadjoiningpark，\"buttheothermaybebetter，andIwillhavethebest。\"
Walkingrapidly，shecameoutatlengthuponthewidegreenlawnwhichlaybeforetheancienthallwhereSirJohnCoventrylivedinsolitarysplendor。Astatelyoldplace，richinoaks，well-keptshrubberies，gaygardens，sunnyterraces，carvedgables，spaciousrooms，liveriedservants，andeveryluxurybefittingtheancestralhomeofarichandhonorablerace。MissMuir’seyesbrightenedasshelooked，herstepgrewfirmer，hercarriageprouder，andasmilebrokeoverherface;thesmileofonewellpleasedattheprospectofthesuccessofsomecherishedhope。Suddenlyherwholeairchanged，shepushedbackherhat，claspedherhandslooselybeforeher，andseemedabsorbedingirlishadmirationofthefairscenethatcouldnotfailtocharmanybeauty-lovingeye。Thecauseofthisrapidchangesoonappeared。Ahale，handsomeman，betweenfiftyandsixty，camethroughthelittlegateleadingtothepark，and，seeingtheyoungstranger，pausedtoexamineher。Hehadonlytimeforaglance，however;sheseemedconsciousofhispresenceinamoment，turnedwithastartledlook，utteredanexclamationofsurprise，andlookedasifhesitatingwhethertospeakorrunaway。GallantSirJohntookoffhishatandsaid，withtheold-fashionedcourtesywhichbecamehimwell，\"I
begyourpardonfordisturbingyou，younglady。Allowmetoatoneforitbyinvitingyoutowalkwhereyouwill，andgatherwhatflowersyoulike。
Iseeyoulovethem，sopraymakefreewiththoseaboutyou。\"
Withacharmingairofmaidenlytimidityandartlessness，MissMuirreplied，\"Oh，thankyou，sir！ButitisIwhoshouldaskpardonfortrespassing。InevershouldhavedaredifIhadnotknownthatSirJohnwasabsent。Ialwayswantedtoseethisfineoldplace，andranoverthefirstthing，tosatisfymyself。\"
\"Andareyousatisfied？\"heasked，withasmile。
\"Morethansatisfied——I’mcharmed;foritisthemostbeautifulspotIeversaw，andI’veseenmanyfamousseats，bothathomeandabroad，\"sheansweredenthusiastically。
\"TheHallismuchflattered，andsowoulditsmasterbeifheheardyou，\"beganthegentleman，withanoddexpression。
\"Ishouldnotpraiseittohim——atleast，notasfreelyasIhavetoyou，sir，\"saidthegirl，witheyesstillturnedaway。
\"Whynot？\"askedhercompanion，lookingmuchamused。
\"Ishouldbeafraid。NotthatIdreadSirJohn;butI’veheardsomanybeautifulandnoblethingsabouthim，andrespecthimsohighly，thatIshouldnotdaretosaymuch，lestheshouldseehowI
admireand——\"
\"Andwhat，younglady？Finish，ifyouplease。\"
\"Iwasgoingtosay，lovehim。Iwillsayit，forheisanoldman，andonecannothelplovingvirtueandbravery。\"
MissMuirlookedveryearnestandprettyasshespoke，standingtherewiththesunshineglintingonheryellowhair，delicateface，anddowncasteyes。SirJohnwasnotavainman，buthefounditpleasanttohearhimselfcommendedbythisunknowngirl，andfeltredoubledcuriositytolearnwhoshewas。Toowell-bredtoask，ortoabashherbyavowingwhatsheseemedunconsciousof，heleftbothdiscoveriestochance;andwhensheturned，asiftoretracehersteps，heofferedherthehandfulofhothouseflowerswhichheheld，saying，withagallantbow，\"InSirJohn’snameletmegiveyoumylittlenosegay，withthanksforyourgoodopinion，which，Iassureyou，isnotentirelydeserved，forIknowhimwell。\"
MissMuirlookedupquickly，eyedhimaninstant，thendroppedhereyes，and，coloringdeeply，stammeredout，\"Ididnotknow——Ibegyourpardon——youaretookind，SirJohn。\"
Helaughedlikeaboy，asking，mischievously，\"WhycallmeSirJohn？HowdoyouknowthatIamnotthegardenerorthebutler？\"
\"Ididnotseeyourfacebefore，andnoonebutyourselfwouldsaythatanypraisewasundeserved，\"murmuredMissMuir，stillovercomewithgirlishconfusion。
\"Well，well，wewillletthatpass，andthenexttimeyoucomewewillbeproperlyintroduced。BellaalwaysbringsherfriendstotheHall，forIamfondofyoungpeople。\"
\"Iamnotafriend。IamonlyMissCoventry’sgoverness。\"
