Behind a Mask : A Woman's Power

"I wish it were well over. The thought of it worries and excites me. A cushion for my back,Bella."And poor, peevish Mrs. Coventry sank into an easy chair with a nervous sigh and the air of amartyr, while her pretty daughter hovered about her with affectionate solicitude."Who are they talking of, Lucia?" asked the languid young man lounging on a couch near hiscousin, who bent over her tapestry work with a happy smile on her usually haughty face."The new governess, Miss Muir.

Shall I tell you about her?""No, thank you. I have an inveterate aversion to the whole tribe. I've often thanked heaven that Ihad but one sister, and she a spoiled child, so that I have escaped the infliction of a governess solong.""How will you bear it now?" asked Lucia."Leave the house while she is in it.""No, you won't.

You're too lazy, Gerald," called out a younger and more energetic man, from therecess where he stood teasing his dogs."I'll give her a three days' trial; if she proves endurable I shall not disturb myself; if, as I am sure,she is a bore, I'm off anywhere, anywhere out of her way.""I beg you won't talk in that depressing manner, boys.

I dread the coming of a stranger more thanyou possibly can, but Bella must not be neglected; so I have nerved myself to endure this woman,and Lucia is good enough to say she will attend to her after tonight."