'Oh, surely they will!' Mademoiselle Bourde declared, surveying the
young couple with a certain tactful serenity, but standing very close to
them, as if it might be her duty to interpose.
'Well then, I won't come.'
'Well, good-bye then,' said the girl gently, holding out her hand.
'Good-bye, Dora.' He took it, while she smiled at him, but he said
nothing more--he was so annoyed at the way Mademoiselle Bourde watched
them. He only looked at Dora; she seemed to him beautiful.
'My dear child--that poor Madame Parminter,' the governess murmured.
'I shall come over very soon,' said Raymond, as his companion turned
away.
'That will be charming.' And she left him quickly, without looking back.
Mademoiselle Bourde lingered--he didn't know why, unless it was to make
him feel, with her smooth, finished French assurance, which had the
manner of extreme benignity, that she was following him up. He sometimes
wondered whether she copied Mrs. Temperly or whether Mrs. Temperly tried
to copy her. Presently she said, slowly rubbing her hands and smiling at
him:
'You will have plenty of time. We shall be long in Paris.'
'Perhaps you will be disappointed,' Raymond suggested.
'How can we be--unless _you_ disappoint us?' asked the governess,
sweetly.
He left her without ceremony: the imitation was probably on the part of
Cousin Maria.