this flagrant, flowery thing, that I saw Miss Curtis looking at as
rather a disreputable article. There's preferment for you, Ailie!
What do you think of a general's widow with six boys? She is come
after you. We had a great invasion--three Curtises and this pretty
little widow, and various sons!"

"Will she stay?"

"Most likely, for she is a relation of Mrs. Curtis, and comes to be
near her. You are to call for inspection at eleven o'clock tomorrow,
so I fear your holiday will be short."

"Well, the less play the less anxiety. How many drives will the six
young gentlemen be worth to you?"

"I am afraid it will be at the cost of tough work to you; she looked
to me too sweet a creature to have broken her sons in, but I should
think she would be pleasant to deal with."

"If she be like Miss Curtis, I am sure she will."

"Miss Curtis? My old friend you mean. She was rather suppressed
today, and I began to comprehend the reason of the shudder with which
Mr. Touchett speaks of the dogmatical young lady."

"I hope she did not overwhelm you!"

"Oh, no! I rather liked her; she was so earnest and spirited, I could
fancy enjoying a good passage at arms with her if these were old
times. But I hope she will not take the direction of your school-