supper--Fay came to her crying, "Archer is a naughty boy--he said
wicked words--he called her ugly, and had cuffed and pinched her!"

Poor child! she was tired out, and disappointed, and Aurelia could
only comfort her by hearing her little prayers, undressing her, and
giving her the highly-esteemed treat of sleeping in Cousin Aura's
bed; while the others were staying up as long as it pleased Master
Archer. This actually was the cause of my Lady being kept waiting,
and an apology was needful. "Fidelia was tired out, and was crying."

"A peevish child! I am glad I did not choose her."

"She is usually very good, madam," said Aurelia, eagerly.

"Is she your favourite?"

"I try not to make favourites, madam."

"Ah! there spoke the true Manor House tone," said her Ladyship, rather
mockingly. "Maybe she will be a wit, for she will never be a beauty,
but the other little one will come on in due time after Amoret."

"Your Ladyship will find Amoret a dear, good, affectionate child," said
Aurelia. "Only---"

"Reserve that for nurse, so please you, my good girl. It is enough
for me to see the brats on their good manners now and then. You have
had other recreations--shall I call them, or cares? I never supposed,
when I sent you here to attend on the children, that the hermit of
Bowstead would summon you! I assure you it is an extraordinary honour."