"No, you little coward, you shan't get into any scrape. How did this happen? The picture was right enough this morning."
"I expect it was the way you pushed it under the bed, miss. It got knocked most likely, and father was sitting just over it for an hour and more this afternoon, and he's a goodish weight."
"Well, I shall take the miniature away now, so good-night, Susy. I'm very sorry I ever made such a little thief as you are my friend. A nice scrape you've got me into!"
Ermengarde thrust the miniature under her waterproof, and rushed downstairs.
"Good-night, Mrs. Collins," she said.
"Stay a minute, miss. Collins is just coming in, and he'll see you home."
"No, I can't possibly wait. I think Susy is better—good-night."
"But ain't you afeared to go right across the park by yourself at this hour, miss?"
"No—no—no; good-night, good-night!"
Ermengarde's voice already sounded far away. Her feet seemed to have wings, she ran so fast. As she ran she heard the stable-clock strike eleven.