”‘I must not touch him,’ he said; ‘he is my lady’s guest, and—’
“Edmée was by his side in a moment.
”‘Pierrot—my Pierrot!’ she said; ‘that naughty, horrid boy!—I will run in and tell papa—I will! Why don’t you beat him, Pierrot?’
“Pierre could not help smiling at her vehemence.
”‘The Countess trusted me to take care of him,’ he said, ‘and then—why he is only half my size. One never lights with a boy like that.’
”‘I see,’ said Edmée, quite convinced. ‘Put let me look at your face, Pierre. No, it is not very bad. Stoop down and let me tie my nice soft handkerchief round it. There now, that will do.’
”‘But what are we to do?’ said Pierre. ‘We can’t leave him alone. I do not want him to go in and complain, and perhaps add to your dear mamma’s troubles.’
“They turned and looked at Edmond. He was standing half sulky, half disconsolate—as if he too did not know what to do.
”‘After all,’ said Pierre, philosophically, ‘we must remember he has never been taught better. I think the best way is to treat him as a naughty, spoilt child, and take no notice.’
“He turned back.