"
Lady Barbara was struggling with tears she could not repress; and at
last she broke quite down, and wept so that Lady Jane moved about in
alarm and distress, and her brother waited in some anxiety. But when
she spoke it was humbly.
"You were right, Giles. It was not in me to love that child. It was
wrong in me. Perhaps if I had overcome the feeling when you first
told me of it, when her mother died, it would have been better for us
all. Now it is too late. Our habits have formed themselves, and I
can neither manage the child nor make her happy. It is better that
she should go to you and Emily. And, Giles, if you still bring her
to us sometimes, I will try--" The last words were lost.
"You will," he said affectionately, "when there are no more daily
collisions. Dear Barbara, if I am particularly anxious to train this
poor girl up at once in affection and in self-restraint, it is
because my whole life--ever since I grew up--has taught me what a
grievous task is left us, after we are our own masters. If our
childish faults--such as impetuosity and sullenness--are not
corrected on principle, not for convenience, while we are children."
After this conversation, everyone will be sure that Mrs. Umfraville
came next day, and after many arrangements with Lady Barbara, carried
off the little Countess with her to the house that Lord de la Poer
had lent them.
Kate was subdued and quiet.
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