"It does seem strange," she said.
Pauline nodded. "N'est-ce pas? I feel as if you were in a trap."
The girl shivered, and her voice became pleading. "Oh, Pauline, do watch me! Look after me! I have no one now but you!"
The old bonne kissed the delicate, shrinking little figure. "La! la!" she said. "With my last breath I will shield you! Nevertheless, you are a mischief and make some men mad. Oh, the things they say about you! But it is only play."
"Only play?"
"That is all, chèrie; I am sure of it."
Peggy went up to the fireplace. "Sometimes," she said, "I think it is very foolish play. I only hope that it won't end in tears." She looked down at the logs—smouldering now and with no more flame of rose-pink and amethyst.
"Tears? For you? Never!"
Peggy turned half round. "Pauline—I am going to be sensible. I shall turn over a new leaf. I shall become a grande dame, give great entertainments, hold court at Admaston House in Hampshire, and at Castle Netherby—then I shall not have time to make men mad!"
Pauline clapped her hands. "That will be splendid!" she said. "That will make him so happy!"