'Oh dear! I wish I could have both!' cried Nuttie, not very relevantly as far as the words went.
'Scheiden und weiden thut weh!' quoted Mary.
'If his place was only Monks Horton. What will Aunt Ursel do?'
'I think perhaps she may be induced to join us,' said Mary. 'We mean to do our best to persuade her.'
'And there's the choir! And my class, and the harmonium,' went on Nuttie, while Gerard walked on disconsolately.
'Micklethwayte has existed without you, Nuttie,' said Mr. Spyers, taking her on with him alone. 'Perhaps it will be able to do so again. My dear, you had better look on. There will be plenty for you to learn and to do where you are going, and you will be sure to find much to enjoy, and also something to bear. I should like to remind you that the best means of going on well in this new world will be to keep self down and to have the strong desire that only love can give to be submissive, and to do what is right both to God and your father and mother. May I give you a text to take with you? "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."'
They were at the door and there was no time for an answer, but Nuttie, as she took her place, was partly touched and partly fretted at the admonition.
The question as to her remaining a day or two after her mother was soon disposed of. Mrs. Egremont sent a pretty little note to make the request, but the elegant valet who appeared at ten o'clock brought a verbal message that his master wished Mrs. and Miss Egremont to be ready by two o'clock to join him in calling on Lady Kirkaldy at Monks Horton, and that if their luggage was ready by four o'clock, he (Gregorio) would take charge of it, as they were all to go up to town by the 4.40 train.
'Did he have my note?' faltered Alice, stimulated by the imploring glances of aunt and daughter, but anticipating the answer.
'Yes, madame, but he wishes that Miss Egremont should accompany you immediately.'