’I don’t see what use it is having a school, if half the children are to stay away,’ she said to the mistress.

’It is the harvest, ma’am; they stay at home to take care of the younger children; that is why we have so few.’

’Yes, and half go to the Dissenting schools; I see them creeping out.  Now, children,’ turning to the terrified urchins, who were just about to leave the room, if I see any of you going to any other school but this, or going away from church to the meeting-houses, you shall neither have new frocks, hats, nor shawls, nor shall you come to the tea-party I am going to give you soon; do you hear?’

‘Yes, ma’am—­yes, ma’am,’ muttered the children as they curtseyed and bowed and slipped away.

As Freda and Miss Hall walked through the park to the house, the former grew very excited in her manner.

‘I tell you what it is, Nita,’ she said, ’Lady Nugent is doing everything in her power to win papa, and as soon as Miss Nugent marries, or rather as soon as somebody marries her fortune, she will get papa to marry her, I am sure of it.  She must propose for him herself, for he will never have the courage to do so; I see through her, and I am sure you must do the same.  He is flattered by the constant attentions, and little notes, and insinuating manners of a very handsome, fashionable, agreeable woman; and she thinks Glanyravon Park and a man of fortune that she will be able to turn round her fingers, better than the jointure she will have to live upon when her daughter leaves her.  I was actually disgusted with her yesterday; it was what I call a dead set; if he marries her I shall hang myself, for live with her I never will; I positively detest her.’

’Oh!  Freda; those are the old expressions of years gone by.  But you are jumping at a conclusion.’

’Not at all; papa always stands up for Lady Nugent and her insipid daughter.  You know he is a thorough gentleman himself and does not understand such a maneuvering woman.  I told him so the other day, and he was quite angry; and I am sure she sets him against me.  Why will you not try to marry papa, if he must marry again? and you are the only person I could tolerate for a step-mother.’

‘My dear Freda,’ said Miss Hall, laughing, ’your papa would as soon think of Miss Rice Rice as of me.’

’You are quite mistaken, he has always admired you very much, only you are so dreadfully reserved with him.  You won’t see that he wants some one who can talk to and for him, to save him the trouble.  This Lady Nugent does with the most contemptible tact; and does it so cleverly that nobody sees through her.  If you will only try, and just propose at the right moment, I am convinced papa would have you.  If he marries her, I say good-bye to Glanyravon for ever.’

’You are so impetuous, Freda; I am sure your papa has never thought of it.’

’Not exactly in a downright way, nor will he till Lady Nugent makes the proposal; then he will be rather frightened at first, and finally think that she will head his table more gracefully than I shall, and be less dictatorial—­and I shall go into a convent.’