And Marjorie, well satisfied, trotted down to breakfast in Ermengarde's wake.
The usual party were assembled in the schoolroom, and Ermengarde once more found herself by Basil's side. He just nodded to her when she came in, and then bent his head over "Westward Ho!" which he was reading as he ate his breakfast.
"I wonder if he's coming with me, and if I'm to be treated to these sort of manners all the time," thought Ermengarde. "What will Lilias think?"
But just then Marjorie's voice arrested attention. "Don't poke me so, Eric; it isn't me—it's Ermie; she's going."
"Oh, galopshious! And you'll stay at the Chase! I was looking forward to a black time. You and Basil away, and Miss Sulky-face for my sole companion."
"Do hush, Eric; you say such horrid unkind things. I won't talk to you or be a bit nice."
Eric continued to chatter in a loud, aggravating whisper. His buzzing words were distinctly audible at the other end of the long table. Ermengarde heard herself spoken of as Miss Sulky-face, but she was far too contented with the present state of affairs to mind what such a very unimportant person as Eric said about her. Basil raised his head for a moment from his book.
"Are you going to Glendower instead of Maggie?" he asked, darting a quick glance at his sister.
Her heart swelled with sudden pain at his tone.
"Yes," she said. Her voice was humble and almost deprecating.