Rotha's mouth opened, and closed. She was forming herself with all her might on Mr. Digby's model; and besides that, she was trying to obey his injunctions about pleasant behaviour. "Where have you lived all this time?" a little shorter than the former questions had been put. "Since we came to New York?" "No, no; since you have been under this gentleman's care? Where have you been?" "In a pleasant place near the river. I do not know the name of the street." "Who took care of you there, Rotha?" Rotha lifted her eyes. "Mr. Digby--Mr. Southwode." "Mr. Southwode! Did he live there himself?" "Yes, at that time; not always." "Near the river, and in New York?" said Mrs. Busby, mystified. "I did not say in New York. It was out of the city." "I was out of town," said Mrs. Busby musingly. "I wish I had come home earlier, that I might have received you at once. But I am glad I have got you now, my dear. Now you will have the pleasure of going to school with Antoinette. You will like that, won't you?" "I do not know, ma'am. I think so." "Why you want to learn, don't you? You don't want to be ignorant; and the only way is to go to school and study hard. Have you ever been to school at all?" "No, ma'am." "You will have a great deal to do. And the very first thing for me to do is to see to your wardrobe, that you may begin at once. Your box has come; I found it down stairs when I came in, and I had it taken right up to your room. Have you the key?" "Yes, ma'am." "Then go up, my dear, immediately; and bring down all your best dresses. Then I can see what is to be done." As Rotha went out, enter Antoinette. "O mamma, here you are! I'm glad, I'm sure. I don't want that young lady on _my_ hands any more." "How do you like her, Antoinette?" "Mamma, did you ever see such a figure? You won't let her go down stairs till she is decently dressed, will you? I should be ashamed for even Lesbia to see her." "Lesbia has got to see her and make the best of it." "O but servants always make the worst of it. And company--she _couldn't_ be seen by company, mamma. Why she looks as if she had come out of the year one. To have such a creature supposed to belong to us!" "Mr. Southwode brought her?" "Yes, mamma; and you should have seen the parting. I declare, it was rather striking! He kissed her, mamma, fancy! a real smacking kiss; and Rotha coloured up as if she was delighted. Did you ever hear anything like it?" "She has done with him now," said Mrs. Busby drily. "How'll you manage, mamma, if he comes and asks for her?" "Get your things off, Antoinette, and make yourself ready for dinner. Ah, here comes Rotha."