"And so five have bitten the dust already." I'm sure there'll be a sixth combatant in the lists to-night. Is he the one who will finally become my very humble and very obedient servant and lord?
In any case, he had better get ready to undergo the most rigorous and searching examination.
I'm not like mama. I don't lose my head.
Nov. 26th. Four o'clock.
I wasn't mistaken. It was the sixth.
But let me be orderly, and write the events, both small and great, in their due sequence.
After dinner mama and I went upstairs to dress. I took a long time over it, and was very careful, too. I may as well tell the truth. I worked at my toilet. It took me an hour and a half to dress to my own complete satisfaction. On coming downstairs I found all the doors open, and as I noiselessly approached the drawing-room I heard papa and mama talking. Papa said:
"You think it absolutely necessary, then?"
"Absolutely necessary. Just think of it. Your presence is indispensable."
The temptation was too great. I stopped to listen. Was it not right, or at least justifiable curiosity on my part?