"Don't you think you are very naughty and disobedient; that you have acted disgracefully?"
The sulky look came over Ermengarde's face.
"There is no harm in Susy," she said.
Mr. Wilton stamped his foot.
"That is not the point," he said. "Is there no harm in you? can you disobey me with impunity, and cast your father's sternest commands to nought? Ermengarde, I am stung by this. You have hurt me deeply."
Again Ermengarde saw Basil in her father's face. She was frightened and tired, and burst out sobbing afresh.
"I won't go with Susy any more," she said. "And I—I'm sorry—I'm really sorry."
Miss Nelson put her hand affectionately on her pupil's shoulder.
"I need not say, sir," she said, turning to Mr. Wilton, "how shocked I am at all this, and at—at Ermengarde's willful disobedience; but," here she paused, and pressed her hand a little firmer upon the weeping girl's shoulder, "if it is any use, and because I was their mother's friend, I, too, would like to add my promise to Ermengarde's, and assure you that this shall never occur again."
Mr. Wilton glanced round impatiently at the clock.