By this time the intelligent boy was fond enough of her to notice her face. “What's the matter, Perta?”
“Ruperta. The matter? Puzzled again! It is very serious this time.”
“Tell me, Ruperta.”
“No, dear.”
“Please.”
The young lady fixed her eyes on him, and said, with a pretty solemnity, “Let us play at catechism.”
“I don't know that game.”
“The governess asks questions, and the good little boy answers. That's catechism. I'm the governess.”
“Then I'm the good little boy.”
“Yes, dear; and so now look me full in the face.”