Louisa May Alcott

Behind a Mask Louisa May Alcott

"Has she come?""No, Mamma, not yet.""I wish it were well over. The thought of it worries and excites me. A cushion for my back, Bella."And poor, peevish Mrs. Coventry sank into an easy chair with a nervous sigh and the air of a martyr, while her pretty daughter hovered about her with affectionate solicitude."Who are they talking of, Lucia?" asked the languid young man lounging on a couch near his cousin, who bent over her tapestry work with a happy smile on her usually haughty face."The new governess, Miss Muir. Shall I tell you about her?""No, thank you. I have an inveterate aversion to the whole tribe. I've often thanked heaven that I had but one sister, and she a spoiled child, so that I have escaped the infliction of a governess so long."