"No, Maggie," I said. "I am not questioning Miss Millington's powers. It is for my own satisfaction that I must go. I am answerable to your father."
"Not more than Millie is."
Maggie tossed her head as she spoke. The childishness of the utterance struck me oddly.
"Yea, certainly more," I replied. "Miss Millington has no responsibility about you older girls. You cannot have forgotten your father's words at the station, Maggie. I don't question the fact that you might all walk to Gurglepool a dozen times, and come home safely. But I have made up my mind that, as a matter of duty, I must the first time be one of the party. It is not for my own pleasure, and I am most sorry to disappoint Thyrza: still I have to do what I believe to be right."
Thyrza warmly assured me that she did not mind at all: she and Elfie would be perfectly happy together. The other girls drew in a knot round Miss Millington whispering. I have noted lately the growth of this schoolgirlish habit, and also I have seen Miss Millington encouraging it.
I could not hear what was said, and I did not try. Occasional bursts of laughter sounded, with more whispers between. Thyrza looked annoyed and quitted the room. I saw glances now and then levelled in my direction, and presently there was a distinct utterance—
"Captain Lenox!"
I paid no regard to the sound, working steadily. Indignation had to wait. Every faculty was bent to the task of keeping myself cool and unembarrassed.
The words came again more clearly:
"Captain Lenox!"