know there are those who would forget my attachment to these darling
children, my services to--to her--and dismiss the poor governess. But
while you stay I can stay, dear Lady Kicklebury! With you to defend me
from jealousy I need not QUITE be afraid.

LADY K.--Of Mrs. Bonnington? Of Mr. Milliken's mother; of the parson's
wife who writes out his stupid sermons, and has half a dozen children of
her own? I should think NOT indeed! I am the natural protector of these
children. I am their mother. I have no husband! You STAY in this house,
Miss Prior. You are a faithful, attached creature--though you were sent
in by somebody I don't like very much [pointing to TOUCHIT, who went off
laughing when JULIA began her speech, and is now looking at prints, &c.,
in next room].

MISS P.--Captain Touchit may not be in all things what one could wish.
But his kindness has formed the happiness of my life in making me
acquainted with YOU, ma'am: and I am sure you would not have me be
ungrateful to him.

LADY K.--A most highly principled young woman. [Goes out in garden and
walks up and down with Captain TOUCHIT.]

Enter Mrs. BONNINGTON.

MISS P.--Oh, how glad I am you are come, Mrs. Bonnington. Have you
brought me that pretty hymn you promised me? You always keep your
promises, even to poor governesses. I read dear Mr. Bonnington's sermon!
It was so interesting that I really could not think of going to sleep
until I had read it all through; it was delightful, but oh! it's still
better when he preaches it! I hope I did not do wrong in copying a part