“Who told you they were?” asked Caroline. “Mr. Yorke,” replied Constance, a pretty blush rising to her cheek. “He knows the lecturer well. You would be pleased to hear them.” “It is not for that I wish to go,” said Caroline. “I think meetings, where there’s nothing but talking, are the dullest things in the world. If I were to listen, it would send me to sleep.” “Then why do you wish so much to attend this one?” “Because I shall wear my new dress. I have not had it on yet. It rained last Sunday, and mamma would not let me put it on for college. I was in such a passion.” Constance wondered where she should begin. There was so much to do; so much to alter in so many ways. To set to work abruptly would never answer. It must be commenced gradually, almost imperceptibly, little by little. “Caroline, do you know that you have disobeyed me?” “In what way, Miss Channing?” “Did I not request you to have that exercise written out?” “I know,” said Caroline, with some contrition. “I intended to write it out this morning before you came; but somehow I lay in bed.” “If I were to come to you every morning at seven o’clock, would you undertake to get up and be ready for me?” asked Constance. Caroline drew a long face. She did not speak. “My dear, you are fifteen.” “Well?” responded Caroline. “And you must not feel hurt if I tell you that I should think no other young lady of that age and in your position is half so deficient as you are. Deficient in many ways, Caroline: in goodness, in thoughtfulness, and in other desirable qualities; and greatly so in education. Annabel, who is a year younger than you, is twice as advanced.” “Annabel says you worry her into learning.” “Annabel is fond of talking nonsense; but she is a good, loving child at heart. You would be surprised at the little trouble she really gives me while she makes a show of giving me a great deal. I have _so much_ to teach you, Caroline--to your mind and heart, as well as to your intellect--that I feel the hours as at present arranged, will be insufficient for me. My dear, when you grow up to womanhood, I am sure you will wish to be loving and loved.” Caroline burst into tears. “I should do better if mamma were not so cross with me, Miss Channing. I always do anything that William Yorke asks me; and I will do anything for you.” Constance kissed her. “Then will you begin by rising early, and being ready for me at seven?” “Yes, I will,” answered Caroline. “But Martha must be sure to call me. Are you going to the meeting this afternoon?” “Of course not,” said Constance. “My time now belongs to you.” “But I think mamma wishes you to go with us. She said something about it.” “Does she? I should very much like to go.” Lady Augusta came in and proffered the invitation to Constance to accompany them. Constance then spoke of giving the children the extra two hours, from seven to nine: it was really necessary, she said, if she was to do her duty by them.