Peter therefore stood by the door opening into the garden, so as to be ready for any emergency. He was thoroughly amused, and wondered how poor frail Miss Gregson would be able to get the refractory children to bed.
He had not to wait long before he heard footsteps, and caught sight of Miss Gregson, very red in the face, with a kicking child in her arms. In a moment Peter was by her side.
"Come, my boy, none of this nonsense," he said, signing to Miss Gregson to put him down. "A man never kicks a lady? You want to be a man don't you?"
Peter's voice was stern, and the child somewhat awed left off screaming, and stood with his fingers in his mouth surveying him.
Mr. Fortescue returned the look gravely and silently. There is nothing much more powerful than the human eye to quell rebellion in the young. The child suddenly hid his face in Miss Gregson's skirts.
"Now," said Peter quietly, "you will go to bed at once like a good boy. Good-night." Jemmy followed Miss Gregson closely, tripping up in her dress. The quiet voice and grave eyes had done their work, and Miss Gregson and the housemaid between them undressed and bathed the child without any more trouble, and Jemmy for the first time in his life lying between lovely white sheets, soon fell asleep.
[CHAPTER VI]
FAILURE
MISS GREGSON never forgot the week that followed, neither indeed did a single member of the household.
Jane the housemaid gave warning. It was too much for her nerves, she declared.