The buzz of voices, like the murmur of a hive of busy human bees, made itself heard as soon as they emerged from the forest on the more open village-green on which the school was situated. The door was wide open, and they entered. A brisk lady in black, here, there, and everywhere, perceived them, and bade them welcome with somewhat of the hostess-air which, Margaret remembered, her mother was wont to assume, only in a more soft and languid manner, when any rare visitors strayed in to inspect the school. She knew at once it was the present Vicar's wife, her mother's successor; and she would have drawn back from the interview had it been possible; but in an instant she had conquered this feeling, and modestly advanced, meeting many a bright glance of recognition, and hearing many a half-suppressed murmur of "It's Miss Hale." The Vicar's lady heard the name, and her manner at once became more kindly. Margaret wished she could have helped feeling that it also became more patronizing. The lady held out a hand to Mr. Bell, with,--
"Your father, I presume, Miss Hale. I see it by the likeness. I am sure I am very glad to see you, sir, and so will the Vicar be."

The buzz of voices, like the murmur of a hive of busy human bees, made itself heard as soon as they emerged on the open village-green where the school was situated. The door was wide open; when they entered, a brisk lady in black bade them welcome. Margaret knew at once it was the present Vicar's wife, and she would have drawn back if possible; but she conquered this feeling, and modestly advanced, meeting many a bright glance of recognition, and hearing many a murmur of 'It's Miss Hale.'
The Vicar's lady heard the name, and her manner became more kindly, but also more patronising. She held out a hand to Mr. Bell.
'Your father, I presume, Miss Hale. I see it by the likeness.'
