of it? I wish to impress it on the children. There are some worldly
influences at work with them, dear madam [looking at Lady K. in the
garden], which I do my feeble effort to--to modify. I wish YOU could
come oftener.

MRS. B.--I will try, my dear--I will try. Emily has sweet dispositions.

MISS P.--Ah, she takes after her grandmamma Bonnington!

MRS. B.--But George was sadly fractious just now in the school-room
because I tried him with a tract.

MISS P.--Let us hope for better times! Do be with your children, dear
Mrs. Bonnington, as constantly as ever you can, for MY sake as well as
theirs! I want protection and advice as well as they do. The GOVERNESS,
dear lady, looks up to you as well as the pupils; SHE wants the teaching
which you and dear Mr. Bonnington can give her! Ah, why could not Mr.
and Mrs. Bonnington come and live here, I often think? The children
would have companions in their dear young uncles and aunts; so pleasant
it would be. The house is quite large enough; that is, if her ladyship
did not occupy the three south rooms in the left wing. Ah, why, WHY
couldn't you come?

MRS. B.--You are a kind, affectionate creature, Miss Prior. I do not
very much like the gentleman who recommended you to Arabella, you know.
But I do think he sent my son a good governess for his children.

Two Ladies walk up and down in front garden.

TOUCHIT enters.