A VERY PECULIAR LADY. 55

dame's school; she will be quite shocked, and
may send you home at once."
 "If she asks me, of course I must tell her,"
said Bertha, almost ready to cry.
 "No, you must not; you must say you haven't
got a governess yet," said Julia. "Grandmamma
is very peculiar; she can't bear vulgar common
people, and will only read books about rich ladies
and gentlemen. I know she will send you home
at once."
 "Well, I don't care," said Bertha; "I don't
want to stay here if people are not kind."
 Now, don't be stupid, dear," said Julia, throw-
ing her arms round her friend's neck ; "I want
to have you to play with so much, for Tom and
Charley will have their way about everything,
and they are not good play-fellows."
 There were really beautiful picture-books and
toys in their play-room, and Bertha could have
sat for hours enjoying them; but she soon found
that, though she was the visitor, her feelings and
wishes were not to be regarded in the very slight-
est. After tea they were allowed to do just what
they pleased, and after a sore struggle between
Julia and Tom, each of them insisting upon hav-
ing their own way, Tom, being the strongest