TheSchoolattheChâlet

Chapter1.

MadgeDecides.

‘IFonlyIknewwhattodowithyougirls!’saidDickinworriedtones.

‘Oh,youneedn’tworryaboutus!’repliedMadge.

‘Talksense!I’mtheonlymanthereisinthefamily-exceptGreat-UncleWiliam;andhe’snotmuchuse!’

‘Jolywelheisn’t!Poordear!He’salgoutandcrutches.’AndMadgethrewbackherheadwithamerrylaugh.

‘Welthen!Iaskyou!’

ShegotupfromherseatontheChesterfield,andwalkedacrosstheroomtoherbrother.‘DearoldDick!

Yourealymustn’tworryaboutJoeyandme.Weshalbealright!’

Heliftedhisfairboyishheadtolookather.Notprettyinthestrictsenseofthe

word,yetMadgeBettanywasgoodtolookat.Shewasslighttothevergeofthinness,withawel-poisedheadcoveredbyamopofcurlydark-brownhair.Hereyesweredarkbrowntoo-thecolourofoldbrownsherry-andwereshadedbylong,upcurling,blacklashes.Darkeyesandhairpresupposedanolivecomplexion,butthere,MadgehaddesertedthetraditionoftheBettanywomen,andherskinshowedthewonderfulSaxonfairnessofhermother’sfamily.Hermouthwaswide,butwithwel-cutlips,andherslenderfigurewasaserectasayoungpoplar.TherewasenoughlikenessbetweenherandDick,despitethedisparityofcolouring,toproclaimthemunmistakablybrotherandsister.Nowsheslippedahandthroughhisarmassheannounced,‘I’vegotaplanalreadyforus.’

‘Let’shearit,’hecommanded.

‘Wel,thebestthingistogooveralthepossibilities.’

‘Oh,forHeaven’ssake,don’tmakealongstoryofit!’heimplored.

‘Alright.ButIwantyoutoseemypoint,so–’

‘Thatmeansit’ssomethingyouthinkIsha’n'tapproveof,’hesaidshrewdly.‘Wel,getonandlet’sheartheworst.’

‘Yousee,’beganhissister,balancingherselfonhertoes,‘whateverhappens,JoeyandImustkeeptogether.Wearealagreedonthatpoint.

But-there’snomoney;or,atanyrate,verylittle.Youcan’tkeepusonyourpay;that’squiteoutofthequestion!Solastnight,IthoughtandthoughtafterIhadgonetobed;and,honestly,Ithinkmyplan’stheonlyonepossible.’

‘Oh,forHeaven’ssake,cutalthat!’groanedherbrother.‘Whatdoyouwanttodo?’

‘Startaschool,’wasthesufficientlystartlingreply.

‘Startaschool!’Hestaredather.‘Mygoodgirl,thatsortofthingrequirescapital-whichwehaven’tgot.’

‘Yes,Iknowthataswelasyoudo!’retortedhissister.‘Atleast,itdoesinEngland.ButIwasn’tthinkingofEngland.’

‘Thenwherewereyouthinkingof?’hedemanded,notunreasonably.‘Ireland?Shouldn’tadvisethat!Youmightwakeuponemorningtofindyourselfburntout!’

‘Ofcoursenot!I’vegotsomesense!AndIdowishyou’dtrytobealittlemoresympathetic!’shereturnedratherheatedly.

‘But,mydeargirl,it’sanawfulundertakingtorunaschool.Andyoulooksuchakid!WhoonearthwouldhaveyouasHead?Andanyway,youhaven’ttoldmeyetwhereyouwantyourblessedschool!’heprotested.‘Youdon’tsuggestcomingoutwithmetoIndiaandstartingthere,doyou?’

‘No,ofcoursenot.Though,iftherehadn’tbeenJotoconsider,Imighthavedoneit.Butwecouldn’tkeepherthere;andIwon’tleaveherinEngland.SowhatI’vethoughtofisthis.D’yourememberthatlittlelakeintheAustrianTyrolwherewespentthesummerfiveyearsago-TiernSee?’

