She held it
in her open hand, regarding it scornfully.
"Yes," I continued, taking a seat, "I feel that pecuniary
gifts--"
"Half-a-crown!"
"Are you a poor substitute for personal service. May not I
accompany you to the ceremony?"
"I dare say you spent as much as this on wine with your lunch!"
"I was in a mad mood today," I answered apologetically. "What
are they taught at the school?"
"Above all, to be good girls," said Mrs. Hilary earnestly. "What
are you sneering at, Mr. Carter?"
"Nothing," said I hastily, and I added with a sigh, "I suppose
it's all right."
"I should like," said Mrs. Hilary meditatively, "if I had not
other duties, to dedicate my life to the service of girls."
"I should think twice about that, if I were you," said I, shaking
my head.
"By the way, Mr. Carter, I don't know if I've ever spoken
unkindly of Lady Mickleham. I hope not."
"Hope," said I, "is not yet taxed."
"If I have, I'm very sorry. She's been most kind in undertaking
to give away the prizes today. There must be some good in her."
"Oh, don't be hasty," I implored.
"I always wanted to think well of her."
"Ah! Now I never did."
"And Lord Mickleham is coming, too. He'll be most useful."
"That settles it," I exclaimed.
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