Mrs Blunt thought that perhaps if her young friend did not object to being separated she might possibly manage it. And really I hoped she would; for any one, even Celia Blang--little spy that she was--would have been better than poor Patty. "But I really should not like to introduce my dear child here at the expense of doing violence to anybody's feelings," said Mrs Campanelle Brassey. "Oh, no! I know you would not wish that," said Mrs Blunt; "and really, if Miss Smith objected at all to being removed, I don't think I could-- er--I should like to--to--" "I see, perfectly," said Mrs Campanelle Brassey; "and I quite admire and appreciate your system, Mrs de Blount. But what does my young friend here say--would she object to such a change being made? Would she not miss her friend, the young person of the name of--er--Jones?" "Smith," corrected Mrs Blunt; for somehow the vulgarity of the name seemed too much for Mrs Campanelle Brassey. "I should be very glad to see the change," I said. "And about Miss Fitzacre?" said Mrs Blunt, with such an air of hypocritical interest, looking all the while so innocent. "Oh, I'm certain that she would be glad," I rejoined. "In fact, ma'am, I have heard her say so. Miss Smith is very young, ma'am," I said, modestly, "and has never been a companion or friend to us." And then I felt very much afraid lest Patty should hear of what I had said, and repay me by telling all she knew. "No; I should never have expected that from what I have seen of your two charming pupils. Mrs de Blount, that they would have had feelings, sentiments, or emotions in common with a young person of the name of-- Jones." "Then, if your daughter wishes it, my dear madam," said Mrs Blunt, "I think we may venture to say that the matter is settled to your satisfaction. You see," she continued, "that when a new pupil arrives, I look upon mine as quite a maternal charge--one that embraces all that a mother owes to her child, with that of the teacher and trainer of the young and budding intellect." "Exactly so," said Mrs Campanelle Brassey, nodding her head. "And therefore," continued Mrs Blunt, apparently much encouraged--"therefore, my dear madam, I try to study pupils' comfort and wishes, even in those which some people might consider trivial things. I study, as far as I can, the present as well as the future; so that when, strong-winged, these young birds take flight, they may always in their happy futures--" "Certainly--happy futures," said Mrs Campanelle Brassey, nodding her head; "certainly, after such training." "Happy futures, look back," continued Mrs Blunt, "to the days when they were at the Cedars, and feel a tear dim their eye's brightness--a tear, not of sorrow, but of regret." "Very true," said Mrs Campanelle Brassey. "I quite agree with you, Mrs de Blount. Charming sentiments."