Mrs. Enderby smiled.

"No, my dear, they never breakfast here. They breakfasted an hour ago in
the school-room. They are busy at their studies at present."

"Are they always busy at studies?" asked Hetty.

"A great part of the day they are."

"As all little girls ought to be who wish to be educated women some
day," said Mr. Enderby, looking over the edge of his newspaper.

"Your education has hardly begun yet I fear," said Mrs. Enderby.

"Mrs. Rushton"--something withheld Hetty from saying "my mamma" before
Mr. and Mrs. Enderby--"always says it is time enough for that," said
Hetty.

Mr. and Mrs. Enderby exchanged glances, and Mr. Enderby shifted in his
seat and shook the newspaper impatiently. Mrs. Enderby said:

"What would you think of joining my girls at their lessons while you
stay here? I fear that if you do not you will find yourself very
lonely."

"I am often very lonely," said Hetty simply; and again her host and
hostess looked at each other.

"Well, which do you prefer?" said the latter; "to be very lonely going