AndMissMuirdroppedameekcurtsy。AslightchangepassedoverSirJohn’smanner。Fewwouldhaveperceivedit，butMissMuirfeltitatonce，andbitherlipswithanangryfeelingatherheart。Withacuriousairofpride，mingledwithrespect，sheacceptedthestillofferedbouquet，returnedSirJohn’spartingbow，andtrippedaway，leavingtheoldgentlemantowonderwhereMrs。Coventryfoundsuchapiquantlittlegoverness。
\"Thatisdone，andverywellforabeginning，\"shesaidtoherselfassheapproachedthehouse。
Inagreenpaddockclosebyfedafinehorse，wholifteduphisheadandeyedherinquiringly，likeonewhoexpectedagreeting。
Followingasuddenimpulse，sheenteredthepaddockand，pullingahandfulofclover，invitedthecreaturetocomeandeat。Thiswasevidentlyanewproceedingonthepartofalady，andthehorsecareeredaboutasifbentonfrighteningthenewcomeraway。
\"Isee，\"shesaidaloud，laughingtoherself。\"I
amnotyourmaster，andyourebel。Nevertheless，I’llconqueryou，myfinebrute。\"
Seatingherselfinthegrass，shebegantopulldaisies，singingidlythewhile，asifunconsciousofthespiritedprancingsofthehorse。Presentlyhedrewnearer，sniffingcuriouslyandeyeingherwithsurprise。Shetooknonotice，butplaitedthedaisiesandsangonasifhewasnotthere。Thisseemedtopiquethepettedcreature，for，slowlyapproaching，hecameatlengthsoclosethathecouldsmellherlittlefootandnibbleatherdress。Thensheofferedtheclover，utteringcaressingwordsandmakingsoothingsounds，tillbydegreesandwithmuchcoquetting，thehorsepermittedhertostrokehisglossyneckandsmoothhismane。
Itwasaprettysight——theslenderfigureinthegrass，thehigh-spiritedhorsebendinghisproudheadtoherhand。EdwardCoventry，whohadwatchedthescene，founditimpossibletorestrainhimselfanylongerand，leapingthewall，cametojointhegroup，saying，withmingledadmirationandwonderincountenanceandvoice，\"Goodmorning，MissMuir。IfIhadnotseenyourskillandcourageprovedbeforemyeyes，Ishouldbealarmedforyoursafety。Hectorisawild，waywardbeast，andhasdamagedmorethanonegroomwhotriedtoconquerhim。\"
\"Goodmorning，Mr。Coventry。Don’ttelltalesofthisnoblecreature，whohasnotdeceivedmyfaithinhim。Yourgroomsdidnotknowhowtowinhisheart，andsosubduehisspiritwithoutbreakingit。\"
MissMuirroseasshespoke，andstoodwithherhandonHector’sneckwhileheatethegrasswhichshehadgatheredintheskirtofherdress。
\"Youhavethesecret，andHectorisyoursubjectnow，thoughheretoforehehasrejectedallfriendsbuthismaster。Willyougivehimhismorningfeast？Ialwaysbringhimbreadandplaywithhimbeforebreakfast。\"
\"Thenyouarenotjealous？\"Andshelookedupathimwitheyessobrightandbeautifulinexpressionthattheyoungmanwonderedhehadnotobservedthembefore。
\"NotI。Pethimasmuchasyouwill;itwilldohimgood。Heisasolitaryfellow，forhescornshisownkindandlivesalone，likehismaster，\"headded，halftohimself。
\"Alone，withsuchahappyhome，Mr。Coventry？\"Andasoftlycompassionateglancestolefromthebrighteyes。
\"Thatwasanungratefulspeech，andIretractitforBella’ssake。Youngersonshavenopositionbutsuchastheycanmakeforthemselves，youknow，andI’vehadnochanceyet。\"
\"Youngersons！Ithought——Ibegpardon。\"AndMissMuirpaused，asifrememberingthatshehadnorighttoquestion。
Edwardsmiledandansweredfrankly，\"Nay，don’tmindme。YouthoughtIwastheheir，perhaps。Whomdidyoutakemybrotherforlastnight？\"
\"ForsomeguestwhoadmiredMissBeaufort。Ididnothearhisname，norobservehimenoughtodiscoverwhohewas。Isawonlyyourkindmother，yourcharminglittlesister，and——\"
Shestoppedthere，withahalf-shy，half-gratefullookattheyoungmanwhichfinishedthesentencebetterthananywords。
Hewasstillaboy，inspiteofhisone-and-twentyyears，andalittlecolorcameintohisbrowncheekastheeloquenteyesmethisandfellbeforethem。
