"I beg pardon," said Ella, upon seeing who occupied the room. "I
thought that Mrs Bray would be here."
"No, not here now, Miss Bedford," said Max, in his best style. "But
take a chair; she won't be long first. Don't run away, Laury."
"I must; I have a letter or two to write," said Laura, trying hard to
appear calm, and play into her brother's hand. But so far the efforts
of brother and sister were without effect; for, with a few words of
thanks, Ella withdrew; and a minute after the tones of Mrs Bray's voice
were heard in loud expostulation, and coming nearer and nearer, till the
door was flung open, and she entered, literally driving Ella before her.
"There, only think, Maximilian dear," shrieked Mrs Bray; "here's Miss
Bedford been to say she must go!"
"Quite out of the question," said Max. "Bai Jove, what can you be
thinking of, Miss Bedford? Why, poor Nelly would break her heart."
Ella started slightly, for Max Bray had touched a tender chord, and she
remained silent, with the tears standing in her eyes, as the form of
Nelly forced itself upon her imagination.
"It would be so inconvenient," shrieked Mrs Bray; "and you suit us so
very well. I was only yesterday saying to your master--I mean, to Mr
Bray--that the way in which those children have improved is perfectly
wonderful."
"Perhaps Miss Bedford will reconsider her sudden determination," said
Laura, in a voice which trembled with the struggle she had with self to
obey the intelligent look darted at her by her brother.
"I have quietly thought it over," said Ella, looking with wondering eyes
at the last speaker, as she felt unable to comprehend this sudden
change, "and it is really absolutely necessary that I should leave."
"I'm sure you never will with my consent," shrieked Mrs Bray. "I think
you a very nice young person indeed, Miss Bedford; and even Mr
Maximilian made the remark this very morning, how pleased he was with
the way in which you manage the children. And really, Miss Bedford, if
it is a matter of two pounds more in your wages, I'm sure Mr Bray won't
object to raising you. It's so troublesome to have to change, you see.
But now that you are aware how much we are disposed to keep you, I think
you will alter your mind."
"Indeed, madam--" cried Ella.
"There, there, there--pray don't be hasty!" shrieked Mrs Bray. "That's
what I always say to the servants: `Don't do anything without plenty of
consideration.' You are young yet, Miss Bedford, and have not yet
learned how much easier it is to lose than to gain a situation. Now
take my advice, and go and think it over. No, I won't hear another word
now; only remember this: I wish you to stay, and so does Mr Maximilian,
who takes great interest in the studies of his sisters, as well as in
their welfare, as you must have found out before now."
"Bai Jove, yes!" murmured Max, unabashed by the sharp glance sent
flashing at him by his sister.
"I'm afraid," said Laura with an effort, "that it is all due to my hasty
words, spoken in anger last night. I'm sure I beg your pardon, Miss
Bedford: I'm afraid I was in error--labouring under a mistake--been
deceived--" She hesitated here as for an instant she encountered Ella's
candid, wondering look; but feeling reassured by the thought that Ella
did not know how she had played the spy, Laura plucked up courage, and
joined with Mrs Bray in requesting that Ella would quietly reconsider
the matter, playing the hypocrite admirably, and little thinking how
those soft eyes read the deceit.
"I quite agree with mamma, that you had better calmly think the matter
over," said Laura after a pause.
"Bai Jove, yes!" said Max, rising and going to the door. "There, I'll
leave you all to talk it over." And, with a parting glance at Ella, he
left the room; but no sooner was the door closed than Ella started
again, for Max was heard loudly calling, "Nelly! Nelly!" Then there
was the noise of a scuffle, a smart slap, and two or three "I won't's!"
and "I sha'n't's!" in the midst of which Max returned, dragging in
Nelly, very hot and wild-looking; for her conscience told her that she
was to be taken to task for listening amongst the shrubs the night
before.
"There!" said Max, "I've got another voter, bai Jove, Miss Bedford!
Here, Nelly, Miss Bedford says she wants to go away from the Elms; it
won't do--"
"What!" cried Nelly, her eyes flashing as she darted to Ella's side.
"You should say, `I beg your pardon,' or `I did not catch your words,'
my dear," shrieked Mrs Bray--"not `what!'"
"Miss Bedford wants to go!" cried Nelly, not heeding Mamma Bray's words.
"Then you and Laury have done it between you, and it is cruel and
wicked, and--and--shameful, and--and beastly--that it is!" cried Nelly,
bursting out into a passion of weeping. "But if she is sent away, I'll
run away too, and never come back any more."
"But, bai Jove! we want her to stop," cried Max, "don't you see?"
"Then she will stop," cried Nelly; "won't you, Miss Bedford?"
"There, I'm off; I see you womenkind will settle it amongst you," said
Max; and, satisfied that what had threatened to be a check to his plans
had been most likely averted, he left the room and sought the solace of
a cigar.
End of Volume One.
Volume 2, Chapter I.