I wished that I had told Thyrza my intentions about Gurglepool. Had she known them, she would have refused to join in any such scheme, without reference to me first.
For a moment the temptation to yield was strong. I knew that any interference with the plans of Maggie and Millie would be a dire grievance. Yet I could not shirk my own responsibilities.
"I am very sorry, Maggie," I said, when she had done; "but things cannot, I am afraid, be exactly as you wish. If you go to Gurglepool to-morrow, I must go too."
"Why?" was asked all round, in astonished accents.
"Because I do not think it is a very safe place; and I wish to be with you—at all events, the first time."
Maggie and Miss Millington exchanged glances. "Elfie can't walk so far," Nona burst out.
"No," I said. "I must ask Thyrza to stay behind in my stead: or else the excursion must be deferred."
"What nonsense!" I heard this distinctly in Miss Millington's murmur.
"Yes,—of course I will," assented Thyrza at once, though she could not quite suppress a look of disappointment.
"But we want Thyrza with us," said Maggie. "And Millie will be there. You don't suppose Millie can't take proper care of the children, Miss Con!" Her pretty grey eyes sparkled and met mine defiantly, and the peach-bloom deepened.