"No."

"Shouldn't--shouldn't you like to, Mr. Carter?"

"Heaven forbid!" said I.

Suddenly Mrs. Hilary pushed back her chair, and turned round to
us.

"Well, I declare," said she, "I must be growing stupid. Here
have I been writing to the Agency, when I know of the very thing
myself! The Polwheedles' governess is just leaving them; she's
been there over fifteen years. Lady Polwheedle told me she was a
treasure. I wonder if she'd go!"

"Is she what mamma wants?"

"My dear, you'll be most lucky to get her. I'll write at once
and ask her to come to lunch tomorrow. I met her there. She's
an admirable person."

Mrs. Hilary wheeled round again. I shook my head at Miss
Phyllis.

"Poor children!" said I. "Manage a bit of fun for them
sometimes."

Miss Phyllis assumed a staid and virtuous air.

"They must be properly brought up, Mr. Carter," said she.