"On the understanding—" began the other.
"On the understanding that it is not to form a precedent—"
"And also," said the younger sister hastily, "that one of us is present."
"Certainly, that one of us is present," said the elder.
"By all means," I said, "and I am very much obliged to you. I really do not mean to eat Carette, nor even to run away with her."
"We should certainly prevent any attempt of the kind," said the elder sister severely.
They whispered together for a moment, then she shook out her prim skirts and dropped me a curtsey, and went away to fetch Carette.
"You see we have to be very strict in such matters," said the younger Miss Mauger, settling herself very gracefully on a chair so that her skirts disposed themselves in nice straight lines. "With forty young ladies under one's charge one cannot be too careful."
"I am quite sure you are very careful of them, ma'm'zelle," I said, at which she actually smiled a very little bird-like smile. "I will tell Aunt Jeanne how very careful you are next time I see her, and she will laugh and say, 'Young maids and young calves thrive best under the eyes of their mistress.'"
"I do not know much about calves"—and then the door opened and Carette came in.