itself a fixed idea. Miss Nelson had said nothing to really draw
suspicion on Marjorie, and yet Ermengarde was now thoroughly convinced
that the little girl had been the one to tell of her misdemeanor. She
did not trouble herself to examine proofs. All Marjorie's amiable and
good-natured ways were as nothing to Ermengarde then. She had
certainly told, and as long as she lived Ermie would never forgive
her.

Just then, while her anger was at its height, she heard a low whistle
under the open window. She rushed over to it, and popped out her head.
Basil was standing underneath.

"Don't, Basil," said Ermengarde; "do go away, please. I hate you to
find me here a prisoner."

"Oh, stuff, Ermie, don't be tragic over it. It's only for a day at the
most, and what's a day?"

"What's a day? One of your holidays--the first of your holidays!"

"Well, there are lots more to follow. Bear it with a good grace. It
will soon be over."

"Basil, I thought you had gone with the others."

"I wasn't ready, and Maggie has promised to send the boat back for
me."

"Maggie! As if she could give orders."

"She can remind other people though. I'd back Maggie any day never to
forget what a fellow wants."

"Oh, yes, she's first with everyone. It's a very nasty stifling hot
day."

"Poor Ermie, you're cross, so you see everything distorted. You know
whose pet you are, as well as possible--and the day is perfect,
superb."

"Am I really your pet, Basil?"

"You conceited puss, you know you are. So is Maggie, too. She's a
little darling."

The latter part of Basil's speech brought the cloud once again to
Ermengarde's face.

"Oh, of course Maggie is everyone's pet," she said.

Her brother interrupted her. "Don't begin that nonsense over again,
Ermie; it's too childish. You are under punishment, I don't know for
what. Of course I'm awfully vexed. But why abuse poor little Mag? I
say, though, do you like apples?"

"Apples? Pretty well."

"You mean awfully. I have brought you some beauties."

"How can I get them? I'm a prisoner here."

"Oh, rot about your being a prisoner. Well, fair lady, you see if your
knight can't come to your assistance. Now, catch!"

He threw up a small piece of cord which he had weighted with lead.
Ermengarde secured it.

"Pull, pull away! You will soon be in possession of the spoil."

Ermengarde pulled, and presently a dainty basket, which she recognized
as Marjorie's most treasured receptacle for her