nine until four
Amy had scarcely gone , when Mrs. Arlington entered . She was tall and stately , rather cold and haughty , and very dignified and patronizing in her manner . She hoped Miss Leicester had been made comfortable , and was sure that she would like the children . She then informed her that the school hours were from nine until four , with an hour for dinner , then she would have to take them for a walk , after that her time was her own . She would take her meals with the children , but she would be happy to have her come into the drawing-room occasionally in the evening . She said that her own time was so much occupied with her elder daughters , that she was forced to leave the children entirely to the governess , but , that as Mrs. Arnold had so strongly recommended her she felt sure she should be satisfied , then bidding Miss Leicester a polite good morning , she swept majestically from the room . Poor Isabel , she had not expected quite so much dignity , and was excessively annoyed .