\"Yes，Bellaisacapitalgirl，andonecan’thelplovingher。Iknowyou’llgetheron，for，really，sheisthemostdelightfullittledunce。Mymother’sillhealthandBella’sdevotiontoherhavepreventedourattendingtohereducationbefore。Nextwinter，whenwegototown，sheistocomeout，andmustbepreparedforthatgreatevent，youknow，\"
hesaid，choosingasafesubject。
\"Ishalldomybest。AndthatremindsmethatIshouldreportmyselftoher，insteadofenjoyingmyselfhere。Whenonehasbeenillandshutupalongtime，thecountryissolovelyoneisapttoforgetdutyforpleasure。PleaseremindmeifIamnegligent，Mr。Coventry。\"
\"ThatnamebelongstoGerald。I’monlyMr。Nedhere，\"
hesaidastheywalkedtowardthehouse，whileHectorfollowedtothewallandsentasonorousfarewellafterthem。
Bellacamerunningtomeetthem，andgreetedMissMuirasifshehadmadeuphermindtolikeherheartily。\"Whatalovelybouquetyouhavegot！Inevercanarrangeflowersprettily，whichvexesme，forMammaissofondofthemandcannotgooutherself。Youhavecharmingtaste，\"shesaid，examiningthegracefulposywhichMissMuirhadmuchimprovedbyaddingfeatherygrasses，delicateferns，andfragrantwildflowerstoSirJohn’sexotics。
PuttingthemintoBella’shand，shesaid，inawinningway，\"Takethemtoyourmother，then，andaskherifImayhavethepleasureofmakingheradailynosegay;forIshouldfindrealdelightindoingit，ifitwouldpleaseher。\"
\"Howkindyouare！Ofcourseitwouldpleaseher。
I’lltakethemtoherwhilethedewisstillonthem。\"AndawayflewBella，eagertogiveboththeflowersandtheprettymessagetothepoorinvalid。
Edwardstoppedtospeaktothegardener，andMissMuirwentupthestepsalone。Thelonghallwaslinedwithportraits，andpacingslowlydownitsheexaminedthemwithinterest。Onecaughthereye，and，pausingbeforeit，shescrutinizeditcarefully。Ayoung，beautiful，butveryhaughtyfemaleface。MissMuirsuspectedatoncewhoitwas，andgaveadecidednod，asifshesawandcaughtatsomeunexpectedchance。
Asoftrustlebehindhermadeherlookaround，and，seeingLucia，shebowed，halfturned，asifforanotherglanceatthepicture，andsaid，asifinvoluntarily，\"Howbeautifulitis！MayIaskifitisanancestor，MissBeaufort？\"
\"Itisthelikenessofmymother\"wasthereply，givenwithasoftenedvoiceandeyesthatlookeduptenderly。
\"Ah，Imighthaveknown，fromtheresemblance，butIscarcelysawyoulastnight。Excusemyfreedom，butLadySydneytreatedmeasafriend，andIforgetmyposition。Allowme。\"
Asshespoke，MissMuirstoopedtoreturnthehandkerchiefwhichhadfallenfromLucia’shand，anddidsowithahumblemienwhichtouchedtheother’sheart;for，thoughaproud，itwasalsoaverygenerousone。
\"Thankyou。Areyoubetter，thismorning？\"shesaid，graciously。Andhavingreceivedanaffirmativereply，sheadded，asshewalkedon，\"Iwillshowyoutothebreakfastroom，asBellaisnothere。
Itisaveryinformalmealwithus，formyauntisneverdownandmycousinsareveryirregularintheirhours。Youcanalwayshaveyourswhenyoulike，withoutwaitingforusifyouareanearlyriser。\"
BellaandEdwardappearedbeforetheotherswereseated，andMissMuirquietlyateherbreakfast，feelingwellsatisfiedwithherhour’swork。NedrecountedherexploitwithHector，Belladeliveredhermother’sthanksfortheflowers，andLuciamorethanoncerecalled，withpardonablevanity，thatthegovernesshadcomparedhertoherlovelymother，expressingbyalookasmuchadmirationforthelivinglikenessasforthepaintedone。Allkindlydidtheirbesttomakethepalegirlfeelathome，andtheircordialmannerseemedtowarmanddrawherout;
forsoonsheputoffhersad，meekairandentertainedthemwithgayanecdotesofherlifeinParis，hertravelsinRussiawhengovernessinPrinceJermadoff’sfamily，andallmannerofwittystoriesthatkepttheminterestedandmerrylongafterthemealwasover。Inthemiddleofanabsorbingadventure，Coventrycamein，noddedlazily，liftedhisbrows，asifsurprisedatseeingthegovernessthere，andbeganhisbreakfastasiftheennuiofanotherdayhadalreadytakenpossessionofhim。MissMuirstoppedshort，andnoentreatiescouldinducehertogoon。
