Miss Twinkleton now opining that indeed these were late hours, Mrs. Crisparkle, for finding ourselves outside the walls of the Nuns’ House, and that we who undertook the formation of the future wives and mothers of England (the last words in a lower voice, as requiring to be communicated in confidence) were really bound (voice coming up again) to set a better example than one of rakish habits, wrappers were put in requisition, and the two young cavaliers volunteered to see the ladies home. It was soon done, and the gate of the Nuns’ House closed upon them.
The boarders had retired, and only Mrs. Tisher in solitary vigil awaited the new pupil. Her bedroom being within Rosa’s, very little introduction or explanation was necessary, before she was placed in charge of her new friend, and left for the night.
“This is a blessed relief, my dear,” said Helena. “I have been dreading all day, that I should be brought to bay at this time.”
“There are not many of us,” returned Rosa, “and we are good-natured girls; at least the others are; I can answer for them.”
“I can answer for you,” laughed Helena, searching the lovely little face with her dark fiery eyes, and tenderly caressing the small figure. “You will be a friend to me, won’t you?”
“I hope so. But the idea of my being a friend to you seems too absurd, though.”
“Why?”
“Oh! I am such a mite of a thing, and you are so womanly and handsome. You seem to have resolution and power enough to crush me. I shrink into nothing by the side of your presence even.”
“I am a neglected creature, my dear, unacquainted with all accomplishments, sensitively conscious that I have everything to learn,