Part 7 (1/2)

Norbert.

Luckily your father was out--and as for your mother--well, she simply laughed at me!

Ellen.

Oh!

Norbert.

Oh, you know how your mother laughs at one. It doesn't hurt. ”Dear boy,” she said, in the kindest way, ”it's too soon to talk of such things to Ellen. You must give her time to grow up.” And I gave her my word I would; and you see I've kept it.

Ellen.

And if mother should----

Beata _enters_.

Beata.

Ellen, dear, go to Miss Mansborough. It's time for your reading.

Norbert will come in a moment.

Ellen.

Yes, mother. (_Goes out_.)

Beata (_who has been watching them closely_).

By the way, Norbert--what about that promise you made me?

Norbert.

I've kept it, Aunt Beata.

Beata.

Then you want to talk to me about something else?

Norbert.

Yes. The storm-signals are up. My college club has turned on me: one, two, three, and out you go!

Beata.

Not in disgrace?

Norbert.

I'm not so sure. I got an official letter yesterday from the committee, asking me if I was the author of a pamphlet called ”The Ordeal.”