The little Simpkinses were, of course, not allowed to sit up to supper, but the Amberleys always partook of that meal, and there was no one more greedy on the present occasion than Nina Amberley, who enjoyed the Frenchwoman’s cooking so intensely that she forgot to do anything but eat.
At last, however, the viands were disposed of. There was nothing for Jane to remove from the table but the empty plates and dishes. Mademoiselle felt that she was wearing a little secret crown—the crown of a great success, and Mrs Dawson rose majestically from the board.
“Children,” said Brenda, “you will at once go up to bed, it is exceedingly late.”
Josie looked cross, Nina defiant.
“Les pauvres enfants!” exclaimed Mademoiselle. “Why confine them to their appartement on this so hot evening! The air would refresh them—there is no need for this early retirement on these long summer days.”
“Your opinion, Mrs Simpkins, coincides with mine in that subject,” said Brenda, turning hastily to the fat mother of the babies.
“Oh, I know, my dear,” said Mrs Simpkins, “and I always do hold with my favourite proverb. But it is ’ot to-night, and I fairly gasp. I suppose an extra hour up would not be permitted, Miss Carlton?”
“No, no—you must go to bed immediately,” said Brenda, turning to her pupils. “Now off you go. Say good-night, Nina; say good-night, Josephine.”
Very sulkily did the girls obey. They were both of them consumed with rage when they reached their hot attic.
“I hate going to bed,” said Nina.