“Aubrey and Natalie, I wish you good night.”
Each culprit turned and made a reverent obeisance, then slowly retired; but not before Aubrey had had time to make a grimace in Jessica’s direction and, by a vivid pantomime, to declare:
“I’d a deal rather be in my own shoes than yours!”
But at that moment the Californian was pitying the other because of the “solitude” imposed; which, however, later experience proved was nothing more serious than being debarred from the general amusements and occupations of her mates. “In the school but not of the school” was their own definition of this punishment, and to lively Aubrey the most severe.
It was a very dainty supper served to Madame and her pupil; and so gentle, sympathetic, and full of understanding did that lady now seem, that Jessica was speedily talking with a freedom she had not dreamed possible.
Gradually, by skillful questions and frank answers, the schoolmistress learned all of the “Little Captain’s” life; and realized how difficult the girl would find the necessary discipline of her future. Not until the dessert was finished and the white-capped maid had carried away the trays, did the subject of the afternoon’s “runaway” come up. Even then it was lightly dismissed with the remark:
“Of course, now that you know better and understand that nothing must be done without the approval of some authorized person, you will not transgress again. Aubrey is a dear child; as warm-hearted and lovable as one could desire; and in time—in good time—she will develop into a charming woman. Only be on the watch while with her lest her ‘fun’ should lead you into mistakes. For Natalie, I may say the same, except that Natalie is a follower as naturally as Aubrey is a leader. One afternoon has made you close friends with two of your mates—a mutual ‘scrape’ seems to be a certain bond between girls—and before long you will know them all. The same sorts of persons you will meet, by and by, in the world at large. As you influence them now, or are influenced by them, will you do then.
“Now, that is a good deal of a sermon for me. I don’t often lecture my girls; for I want them, and I especially want you—Gabriella’s daughter—to look upon me as their best friend, their second mother, and to confide in me as they would in her. Now, kiss me, Jessica, and let us call the slate washed clean of this unfortunate happening. I thank you for preventing that reporter recording the episode in the public press, as I judge you did. It was very wise in you. I hope you’ll prove as wise in other matters.
“For instance, here is a real slate. I’ll write on it a real example and let me see what you know of practical arithmetic.”
Jessica’s heart sank. Already she had fallen in love, after impulsive schoolgirl fashion, with this stately woman who could yet be so gentle and so kind, and she foresaw defeat.