CHAPTER X 114
" Missis looks stout and well enough in the face , but I think she ' s not quite easy in her mind : Mr . John ' s conduct does not please her- -he spends a deal of money ."
" Did she send you here , Bessie ?"
" No , indeed : but I have long wanted to see you , and when I heard that there had been a letter from you , and that you were going to another part of the country , I thought I ' d just set off , and get a look at you before you were quite out of my reach ."
" I am afraid you are disappointed in me , Bessie ." I said this laughing : I perceived that Bessie ' s glance , though it expressed regard , did in no shape denote admiration .
" No , Miss Jane , not exactly : you are genteel enough ; you look like a lady , and it is as much as ever I expected of you : you were no beauty as a child ."
I smiled at Bessie ' s frank answer : I felt that it was correct , but I confess I was not quite indifferent to its import : at eighteen most people wish to please , and the conviction that they have not an exterior likely to second that desire brings anything but gratification .
" I dare say you are clever , though ," continued Bessie , by way of solace . " What can you do ? Can you play on the piano ?"
" A little ."
There was one in the room ; Bessie went and opened it , and then asked me to sit down and give her a tune : I played a waltz or two , and she was charmed .
" The Miss Reeds could not play as well !" said she exultingly . " I always said you would surpass them in learning : and can you draw ?"