'He has been away somewhere; but I believe he is coming back to-morrow--or next day.' 'Or the day after?' said Lady Davenant. 'And do they never go away together?' she continued after a pause. 'Yes, sometimes--but they don't come back together.' 'Do you mean they quarrel on the way?' 'I don't know what they do, Lady Davenant--I don't understand,' Laura Wing replied, with an unguarded tremor in her voice. 'I don't think they are very happy.' 'Then they ought to be ashamed of themselves. They have got everything so comfortable--what more do they want?' 'Yes, and the children are such dears!' 'Certainly--charming. And is she a good person, the present governess? Does she look after them properly?' 'Yes--she seems very good--it's a blessing. But I think she's unhappy too.' 'Bless us, what a house! Does she want some one to make love to her?' 'No, but she wants Selina to see--to appreciate,' said the young girl. 'And doesn't she appreciate--when she leaves them that way quite to the young woman?' 'Miss Steet thinks she doesn't notice how they come on--she is never there.' 'And has she wept and told you so? You know they are always crying, governesses--whatever line you take. You shouldn't draw them out too much--they are always looking for a chance. She ought to be thankful to be let alone. You mustn't be too sympathetic--it's mostly wasted,' the old lady went on. 'Oh, I'm not--I assure you I'm not,' said Laura Wing. 'On the contrary, I see so much about me that I don't sympathise with.'