“Emilie,” she said, wearily.
“Mamma, don’t be angry ... but I’m staying!”
The bell rang.
“There’s the bell, Emilie!” said Van Naghel, sternly.
“I’m going, Papa....”
She looked around her in perplexity, not knowing which door to go out by.
“Come with me,” said Louise, quickly.
And, taking Emilie almost in her arms, she hurried her away.
The first arrivals were coming up the stairs. Louise and Emilie just managed to escape into a little boudoir. But the doors were open.
“We can run across the passage presently,” whispered Louise.