Part 10 (2/2)

”It is on Ermengarde's account that I am glad,” pursued the governess.

Basil nodded.

”I came back on account of Ermie,” he said. Then he colored, and added quickly, ”But I like being at home best.”

”Yes, my dear boy, I understand. You are unselfish. You and Marjorie are remarkably unselfish. Basil, you have a great influence over your eldest sister; oh yes, I can see. In many respects Ermengarde is a difficult child; I want you to use your influence well, and----Will you come into my room, Basil?”

Basil picked up his book. Of course he would go. He did not want to; he thought it was rather fudge talking about his influence; and as to his being unselfish, he liked his own way as well as any one else. Had he not almost blubbered about not going to Scotland, and although he had thought of Ermie, still he had given up his desires with a pang.

He hated Miss Nelson to think better of him than he deserved, but he did not know how to explain himself, and he followed her in rather a limp fas.h.i.+on into her private sitting-room.

”By Jove!” he exclaimed, when he got there, ”what a tiny room! Do they put you off with this? Oh, I say, I call it a shame!”

Miss Nelson loved her private sitting-room, and hated to hear it abused. She also particularly disliked the expression with which Basil had commenced his speech.

”I don't wish to interfere, my dear boy, but those words--you will excuse me--I am shocked.”

”Do you mean 'by Jove'?”

”Yes; don't repeat the expression. It sounds like a calling upon false G.o.ds.”

”Oh, I say, all our fellows do it.”

”Does that make it right?”

Basil fidgeted, and wished himself back in the schoolroom.

”You were going to speak about Ermie,” he said.

Miss Nelson seated herself by the open window. It was a warm and very beautiful summer's night. A gentle breeze came in, and fanned the governess's tired brow.

”What about Ermie?” said Basil. He wanted to get back to his book, and to the unrestraint of the dear old schoolroom.

”I think you have a good influence over Ermengarde,” said Miss Nelson, raising her face to his.

”Yes, yes,” he answered impatiently; ”more than one person has said that to me. I have a good influence, but why should I have a good influence? I mean, why is it necessary? Ermie isn't worse than other people. It sounds as if you were all abusing her when you talk of my good influence. I hate humbug. I'm no better than other fellows. I'm fond of Ermie I suppose, and that's about the beginning and end of my influence.”

”Exactly,” said Miss Nelson. She was not listening to all the boy's words. Her thoughts were far away.

”Ermie is difficult,” she began. Then she stopped and uttered an exclamation.

”Look, Basil, is that a key at your feet?”

Basil stooped, and picked up the key of Miss Nelson's cupboard.

”Put it in the lock of the cupboard behind you, my boy. I am glad it is found--truly glad. I thought I could not have put it away. And yet Ermengarde seemed so sure that it was not in the lock when she was in the room.”

”Oh, it fell out, I suppose,” said Basil. He was not interested in the key, and he stood up now, prepared to go.

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