Thus, if Ada had done any mischief, she would indeed confess it on
being examined; but when asked why she had not told of it directly,
would say she had forgotten; she would avail herself of Phyllis's
assistance in her lessons without acknowledging it, and Lilias found
it was by no means safe to leave the Key to the French Exercises
alone in the room with her.
Emily's mismanagement had fostered Ada's carelessness and
inattention. Lady Rotherwood's injudicious caresses helped to make
her more affected; other faults had grown up for want of sufficient
control, but this last was principally Esther's work. Esther had
done well at school; she liked learning, was stimulated by notice,
was really attached to Lilias, and tried to deserve her goodwill; but
her training at school and at home were so different, that her
conduct was, even at the best, far too much of eye-service, and she
had very little idea of real truth and sincerity.
On first coming to the New Court she flattered the children, because
she did not know how to talk to them otherwise, and afterwards,
because she found that Miss Ada's affections were to be gained by
praise. Then, in her ignorant good-nature, she had no scruples about
concealing mischief which the children had done, or procuring for Ada
little forbidden indulgences on her promise of secrecy, a promise
which Phyllis would not give, thus putting a stop to all those in
which she would have participated.
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