Part 27 (1/2)

”You did it for me, then?” said Ermengarde. ”You gave up your own pleasure for me? I didn't see it until this moment; I didn't really!

or I wouldn't have been so cross. Kiss me, Maggie. I'm awfully obliged. But how did you come round father?”

”Oh, never mind now; it's done, and father's quite satisfied. He expects you to go with him, and he told me to tell you to be sure to be ready in good time, as he cannot miss the midday train.”

”No fear. I'll be ready, I'm only too glad to get away from the Chase just now. Is that Hudson I see in the pa.s.sage? Run to her, Maggie, I must speak to her about my white _chiffon_ dinner dress.”

Marjorie darted away; her face was looking perfectly contented again.

She had not expected any more thanks from Ermengarde, and it was her nature when she did give, to give lavishly. Now she was all eagerness to a.s.sist in the necessary preparations for Ermie's sudden visit, and was much more inclined to make large proffers of help than was the somewhat offended Hudson.

”I had your clothes all ready, Miss Marjorie, and I have not got everything Miss Ermengarde requires at a moment's notice.”

”Oh, but you will do your very best for Ermie, Hudson, and she can have all my clean handkerchiefs and sashes, and my Maltese gold cross, with the little chain. You _will_ help to send her off nice, won't you, Hudson?”

”I'll do anything for your sake, my dear little lady,” said the maid.

And Marjorie, well satisfied, trotted down to breakfast in Ermengarde's wake.

The usual party were a.s.sembled in the schoolroom, and Ermengarde once more found herself by Basil's side. He just nodded to her when she came in, and then bent his head over ”Westward Ho!” which he was reading as he ate his breakfast.

”I wonder if he's coming with me, and if I'm to be treated to these sort of manners all the time,” thought Ermengarde. ”What _will_ Lilias think?”

But just then Marjorie's voice arrested attention. ”Don't poke me so, Eric; it isn't me--it's Ermie; she's going.”

”Oh, galops.h.i.+ous! And you'll stay at the Chase! I was looking forward to a black time. You and Basil away, and Miss Sulky-face for my sole companion.”

”_Do_ hush, Eric; you say such horrid unkind things. I won't talk to you or be a bit nice.”

Eric continued to chatter in a loud, aggravating whisper. His buzzing words were distinctly audible at the other end of the long table.

Ermengarde heard herself spoken of as Miss Sulky-face, but she was far too contented with the present state of affairs to mind what such a very unimportant person as Eric said about her. Basil raised his head for a moment from his book.

”Are you going to Glendower instead of Maggie?” he asked, darting a quick glance at his sister.

Her heart swelled with sudden pain at his tone.

”Yes,” she said. Her voice was humble and almost deprecating.

”Maggie has given up her wishes then?”

”I am going instead of Maggie,” said Ermengarde, her manner once more proud and defiant.

Basil resumed his reading of ”Westward Ho!” Miss Nelson called to him to say that his breakfast was getting cold. The moment she spoke, he shut up his book.

”I don't wish to eat anything more, Miss Nelson,” he said. ”And I want to know if you will excuse me, and let me leave the table now. I wish to say a word to father before he leaves the study.”

”You can certainly go, Basil,” replied the governess.

He went away at once. A moment later, Basil was standing in his father's presence.

”Do you expect me to go with you to-day to Glendower, father?” he asked.