But the visitor seemed in no hurry to return. She made a faint sort of pleading speech one day, that really she ought to go back for Christmas; she was sure Mr. and Mrs. Arkell must be tired of her: just one of those little pseudo moves to go, which, in politeness, cannot be accepted. Neither was it by Mr. and Mrs. Arkell: had the young lady remained with them a twelvemonth, in their proud and stately courtesy they would have pressed her to stay on longer. Mrs. Arkell had once or twice spoken of the primary object of her coming--the looking out for some desirable situation for her; but Miss Travice appeared to have changed her mind. She thought now she should not like to be in a country school, she said; but would get something in London on her return. Mildred, naturally clear-sighted, felt convinced that Miss Travice was playing a part; that she was incessantly _labouring_ to ingratiate herself into the good opinion of Mr. and Mrs. Arkell, and especially into that of William. "Oh, that they could see her as she really is!" thought Mildred; "false and false!" And Miss Travice took out her recreation tilting lance-shafts at Mildred. "How is it you never learned music, Miss Arkell?" she was pleased to inquire one day, as she finished a brilliant piece, and gave herself a whirl round on the music-stool to speak. "I can't tell," replied Mildred; "I did not learn it." "Neither did you learn drawing?" "No." "Well, that's odd, isn't it? Mr. and Mrs. Dan Arkell must have been rather neglectful of you." "I suppose they thought I should do as well without accomplishments as with them," was the composed answer. "To tell you the truth, Miss Travice, I dare say I shall." "But everybody is accomplished now--at least, ladies are. I was surprised, I must confess, to find William Arkell a proficient in such things, for men rarely learn them. I wonder they did not have you taught music, if only to play with him. He has to put up with a stranger, you see--poor me." Mildred's cheek burnt. "I have _listened_ to him," she said; "hitherto he has found that sort of help enough, and liked it." "He is very attractive," resumed Charlotte, throwing her bright eyes full at Mildred, a saucy expression in their depths; "don't you find him so?" "I think you do," was Mildred's quiet answer. "Of course I do. Haven't I just said it? And so, I dare say, do a great many others. Yesterday evening--by the way, you ought to have been here yesterday evening." "Why ought I?" "Mrs. Arkell meant to send for you, and told William to go; I heard her. He forgot it; and then it grew too late." Mildred did not raise her eyes from her work. She was hemming a shirt-frill of curiously fine cambric--Mr. Arkell, behind the taste of his day, wore shirt-frills still. Mrs. Arkell rarely did any plain sewing herself; what her maid-servants did not do, was consigned to Mildred.