Two days later Miss Weldon received a letter from Fräulein Schlieman, returning the case, and saying with some asperity—
“I do not smoke, whatever they believe of German women in England.”
Bess, on receiving back her gift, was filled with indignation.
“Why cannot governesses smoke?” she asked. “If I was a governess I should smoke to oblige.” And then, in a fit of virtuous fury, she handed over the case to Burbidge, with the lofty command of “Smoke at once.” Later on, my little daughter told me, “I couldn’t help it if Fräulein didn’t smoke.” And then added, “Anyway, God knows I spent my money on her, and Burbidge says that’s sure to count.”
CHAPTER IV
APRIL
“Strowe me the ground with daffodoundilles
And cowslips and king-cups, and loved lillies,
The pretie pawnce,
And the cheveraunce