“Busy all over the place—busy as you might expect such little bees to be on such an occasion. Oh, but I forgot! Gussie is lying down; she has a slight headache and pain in her back.”
“Augusta doesn’t seem too strong,” said the Captain. “I have heard of several headaches lately.”
“She is a very queer girl, and I don’t understand her,” said Miss Roy.
“After all, Miss Roy,” said the Captain, “she must be a very good girl, for beyond doubt she will be the happy possessor of the Royal Cross to-night.”
“You don’t say so! I am amazed!” answered the governess.
“To tell the truth, I am amazed myself, and a little disappointed. It is wrong to say it, but I am. Still, there is no question with regard to the matter. Augusta is the only one of the little battalion who has not had a single bad mark for conduct.”
“I am sure poor Nora and Kitty have tried their best,” said Miss Roy, standing up for her pupils, as was natural.
“Just so. I am sure you are right. Nevertheless, the poor mites have little gray marks for carelessness, untidiness, forgetfulness, registered against them on several occasions.”
“Yes,” said Miss Roy, “that is true. I have entered those marks myself, and regret having had to do so.”
“What else could you do?” said the Captain. “If there was anything in my little scheme, absolute truth and justice were essential.”