“I have been thinking of something else.  Of course it will remain for yourself to decide.”

Hetty’s heart leaped.  A wild idea crossed her mind that perhaps Miss Davis was going to suggest some way by which she might study to be an artist.  Though she had never spoken on the subject since Mr. Enderby had pronounced sentence upon her hopes, still the dear dream of a possible beautiful future had always lain hidden somewhere in the most distant recesses of her brain.  Now a sudden bright light shone into that darkened chamber.  What delightful plan had Miss Davis been marking out for her?

“I have made up my mind,” said Miss Davis, “that instead of entering another family I will open a school in the town where I was born.  My mother is getting old and she is lonely.  If I succeed in my project I shall be able to live with her and continue to make an income at the same time.”

“How delightful!” murmured Hetty.

Miss Davis smiled sadly.  “I don’t know about that.  The plan will have its advantages, but there are many difficulties.  However, I think it is worth a trial.”

Hetty said nothing, only wondered why Miss Davis was not more wildly glad at the thought of being always with her mother.  She could not realize how long years of trial and disappointment had made it impossible to the governess to feel vivid anticipations of delight.

“Now as regards you—­” Hetty started.  She had so completely thrown herself into Miss Davis’s personality for the moment that she had entirely forgotten her own.  “As regards you, I have been thinking that you might come with me and help me as an under teacher.  In this way you might begin to be independent at the age of sixteen, and at the same time continue your own studies under my superintendence.  Later, when you were more thoroughly fitted to be a governess, I could endeavour to place you out in the world.”

“Oh, how good of you to think of it!  You are very, very kind!” said Hetty, though tears of disappointment rushed to her eyes.  She crushed back the ungrateful feeling of dismay which pressed upon her at the thought of trying to teach in school.  Her common-sense told her that nothing could be more advantageous for her interests than the plan Miss Davis had sketched for her.  And she keenly appreciated the thoughtfulness for her welfare which had led the governess to include her in the scheme for her own future.

“You would only have little children to teach at first,” Miss Davis went on, “until you grow accustomed to the work and gain confidence in yourself.  Of course this is only a suggestion which I make to you, that you may turn it over in your thoughts and be ready to make arrangements when the moment shall arrive.  Perhaps by that time, however, Mr. Enderby will be able to provide you with a pleasanter home.”

“I do not think so,” said Hetty.  “He could recommend me only as a nursery governess, and if I were once in that position I could never have any further opportunity to improve.  With you I can continue my studies.”