Peggy from Kerry by L.T. Meade

Kitty, during her talk with Mrs. Wyndham, managed to inspire that good lady with a great many of her own charming sentiments; in particular she praised both Molly and Jessie, praising Jessie the most, as was but natural, seeing that Jessie was her friend. It happened also that of the two girls Jessie was her mother's favourite. She was not nearly so affectionate as Molly, but Mrs. Wyndham did not want gushing, affectionate girls; as a matter of fact, she could not bear them. She liked Jessie's stately, quiet way, and considered it ladylike. Then Kitty, feeling her way very quietly, approached the subject of the adopted child, Peggy. She had to be careful here, for she knew she was treading on dangerous ground. She was far too sharp not to have penetrated already into the true state of the case. Mr. Wyndham was devoted to Peggy, and Mrs. Wyndham could not bear her. But none the less on that account might Kitty, apparently not knowing anything, confide a few little things to Mrs. Wyndham about Peggy's conduct at school.

At first Mrs. Wyndham pretended to be not at all interested, and in short let the subject drop; but when Kitty said abruptly, "Well, I can't help it. I do think it's awfully _partial_ of her," Mrs. Wyndham's cold eyes seemed to blaze for a minute, and she said, with real interest in her tone, "What do you mean? Whom are you speaking about?"