governess. Laura lingered for a little, to see if no order were
forthcoming, then diffidently approached the table and asked the
governess if she would please tell her what to do.

"I'm sure I don't know," answered that lady, disinclined for
responsibility. "You'd better ask Miss Chapman. Here, Maggie, show her
where the study is."

Laura followed the little girl over the verandah and down the corridor.
At the end, the child pointed to a door, and on opening this Laura found
herself in a very large brightly lighted room, where the boarders sat at
two long tables with their books before them. Every head was raised at
her entrance. In great embarrassment, she threaded her way to the more
authoritative-looking of the governesses in charge, and proffered her
request. It was not understood, and she had to repeat it.

"I'm sure I don't know," said Miss Day in her turn: she had
stiff, black, wavy hair, a vivid colour, and a big, thick nose which
made her profile resemble that of a horse. "Can't you twiddle your thumbs
for a bit?--Oh well, if you're so desperately anxious for an
occupation, you'd better ask Miss Chapman."

The girls in the immediate neighbourhood laughed noiselessly, in a
bounden-duty kind of way, at their superior's pleasantry, and Laura,
feeling as though she had been hit, crossed to the other table. Miss
Chapman, the head governess, was neither so hard-looking nor so
brilliant as Miss Day. She even eyed Laura somewhat uneasily, meanwhile
toying with a long gold chain, after the manner of the Lady
Superintendent.