I
know Kathleen isn't popular with the mistresses."
"That puzzles me," said Mrs. Tennant, "for I never met a more charming
girl."
"I know you think so; but, you see, mere charm of manner doesn't go down
in a great school like ours. Of course I am sorry for her, and I quite
understand that she doesn't want to disappoint her aunt, but she ought
to come with me; she ought, mother. I haven't the slightest influence
over her, but you have. I don't think she would willingly do anything to
annoy you."
"Well, I will see what I can do. She is a wayward child. I am sorry that
Miss Ravenscroft expects her to go to see her to-day, as she is so
devoted to her aunt and would enjoy seeing her."
Mrs. Tennant left the room, and Alice went steadily on with her
preparations. She wondered why her mother did not come back. Presently
she looked at the clock. It wanted a quarter to six.
"Dear me! I must go upstairs now and fetch Kathleen. She will have to
tidy herself, and I must try to persuade her not to put on anything
_outre_," thought Alice.
She rushed upstairs. She opened the bedroom door. The bedroom was empty.
"Where can she be?" thought Alice.
There were signs of Kathleen's late presence in the shape of a tie flung
on the bed, a hat tossed by its side, an open drawer revealing brushes
and combs, laces and colored ties, and no end of gloves, handkerchiefs,
&c.; but not the girl herself.
"She really is a great trial," thought Alice.
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