"The best thing you
could do was to leave me by myself."
Carmina's mind was still not quite at ease. "Yes--but you were in
pain," she said.
"You curious child! I am not in pain now."
"Will you make me comfortable, Frances? Give me a kiss."
"Two, my dear--if you like."
She kissed Carmina on one cheek and on the other. "Now leave me to
write," she said.
Carmina left her.
The drive ought to have been a pleasant one, with Zo in the carriage.
To Marceline, it was a time of the heartiest enjoyment. Maria herself
condescended to smile, now and then. There was only one dull person
among them. "Miss Carmina was but poor company," the maid remarked when
they got back.
Mrs. Gallilee herself received them in the hall.
"You will never take the children out again without my leave," she said
to Carmina. "The person who is really responsible for what you have
done, will mislead you no more." With those words she entered the
library, and closed the door.
Maria and Zo, at the sight of their mother, had taken flight. Carmina
stood alone in the hall. Mrs. Gallilee had turned her cold. After
awhile, she followed the children as far as her own room. There, her
resolution failed her. She called faintly upstairs--"Frances!" There
was no answering voice.
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