Leonie bowed her head.
"Most unfortunate that you should have snubbed young Mr—what's-his-name—so severely—and that his sister should have been at school with you. Out of revenge she has been talking about you and your sleep-walking. People are most unkind and most unjust—and you are far too pretty to receive any consideration from your own sex, how_ever_ much attention you may receive from the opposition—I mean sex—opposite sex, I mean——"
Leonie sat absolutely still.
"Anyway, my child, we need not worry—there is a way out of our little difficulties."
Sensing that something was coming Leonie sat back with the light of the oil lamp full on her face as she stared at the clutter on the mantelpiece.
"I do so want you to do something for me, darling."
The tone of Susan Hetth's voice and the touch of her hand on the girl's arm were as wheedling as if she were about to ask her to tramp into Ilfracombe on some trifling midnight errand.
Leonie answered quite mechanically.
"What is it, dear!" she said. "Say the word and I'll do it!"
"Is that a promise?"