\"AnothertimeIwillfinishit，ifyoulike。NowMissBellaandIshouldbeatourbooks。\"Andshelefttheroom，followedbyherpupil，takingnonoticeoftheyoungmasterofthehouse，beyondagracefulbowinanswertohiscarelessnod。
\"Mercifulcreature！shegoeswhenIcome，anddoesnotmakelifeunendurablebymopingaboutbeforemyeyes。Doesshebelongtothemoral，themelancholy，theromantic，orthedashingclass，Ned？\"
saidGerald，loungingoverhiscoffeeashedidovereverythingheattempted。
\"Tononeofthem;sheisacapitallittlewoman。
IwishyouhadseenhertameHectorthismorning。\"AndEdwardrepeatedhisstory。
\"Notabadmoveonherpart，\"saidCoventryinreply。
\"Shemustbeanobservingaswellasanenergeticyoungperson，todiscoveryourchiefweaknessandattackitsosoon。Firsttamethehorse，andthenthemaster。Itwillbeamusingtowatchthegame，onlyIshallbeunderthepainfulnecessityofcheckmatingyouboth，ifitgetsserious。\"
\"Youneedn’texertyourself，oldfellow，onmyaccount。
IfIwasnotabovethinkingillofaninoffensivegirl，Ishouldsayyouweretheprizebestworthwinning，andadviseyoutotakecareofyourownheart，ifyou’vegotone，whichIratherdoubt。\"
\"Ioftendoubtit，myself;butIfancythelittleScotchwomanwillnotbeabletosatisfyeitherofusuponthatpoint。Howdoesyourhighnesslikeher？\"askedCoventryofhiscousin，whosatnearhim。
\"BetterthanIthoughtIshould。Sheiswell-bred，unassuming，andveryentertainingwhenshelikes。ShehastoldussomeofthewittieststoriesI’veheardforalongtime。Didn’tourlaughterwakeyou？\"repliedLucia。
\"Yes。Nowatoneforitbyamusingmewitharepetitionofthesewittytales。\"
\"Thatisimpossible;heraccentandmannerarehalfthecharm，\"saidNed。\"Iwishyouhadkeptawaytenminuteslonger，foryourappearancespoiltthebeststoryofall。\"
\"Whydidn’tshegoon？\"askedCoventry，witharayofcuriosity。
\"Youforgetthatsheoverhearduslastnight，andmustfeelthatyouconsiderherabore。Shehaspride，andnowomanforgetsspeecheslikethoseyoumade，\"answeredLucia。
\"Orforgivesthem，either，Ibelieve。Well，Imustberesignedtolanguishunderherdispleasurethen。OnSydney’saccountItakeaslightinterestinher;notthatIexpecttolearnanythingfromher，forawomanwithamouthlikethatneverconfidesorconfessesanything。
ButIhaveafancytoseewhatcaptivatedhim;forcaptivatedhewas，beyondadoubt，andbynoladywhomhemetinsociety。Didyoueverhearanythingofit，Ned？\"askedGerald。
\"I’mnotfondofscandalorgossip，andneverlistentoeither。\"WithwhichremarkEdwardlefttheroom。
Luciawascalledoutbythehousekeeperamomentafter，andCoventrylefttothesocietymostwearisometohim，namelyhisown。Asheentered，hehadcaughtapartofthestorywhichMissMuirhadbeentelling，andithadexcitedhiscuriositysomuchthathefoundhimselfwonderingwhattheendcouldbeandwishingthathemighthearit。
Whatthedeucedidsherunawayfor，whenIcamein？hethought。Ifsheisamusing，shemustmakeherselfuseful;forit’sintenselydull，Iown，here，inspiteofLucia。Hey，what’sthat？
Itwasarich，sweetvoice，singingabrilliantItalianair，andsingingitwithanexpressionthatmadethemusicdoublydelicious。
SteppingoutoftheFrenchwindow，Coventrystrolledalongthesunnyterrace，enjoyingthesongwiththerelishofaconnoisseur。Othersfollowed，andstillhewalkedandlistened，forgetfulofwearinessortime。Asoneexquisiteairended，heinvoluntarilyapplauded。MissMuir’sfaceappearedforaninstant，thenvanished，andnomoremusicfollowed，thoughCoventrylingered，hopingtohearthevoiceagain。Formusicwastheonethingofwhichheneverwearied，andneitherLucianorBellapossessedskillenoughtocharmhim。Foranhourheloiteredontheterraceorthelawn，baskinginthesunshine，tooindolenttoseekoccupationorsociety。AtlengthBellacameout，hatinhand，andnearlystumbledoverherbrother，wholayonthegrass。
