54 BERTHA'S RICH FRIENDS.

day is warm; don't you think we might have it
in the forenoon ? I think I should like to have it
then quite as well as in the evening."
 Bertha, who knew Julia was exceedingly fond
of playing at keeping house, agreed that it would
be just as nice then as later.
 And how do you like the house ? said Julia,
as they stood outside the summer-house. Isn't
it a nice large one ? Is the one you live in very
much smaller? "
 "Oh yes," said Bertha, laughing. "It is only
a farm-house, but a very pretty one."
 "And what do you do all day, Bertha ? said
Julia, as they walked back to the house. "Have
you a governess to teach you? "
 Oh no; I go to the dame's school in the
 village," said Bertha, blushing in spite of herself.
 "What! to a school where common children
go ?" said Julia, standing still in surprise.
 "Yes," said Bertha. "It was mamma's wish
 I should be sent there;" though she felt more and
 more ashamed.
 "Oh dear, I really can't understand it; I re-
 member hearing mamma telling grandmamma be-
 fore she left for India that your papa was very
 rich. You must not tell grandmamma about the