Robert’s journey was, however, fixed for that day, and on this plea, licence was given for the walk. Phœbe smiled congratulation, but Maria was slow in cheering up; and when, on returning to the schoolroom, the three sisters were left alone together for a few moments, she pressed up to Phœbe’s side, and said, ‘Phœbe, I’ve not said my prayers. Do you think anything will happen to me?’
Her awfully mysterious tone set Bertha laughing. ‘Yes, Maria, all the cows in the park will run at you,’ she was beginning, when the grave rebuke of Phœbe’s eyes cut her short.
‘How was it, my dear?’ asked Phœbe, tenderly fondling her sister.
‘I was so sleepy, and Bertha would blow soap-bubbles in her hands while we were washing, and then Miss Fennimore came, and I’ve been naughty now, and I know I shall go on, and then Robin won’t take me.’
‘I will ask Miss Fennimore to let you go to your room, dearest,’ said Phœbe. ‘You must not play again in dressing time, for there’s nothing so sad as to miss our prayers. You are a good girl to care so much. Had you time for yours, Bertha?’
‘Oh, plenty!’ with a toss of her curly head. ‘I don’t take ages about things, like Maria.’
‘Prayers cannot be hurried,’ said Phœbe, looking distressed, and she was about to remind Bertha to whom she spoke in prayer, when the child cut her short by the exclamation, ‘Nonsense, Maria, about being naughty. You know I always make you laugh when I please, and that has more to do with it than saying your prayers, I fancy.’
‘Perhaps,’ said Phœbe, very sadly, ‘if you had said yours more in earnest, my poor Bertha, you would either not have made Maria laugh, or would not have left her to bear all the blame.’
‘Why do you call me poor?’ exclaimed Bertha, with a half-offended, half-diverted look.
‘Because I wish so much that you knew better, or that I could help you better,’ said Phœbe, gently.