“I ’M an impulsive creature,” declared Bertha, in despite of the protesting eyebrows which Mrs. Severing instantly erected at the assertion. “It was an impulse that made me allow Francie to accept Sybil Argent’s invitation, and I don’t mind owning that it was a mistaken one. The child came back more tiresomely self-righteous than she went, and now—as you know—we’ve practically consented to the whole business.”
“Of course, darling,” said Nina tenderly, “I do not look upon it in the light that you do, but at the same time, you know, if I had once said no to a child of mine, no it should remain. Nothing is more fatal than a half-consent, to my mind.”
“Indeed, Nina. And when does Morris come home, may I ask?” said Bertha acidly, and had the satisfaction of seeing her friend colour faintly, as she replied with what both of them knew to be more spirit than sincerity:
“Any time, now. I expect him from day to day, practically. But a young man is a very different matter to a little girl, Bertie, though perhaps only we mothers of sons really appreciate that.”
Bertha changed the subject.
“Frances goes to this convent next week, when they appear to be giving a Retreat of some sort, and after that I suppose she’ll become an R.C. outright. As Frederick says, we’re not in a position actually to forbid it, so we may as well make the best of it. I hate making a compromise, and yet, since the children grew up, I’ve been doing nothing else, it seems to me.”
“Poor dear! But I’m sure it’ll be better for everyone when the child’s actually taken a decisive step. She’ll be much more settled afterwards.”
“Settled in the wrong direction!” sighed Bertha. “However, she’s always been a good little thing, and except for this unfortunate fancy, we’ve never had any difficulties. So unlike poor Rosamund! As Frederick says, it’s the only form of self-will Frances has ever shown, and though she is obstinate, it isn’t quite the same thing as Rosamund’s constant perversity.”
“A fit of religion might be no bad thing for her.”
“I quite agree—but there isn’t a sign of it. Frances suggested her making this Retreat affair too, but she wouldn’t hear of it—fortunately enough, perhaps, since I should certainly have had to put my foot down. I shall have to send poor Minnie with Frances, I suppose.”