Davey took charge of the Schoolmaster's horse. Mrs. Cameron and he and the children went indoors.
"I've come to apologise, Mrs. Cameron, for Deirdre's rudeness last night," the Schoolmaster said gravely. "It was very good of you to say that you would teach her what I so much want her to know. I hope that you will forgive her and—"
His voice trembled.
"Deirdre, you've got something to say to Mrs. Cameron yourself, haven't you?"
"I'm sorry!" Deirdre cried, with a dry, breathless gasp.
Her face had whitened; the misery had come into her eyes again. They went appealingly to the Schoolmaster and back to Mrs. Cameron's face.
"Will you—forgive me and teach me to cook and sew and be a good housewife," she sobbed, as if she were repeating a lesson.
"Poor child!"
Mrs. Cameron's compassionate gaze turned from Deirdre to the Schoolmaster.
"Do you really think you ought to?" she asked.