\"Youlazyman，haveyoubeendawdlinghereallthistime？\"shesaid，lookingdownathim。
\"No，I’vebeenverybusy。Comeandtellmehowyou’vegotonwiththelittledragon。\"
\"Can’tstop。ShebademetakearunaftermyFrench，sothatImightbereadyformydrawing，andsoImust。\"
\"It’stoowarmtorun。Sitdownandamuseyourdesertedbrother，whohashadnosocietybutbeesandlizardsforanhour。\"
Hedrewherdownashespoke，andBellaobeyed;for，inspiteofhisindolence，hewasonetowhomallsubmittedwithoutdreamingofrefusal。
\"Whathaveyoubeendoing？Muddlingyourpoorlittlebrainswithallmannerofelegantrubbish？\"
\"No，I’vebeenenjoyingmyselfimmensely。Jeanissointeresting，sokindandclever。Shedidn’tboremewithstupidgrammar，butjusttalkedtomeinsuchprettyFrenchthatIgotoncapitally，andlikeitasIneverexpectedto，afterLucia’sdullwayofteachingit。\"
\"Whatdidyoutalkabout？\"
\"Oh，allmannerofthings。Sheaskedquestions，andIanswered，andshecorrectedme。\"
\"Questionsaboutouraffairs，Isuppose？\"
\"Notone。Shedon’tcaretwosousforusorouraffairs。
Ithoughtshemightliketoknowwhatsortofpeoplewewere，soItoldheraboutPapa’ssuddendeath，UncleJohn，andyou，andNed;butinthemidstofitshesaid，inherquietway，’Youaregettingtooconfidential，mydear。Itisnotbesttotalktoofreelyofone’saffairstostrangers。
Letusspeakofsomethingelse。’\"
\"Whatwereyoutalkingofwhenshesaidthat，Bell？\"
\"You。\"
\"Ah，thennowondershewasbored。\"
\"Shewastiredofmychatter，anddidn’thearhalfIsaid;orshewasbusysketchingsomethingformetocopy，andthinkingofsomethingmoreinterestingthantheCoventrys。\"
\"Howdoyouknow？\"
\"Bytheexpressionofherface。Didyoulikehermusic，Gerald？\"
\"Yes。WassheangrywhenIclapped？\"
\"Shelookedsurprised，thenratherproud，andshutthepianoatonce，thoughIbeggedhertogoon。Isn’tJeanaprettyname？\"
\"Notbad;butwhydon’tyoucallherMissMuir？\"
\"Shebeggedmenot。Shehatesit，andlovestobecalledJean，alone。I’veimaginedsuchanicelittleromanceabouther，andsomedayIshalltellher，forI’msureshehashadalovetrouble。\"
\"Don’tgetsuchnonsenseintoyourhead，butfollowMissMuir’swell-bredexampleanddon’tbecuriousaboutotherpeople’saffairs。Askhertosingtonight;itamusesme。\"
\"Shewon’tcomedown，Ithink。We’veplannedtoreadandworkinmyboudoir，whichistobeourstudynow。Mammawillstayinherroom，soyouandLuciacanhavethedrawingroomalltoyourselves。\"
\"Thankyou。WhatwillNeddo？\"
\"HewillamuseMamma，hesays。DearoldNed！Iwishyou’dstiraboutandgethimhiscommission。Heissoimpatienttobedoingsomethingandyetsoproudhewon’taskagain，afteryouhaveneglecteditsomanytimesandrefusedUncle’shelp。\"
\"I’llattendtoitverysoon;don’tworryme，child。
Hewilldoverywellforatime，quietlyherewithus。\"
\"Youalwayssaythat，yetyouknowhechafesandisunhappyatbeingdependentonyou。MammaandIdon’tmind;butheisaman，anditfretshim。Hesaidhe’dtakemattersintohisownhandssoon，andthenyoumaybesorryyouweresoslowinhelpinghim。\"
\"MissMuirislookingoutofthewindow。You’dbettergoandtakeyourrun，elseshewillscold。\"
\"Notshe。I’mnotabitafraidofher，she’ssogentleandsweet。I’mfondofheralready。You’llgetasbrownasNed，lyinghereinthesun。Bytheway，MissMuiragreeswithmeinthinkinghimhandsomerthanyou。\"
\"Iadmirehertasteandquiteagreewithher。\"
\"Shesaidhewasmanly，andthatwasmoreattractivethanbeautyinaman。Shedoesexpressthingssonicely。NowI’moff。\"
AndawaydancedBella，hummingtheburdenofMissMuir’ssweetestsong。
\"’Energyismoreattractivethanbeautyinaman。’
Sheisright，buthowthedeucecanamanbeenergetic，withnothingtoexpendhisenergiesupon？\"musedCoventry，withhishatoverhiseyes。
