choolgirl, and too old for you, my
dear.' She stares in my face, and asks, `'Ow old are you then? Not
more than forty, are you?' Ah, dear! If someone else had said that, I
had been furious, for one does not like to be made ten years too old,
but one cannot be angry with that child. Then I said, `Your sister will
expect a girl like yourself, and will be disappointed to see me, and
that would be uncomfortable for both.' But she would not listen to that
either, but declared it would be still better for them, for they had
wished for someone who had seen the world. Nothing that I can say will
convince her, but you know it is impossible that I should go!"

"Well, really, Therese, I wish you would!" returned Miss Phipps,
laughing. "It has been a weight on my mind to think of your remaining
here alone during the holidays; and I cannot stay with you, for I am
bound to go to my old aunt. As for Pixie taking one of the girls home
with her, that is out of the question at this hour of the day. If Miss
O'Shaughnessy had sent an invitation even a fortnight ago, it might have
been arranged, but now there is no time to write, and get permission,
and make the necessary plans. It is only in a case like yours, when
there is no one else to consult, that such a very Irish invitation could
be accepted; so either you go with Pixie, or she returns alone. And
that reminds me of another thing. It would be a comfort to me if you
could look after the child on the journey, for I have had a letter from
the brother to say that he cannot decide definitely on what day he will
cross. How would it be if you accepted the invitation for one week,
took the child safely home, and just left it to circumstances to decide
what to do after that?"

"You think I might venture--really?" asked Mademoiselle eagerly. Her
eyes brightened, and a flush of colour came into her cheek. "If it
would not be too absurd, I should like it ver' much! We have heard so
much of those dear sisters that we seem to know them already, and I
should be glad of the change. If, for example, you would write and say
you would be more comfortable if I accompanied the child, and that I
would stay a few days--that would perhaps make it easier!"

"Certainly, with pleasure; and I shall be so glad if it ends in a nice
holiday for you, dear! The last part of the term has been so trying
that we all need cheering up; and, from all we hear, I should think the
household at Knock Cast