wasps and
caterpillars descending on poor James's head, or spiders put down the
housemaids' backs, or leeches being allowed to run about your bedroom, I
shall just go off. If you want me you must refrain from that sort of
thing."

"But won't I have any outlet?"

"Indeed you will have plenty."

"Of what sort?"

"You will see. But there is the tea-bell; let us go in."

Irene looked wonderfully thoughtful, for her. She walked slowly by
Rosamund's side into the house. Still slowly, and with that thoughtful
expression on her face; she passed along the hall until she reached the
pretty parlor where tea was always served. Here Lady Jane herself was
waiting in a state of nervous expectancy, and here was Miss Frost, very
pale, shaky, and troubled, declaring stoutly to Lady Jane that "they"
were running about inside her still.

When the girls entered there was a moment of silence, then a start of
surprise, for Irene in white, and wearing her pretty shady hat, looked a
totally different Irene from the untidy little creature who usually
rushed about in her red frock at all hours and seasons. Rosamund gave
Lady Jane a warning glance to take no notice of Irene, who flung
herself, very much in her old manner, into a chair exactly opposite Miss
Frost.

Of course she was going to be good. At least she supposed she must. It
was horrid work, she so infinitely preferred being naughty; but then
there was Rosamund, and Rosamund wished it, and she--oh, she did not
really think she loved Rosamund, but she had a strange sort of longing
to be with her, and Rosamund was free as air, and could go at any
moment. Therefore, to keep Rosamund, she must be good. But that needn't
prevent her staring hard at Miss Frost, which she proceeded to do with
great alacrity.

Meanwhile Lady Jane poured out tea, and talked in her lady-like and
refined tones to Rosamund, who replied in exactly the same style.

"Are they alive still?" asked Irene when there was a slight pause in the
conversation; and she fixed her dancing eyes full on her governess's
face.

"Oh, Irene, it was unkind!" began Miss Frost; but Rosamund hastily
interrupted.

"Irene, you know what I mean. That subject is not to be alluded to. Miss
Frost, I beg of you not to speak of it before Irene, and do for
goodness' sake eat a good meal. Forgive me, Lady Jane, but I want us all
to have a very good tea; and as it is such a lovely, lovely day, may we
go for a little picnic afterwards, an