Afewmomentslater，thesweepofadresscaughthisear。Withoutstirring，asidelongglanceshowedhimMissMuircomingacrosstheterrace，asiftojoinBella。Twostonestepsleddowntothelawn。Helaynearthem，andMissMuirdidnotseehimtillcloseuponhim。
Shestartedandslippedonthelaststep，recoveredherself，andglidedon，withaglanceofunmistakablecontemptasshepassedtherecumbentfigureoftheapparentsleeper。SeveralthingsinBella’sreporthadnettledhim，butthislookmadehimangry，thoughhewouldnotownit，eventohimself。
\"Gerald，comehere，quick！\"presentlycalledBella，fromtherusticseatwhereshestoodbesidehergoverness，whosatwithherhandoverherfaceasifinpain。
Gatheringhimselfup，Coventryslowlyobeyed，butinvoluntarilyquickenedhispaceasheheardMissMuirsay，\"Don’tcallhim;hecandonothing\";fortheemphasisontheword\"he\"wasverysignificant。
\"Whatisit，Bella？\"heasked，lookingratherwiderawakethanusual。
\"YoustartledMissMuirandmadeherturnherankle。
Nowhelphertothehouse，forsheisingreatpain;anddon’tliethereanymoretofrightenpeoplelikeasnakeinthegrass，\"saidhissisterpetulantly。
\"Ibegyourpardon。Willyouallowme？\"AndCoventryofferedhisarm。
MissMuirlookedupwiththeexpressionwhichannoyedhimandansweredcoldly，\"Thankyou，MissBellawilldoaswell。\"
\"Permitmetodoubtthat。\"Andwithagesturetoodecidedtoberesisted，Coventrydrewherarmthroughhisandledherintothehouse。Shesubmittedquietly，saidthepainwouldsoonbeover，andwhensettledonthecouchinBella’sroomdismissedhimwiththebriefestthanks。Consideringtheunwontedexertionhehadmade，hethoughtshemighthavebeenalittlemoregrateful，andwentawaytoLucia，whoalwaysbrightenedwhenhecame。
NomorewasseenofMissMuirtillteatime;fornow，whilethefamilywereinretirement，theydinedearlyandsawnocompany。
Thegovernesshadexcusedherselfatdinner，butcamedownintheeveningalittlepalerthanusualandwithaslightlimpinhergait。SirJohnwasthere，talkingwithhisnephew，andtheymerelyacknowledgedherpresencebythesortofbowwhichgentlemenbestowongovernesses。Assheslowlymadeherwaytoherplacebehindtheurn，Coventrysaidtohisbrother，\"Takeherafootstool，andaskherhowsheis，Ned。\"Then，asifnecessarytoaccountforhispolitenesstohisuncle，heexplainedhowhewasthecauseoftheaccident。
\"Yes，yes。Iunderstand。Ratheranicelittleperson，Ifancy。Notexactlyabeauty，butaccomplishedandwell-bred，whichisbetterforoneofherclass。\"
\"Sometea，SirJohn？\"saidasoftvoiceathiselbow，andtherewasMissMuir，offeringcupstothegentlemen。
\"Thankyou，thankyou，\"saidSirJohn，sincerelyhopingshehadoverheardhim。
AsCoventrytookhis，hesaidgraciously，\"Youareveryforgiving，MissMuir，towaituponme，afterIhavecausedyousomuchpain。\"
\"Itismyduty，sir\"washerreply，inatonewhichplainlysaid，\"butnotmypleasure。\"Andshereturnedtoherplace，tosmile，andchat，andbecharming，withBellaandherbrother。
Lucia，hoveringnearheruncleandGerald，keptthemtoherself，butwasdisturbedtofindthattheireyesoftenwanderedtothecheerfulgroupaboutthetable，andthattheirattentionseemeddistractedbythefrequentburstsoflaughterandfragmentsofanimatedconversationwhichreachedthem。Inthemidstofanaccountofatragicaffairwhichsheendeavoredtomakeasinterestingandpatheticaspossible，SirJohnburstintoaheartylaugh，whichbetrayedthathehadbeenlisteningtoalivelierstorythanherown。Muchannoyed，shesaidhastily，\"Iknewitwouldbeso！Bellahasnoideaofthepropermannerinwhichtotreatagoverness。SheandNedwillforgetthedifferenceofrankandspoilthatpersonforherwork。Sheisinclinedtobepresumptuousalready，andifmyauntwon’ttroubleherselftogiveMissMuirahintintime，Ishall。\"
\"Waittillshehasfinishedthatstory，Ibegofyou，\"saidCoventry，forSirJohnwasalreadyoff。
\"Ifyoufindthatnonsensesoentertaining，whydon’tyoufollowUncle’sexample？Idon’tneedyou。\"
