“You think they do not speak of you, hein? Well, I tell you they speak of you. Jimmie says you are as fat as any German. She laughed in saying that. Gertrude, too, thinks you are a fool. Oh, they say things. If I should tell you all the things they say you would not believe.”

“I dare say,” said Miriam heavily, moving on.

“Everyone, all say things, I tell you,” whispered Mademoiselle turning her head as she went on downstairs.

10

Miriam ran into the empty summer-house tearing open a well-filled envelope. There was a long letter from Eve, a folded half-sheet from mother. Her heart beat rapidly. Thick straight rain was seething down into the garden.

“Come and say good-bye to Mademoiselle, Hendy.”

“Is she going?”

“Umph.”

“Little Mademoiselle?”

“Poor little beast!”