Mrs. Medhurst spoke a little languidly as she welcomed the governess, giving her hand a slight pressure as she said kindly, "I am so glad you have come! You will excuse our beginning; we had almost given up expecting you, but my husband has told me of my stupid mistake." Margaret was a little disconcerted, as she took the seat offered to her, to find her hostess in full evening-dress, the rich yellow velvet throwing up the beauty of her dark eyes and olive-tinted skin. A collar of diamonds flashed rainbow hues upon her white neck. The conversation flagged, but from time to time Mrs. Medhurst appealed to Margaret in her soft modulated voice. She was a beautiful woman, exquisitely dressed, as though she might be going to a dinner-party; the servants and appointments of the house, so far as Margaret could judge, seemed all perfect in their way. Miss Woodford of Woodford Abbey knew how things ought to be done, and she was pleasantly surprised at her surroundings. But the thought would present itself, why were these people living in this lonely out-of-the-way place? It seemed so utterly incongruous, considering their style. The girl tried to smother the thought, and, being young, and withal hungry, was able to enjoy the meal in spite of the sense of strangeness which pervaded the place. "Will you come into the drawing-room with me?" said the hostess, as she gave the signal to rise from the table. Miss Woodford was glad the invitation had been given, as she was not quite sure how much she was to be received into the family, or exactly what her position was to be. The drawing-room was a dream of cosiness, comfort, and taste. The chairs and couch were of the easiest, the dove-coloured walls, against which stood some handsome cabinets of old china, the rich pile carpet where one's feet sank softly, gave a feeling of rest and luxury which reminded Margaret of her boudoir at Woodford Abbey. Mrs. Medhurst sat sipping her coffee and lazily fanning herself at intervals, until, presently, Margaret inquired if she might ask her a few questions as to her future duties. "Yes, certainly. I don't think I have much to tell you," she answered, "except I should like you to have breakfast in the dining-room, and lunch with Ellice in the school-room, and dine with us in the evening. We are so quiet here, we shall be glad of your society then. I am having the rest cure," she said, with a strange little laugh, "and although I am much better than I was, it really is almost too quiet at times." "I am so sorry you have been ill," said Margaret sympathetically. "I have been dreadfully weak. I'm gradually gaining strength now, but I can't stand Ellice's high spirits, and so I pass her on to you. Manage her as you like." "I will do my best," said Margaret. "You know I have had no experience, but I love children, and always have got on with them."