\"Thankyou。Iwill。\"AndLuciawasdeserted。
ButMissMuirhadendedand，beckoningtoBella，lefttheroom，asifquiteunconsciousofthehonorconferreduponherorthedullnesssheleftbehindher。Nedwentuptohismother，GeraldreturnedtomakehispeacewithLucia，and，biddingthemgood-night，SirJohnturnedhomeward。Strollingalongtheterrace，hecametothelightedwindowofBella’sstudy，andwishingtosayawordtoher，hehalfpushedasidethecurtainandlookedin。Apleasantlittlescene。Bellaworkingbusily，andnearherinalowchair，withthelightfallingonherfairhairanddelicateprofile，satMissMuir，readingaloud。\"Novels！\"thoughtSirJohn，andsmiledatthemforapairofromanticgirls。Butpausingtolistenamomentbeforehespoke，hefounditwasnonovel，buthistory，readwithafluencywhichmadeeveryfactinteresting，everysketchofcharactermemorable，bythedramaticeffectgiventoit。SirJohnwasfondofhistory，andfailingeyesightoftencurtailedhisfavoriteamusement。
Hehadtriedreaders，butnonesuitedhim，andhehadgivenuptheplan。
Nowashelistened，hethoughthowpleasantlythesmoothlyflowingvoicewouldwileawayhisevenings，andheenviedBellahernewacquisition。
Abellrang，andBellasprangup，saying，\"Waitformeaminute。ImustruntoMamma，andthenwewillgoonwiththischarmingprince。\"
Awayshewent，andSirJohnwasabouttoretireasquietlyashecame，whenMissMuir’speculiarbehaviorarrestedhimforaninstant。Droppingthebook，shethrewherarmsacrossthetable，laidherheaddownuponthem，andbrokeintoapassionoftears，likeonewhocouldbearrestraintnolonger。Shockedandamazed，SirJohnstoleaway;
butallthatnightthekindheartedgentlemanpuzzledhisbrainswithconjecturesabouthisniece’sinterestingyounggoverness，quiteunconsciousthatsheintendedheshoulddoso。
BehindaMask：or，AWoman’sPower。Chapter3PASSIONANDPIQUEForseveralweeksthemostmonotonoustranquillityseemedtoreignatCoventryHouse，andyet，unseen，unsuspected，astormwasgathering。
ThearrivalofMissMuirseemedtoproduceachangeineveryone，thoughnoonecouldhaveexplainedhoworwhy。Nothingcouldbemoreunobtrusiveandretiringthanhermanners。ShewasdevotedtoBella，whosoonadoredher，andwasonlyhappywheninhersociety。SheministeredinmanywaystoMrs。Coventry’scomfort，andthatladydeclaredthereneverwassuchanurse。Sheamused，interestedandwonEdwardwithherwitandwomanlysympathy。ShemadeLuciarespectandenvyherforheraccomplishments，andpiquedindolentGeraldbyherpersistentavoidanceofhim，whileSirJohnwascharmedwithherrespectfuldeferenceandthegracefullittleattentionsshepaidhiminafrankandartlessway，verywinningtothelonelyoldman。Theveryservantslikedher;andinsteadofbeing，whatmostgovernessesare，aforlorncreaturehoveringbetweensuperiorsandinferiors，JeanMuirwasthelifeofthehouse，andthefriendofallbuttwo。
Luciadislikedher，andCoventrydistrustedher;
neithercouldexactlysaywhy，andneitherownedthefeeling，eventothemselves。
Bothwatchedhercovertlyyetfoundnoshortcominganywhere。Meek，modest，faithful，andinvariablysweet-tempered——theycouldcomplainofnothingandwonderedattheirowndoubts，thoughtheycouldnotbanishthem。
Itsooncametopassthatthefamilywasdivided，orratherthattwomemberswereleftverymuchtothemselves。Pleadingtimidity，JeanMuirkeptmuchinBella’sstudyandsoonmadeitsuchapleasantlittlenookthatNedandhismother，andoftenSirJohn，cameintoenjoythemusic，reading，orcheerfulchatwhichmadetheeveningssogay。Luciaatfirstwasonlytoogladtohavehercousintoherself，andhetoolazytocarewhatwentonabouthim。Butpresentlyheweariedofhersociety，forshewasnotabrilliantgirl，andpossessedfewofthosewinningartswhichcharmamanandstealintohisheart。Rumorsofthemerrymakingsthatwentonreachedhimandmadehimcurioustosharethem;echoesoffinemusicwentsoundingthroughthehouse，asheloungedabouttheemptydrawingroom;andpealsoflaughterreachedhimwhilelisteningtoLucia’sgravediscourse。
