She had first gone to him when she was just fourteen and had shared the lessons with his daughter Constance, who was three years older than her.
It had been more fun learning with another girl and Minella had been very proud of the fact that she was quicker to learn and on the whole much more intelligent than Constance.
Constance, when they were not in her father’s study, made it quite clear that she thought lessons were a bore.
“I think you are lucky to have such a clever father,” Minella said politely.
“I think you are lucky to have such a handsome and exciting one!” Constance replied.
“I will tell Papa what you said,” Minella laughed. “I am sure he will be very flattered.”
She had brought Constance home to tea and, as her father was at home, he made himself very pleasant, as he al
