1 Middlemarch
fit for a governess.’
‘Every one would not agree with you there, mother,’ said
Fred, who seemed to be able to read and listen too.
‘Well, my dear,’ said Mrs. Vincy, wheeling skilfully, ‘if
she HAD some fortune left her,—a man marries his wife’s
relations, and the Garths are so poor, and live in such a
small way. But I shall leave you to your studies, my dear; for
I must go and do some shopping.’
‘Fred’s studies are not very deep,’ said Rosamond, rising
with her mamma, ‘he is only reading a novel.’
‘Well, well, by-and-by he’ll go to his Latin and things,’
said Mrs. Vincy, soothingly, stroking her son’s head. ‘There’s
a fire in the smoking-room on purpose. It’s your father’s
wish, you know—Fred, my dear—and I always tell him you
will be good, and go to college again to take your degree.’
Fred drew his mother’s hand down to his lips, but said
nothing.
‘I suppose you are not going out riding to-day?’ said Ro-
samond, lingering a little after her mamma was gone.
‘No; why?’
‘Papa says I may have the chestnut to ride now.’
‘You can go with me to-morrow, if you like. Only I am
going to Stone Court, remember.’
‘I want to ride so much, it is indifferent to me where we
go.’ Rosamond really wished to go to Stone Court, of all
other places.
‘Oh, I say, Rosy,’ said Fred, as she was passing out of the
room, ‘if you are going to the piano, let me come and play
some airs with you.’