"Do you mean 'by Jove'?"
"Yes; don't repeat the expression. It sounds like a calling upon false gods."
"Oh, I say, all our fellows do it."
"Does that make it right?"
Basil fidgeted, and wished himself back in the schoolroom.
"You were going to speak about Ermie," he said.
Miss Nelson seated herself by the open window. It was a warm and very beautiful summer's night. A gentle breeze came in, and fanned the governess's tired brow.
"What about Ermie?" said Basil. He wanted to get back to his book, and to the unrestraint of the dear old schoolroom.
"I think you have a good influence over Ermengarde," said Miss Nelson, raising her face to his.
"Yes, yes," he answered impatiently; "more than one person has said that to me. I have a good influence, but why should I have a good influence? I mean, why is it necessary? Ermie isn't worse than other people. It sounds as if you were all abusing her when you talk of my good influence. I hate humbug. I'm no better than other fellows. I'm fond of Ermie I suppose, and that's about the beginning and end of my influence."