"Yes," the governess admitted gravely, looking rather serious.
"My mother spoils him," Margaret continued. "Oh, you needn't look at me like that, Miss Conway, for you know it's true."
At that moment Gerald ran up to them. He was in high good-humour, for he was charmed with Salome's garden; but his face clouded immediately when Miss Conway remarked it was time for them to go home.
"No, no," he pouted, "don't go yet, Miss Conway. Stay a little longer."
"But if we do, we shall be late for luncheon, and then your father will be displeased."
"You shall have this rose to take home with you," Salome said, in order to propitiate the child, and prevent a disturbance. She gathered, as she spoke, a beautiful pink moss-rose, and offered it to him. "Wouldn't you like to give it to your mother?" she suggested, as he accepted her gift with evident pleasure.
"No," Gerald rejoined, "I shan't give it to mother, I shall keep it for myself."
His sister laughed at this selfish speech; but the governess' face saddened as she took her younger pupil by the hand, and after a kind good-bye to Salome, led him away.
"May I come and see you again?" Margaret asked as she lingered at the gate.
"Oh, please do, miss," was the eager reply. "I should be so glad if you would. I really am very lonely sometimes."