Ballast had been given at first by bashfulness, disappointment, and
anxiety, but she had been freed from her troubles with Gilbert, had
gained confidence in herself, and had taken her position at Bayford.
She was beloved, esteemed, and trusted in her own set, and though
elsewhere she might not be liked, yet she was deferred to, could not
easily be quarrelled with, so that she met with little opposition,
and did not care for such as she did meet. In fact, very few persons
had so much of their own way as Mrs. Kendal.
She was generally in her nursery at a much earlier hour than an
old-established nurse would have tolerated, but the little Susan,
promoted from Fairmead school and nursery, was trained in energetic
habits. In passing the doors of the young ladies' rooms, Albinia
gave a call which she had taught them not to resist, for, like all
strong persons, she thought 'early to rise' the only way to health,
wealth, or wisdom. Much work had been despatched before breakfast,
after which, on two days in the week, Albinia and Lucy went to
church. Sophy never volunteered to accompany them, and Albinia was
the less inclined to press her, because her attitudes and attention
on Sunday were far from satisfactory. On Tuesday and Thursday
Albinia had a class at school, and so, likewise, had Lucy, who kept a
jealous watch over every stray necklace and curl, and had begun
thoroughly to enjoy the importance and bustle of charity.
Pages:
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166