Shesoondiscoveredthathersocietyhadlostitscharm，andthemoreeagerlyshetriedtopleasehim，themoresignallyshefailed。BeforelongCoventryfellintoahabitofstrollingoutupontheterraceofanevening，andamusinghimselfbypassingandrepassingthewindowofBella’sroom，catchingglimpsesofwhatwasgoingonandreportingtheresultofhisobservationstoLucia，whowastooproudtoaskadmissiontothehappycircleortoseemtodesireit。
\"IshallgotoLondontomorrow，Lucia，\"Geraldsaidoneevening，ashecamebackfromwhathecalled\"asurvey，\"lookingverymuchannoyed。
\"ToLondon？\"exclaimedhiscousin，surprised。
\"Yes，ImustbestirmyselfandgetNedhiscommission，oritwillbealloverwithhim。\"
\"Howdoyoumean？\"
\"Heisfallinginloveasfastasitispossibleforaboytodoit。Thatgirlhasbewitchedhim，andhewillmakeafoolofhimselfverysoon，unlessIputastoptoit。\"
\"Iwasafraidshewouldattemptaflirtation。Thesepersonsalwaysdo，theyaresuchamischief-makingrace。\"
\"Ah，butthereyouarewrong，asfaraslittleMuirisconcerned。Shedoesnotflirt，andNedhastoomuchsenseandspirittobecaughtbyasillycoquette。Shetreatshimlikeaneldersister，andminglesthemostattractivefriendlinesswithaquietdignitythatcaptivatestheboy。I’vebeenwatchingthem，andthereheis，devouringherwithhiseyes，whileshereadsafascinatingnovelinthemostfascinatingstyle。BellaandMammaareabsorbedinthetale，andseenothing;butNedmakeshimselfthehero，MissMuirtheheroine，andlivesthelovescenewithalltheardorofamanwhosehearthasjustwakedup。Poorlad！Poorlad！\"
Lucialookedathercousin，amazedbytheenergywithwhichhespoke，theanxietyinhisusuallylistlessface。Thechangebecamehim，foritshowedwhathemightbe，makingoneregretstillmorewhathewas。Beforeshecouldspeak，hewasgoneagain，toreturnpresently，laughing，yetlookingalittleangry。
\"Whatnow？\"sheasked。
\"’Listenersneverhearanygoodofthemselves’isthetruestofproverbs。IstoppedamomenttolookatNed，andheardthefollowingflatteringremarks。Mammaisgone，andNedwasaskinglittleMuirtosingthatdeliciousbarcaroleshegaveustheotherevening。
\"’Notnow，nothere，’shesaid。
\"’Whynot？Yousangitinthedrawingroomreadilyenough，’saidNed，imploringly。
\"’Thatisaverydifferentthing，’andshelookedathimwithalittleshakeofthehead，forhewasfoldinghishandsanddoingthepassionatepathetic。
\"’Comeandsingittherethen，’saidinnocentBella。
’Geraldlikesyourvoicesomuch，andcomplainsthatyouwillneversingtohim。’
\"’Heneverasksme，’saidMuir，withanoddsmile。
\"’Heistoolazy，buthewantstohearyou。’
\"’Whenheasksme，Iwillsing——ifIfeellikeit。’Andsheshruggedhershoulderswithaprovokinggestureofindifference。
\"’Butitamuseshim，andhegetssoboreddownhere，’
beganstupidlittleBella。’Don’tbeshyorproud，Jean，butcomeandentertainthepooroldfellow。’
\"’No，thankyou。IengagedtoteachMissCoventry，nottoamuseMr。Coventry’wasalltheanswershegot。
\"’YouamuseNed，whynotGerald？Areyouafraidofhim？’askedBella。
\"MissMuirlaughed，suchascornfullaugh，andsaid，inthatpeculiartoneofhers，’Icannotfancyanyonebeingafraidofyourelderbrother。’
\"’Iam，veryoften，andsowouldyoube，ifyoueversawhimangry。’AndBellalookedasifI’dbeatenher。
\"’Doesheeverwakeupenoughtobeangry？’askedthatgirl，withanairofsurprise。HereNedbrokeintoafitoflaughter，andtheyareatitnow，Ifancy，bythesound。\"
\"Theirfoolishgossipisnotworthgettingexcitedabout，butIcertainlywouldsendNedaway。It’snousetryingtogetridof’thatgirl，’asyousay，formyauntisasdeludedaboutherasNedandBella，andshereallydoesgetthechildalongsplendidly。DispatchNed，andthenshecandonoharm，\"saidLucia，watchingCoventry’salteredfaceashestoodinthemoonlight，justoutsidethewindowwhereshesat。