‘Rather!Toppinglittleplace,rightupinthemountains,‘boutanhour’strainrunfromInnsbrück,wasn’tit?Youwentupinamountainrailwayfromsomerummylittletownorother-Iforgetitsname!’

‘Spärtz,’suppliedhissister.‘Yes,that’stheplace.Itwasgorgeousairupthere;andyoucouldlivefornexttonothing.’

‘Isthatwhereyoumeantohaveyourschool?’

Shenodded.‘Yes.TherewasabigChâlettherewhichwouldbetopping.Itwasnottoofarfromthelake;fairlynearthesteamer,andyetitwasawayfromthepaths.Ishouldn’twantalargenumber,notatfirstatanyrate-abouttwelveatmost,andcountingJoey.Ishouldwantgirlsfromtwelvetofourteenorfifteen.IwouldteachEnglishsubjects;MademoiseleLaPâttrewouldcomewithus,andshewouldtaketheFrenchandGerman-andthesewingtoo.MusicwecouldgetinInnsbrück.’

ShestoppedandlookedatDicksomewhatdoubtfulyatthisjuncture.Afrownwasrobbinghisfaceofhalfitsboyishness.HeknewverywelthatMadgehadsetherheartonthisproject,andthathehadneitherthestrengthofwilnortheauthoritytoturnherfromherpurpose.Theyweretwins,andaltheirliveslongshehadbeentheonetoplanforthemboth.Ifshehaddeterminedtostartthisschool,nothinghecouldsayordocouldpreventher.Theironlyrelativesbesides

Great-UncleWiliam,beforementioned,weretwoaunts,bothmarried,andbothwithlargefamiliesandsmalmeans.Madgewasnotparticularlylikelytolistentoanythingtheymightsay.Shereadhisthoughtsinhisface.

‘It’snouseappealingtotheaunts,’shesaid.‘They’lhavefits,ofcourse;butitcan’tbehelped.Justconsiderhowwearesituated.Weareorphans,withasistertwelveyearsyoungerthanourselvestoberesponsiblefor.Ourguardiangothisaffairsintoafranticmuddle,andthenconveniently-forhim!-died,leavingustofacethemusic.You’reintheForests,andyourfurloughisupinthreeweeks’time;Joeyisdelicateandshouldn’tliveinawetclimate;andbetweenusweseemtohavesomefairlydecentfurniture,thishouse,andthreethousandpoundsinEastIndiaStockatfourpercent.-orsomethingoverahundredpoundsayear.’

‘Twentyover,’interjectedDick.

‘Wecan’tliveonthatinEngland,’shewenton,unheedingtheinterruption.‘EvenifIdidgetapostinaschool,itwouldmeanschool-feesforJo.

ButwecouldmanageinAustria.It’shealthy-TiernSee,andit’sanewidea.IknowofonechildIcouldhavefortheasking-GrizelCochrane;andwe’dhavetoadvertisefortheothers.Idon’tseewhyweshouldn’tmakeitpayintime.’

‘Whataboutapparatus?’suggestedDick,‘You’dwantdesks,andbooks,andsoon,Isuppose?’

‘GettheminInnsbrück.Mysuggestionisthatweselmostofthethingshere,keepingonlywhatweabsolutelyneed,andbuyoutthere.IwentovertheChâletwhilewewerethere,Dick.AfortnightagoIwrotetoFrauPfeifen.Heranswercamethismorning.IwantedtoknowiftheChâletwasvacant,and,ifitwasnot,iftherewasanyotherplaceshecouldrecommend.Itisvacant,andshethinkstheowner-manageroftheKronPrinzKarl-thatbighotelnotfarfromtheboat-landing-wouldletmehaveitalright.’

‘IfonlyIhadn’ttogososoon,’mutteredDick,asherapidlyscannedthelettershehadgivenhim.

‘Iknow!Iwishyouhadn’t;butweshalhaveMademoisele.’

‘Iwouldn’thaveagreedtotheideaifyouhadconsultedme,’hereplied.‘Asitis,IsupposeImustsay

“yes.”You’ldoasyoulike,whetherIagreeornot.Iknowthat!Butyou’vegottopromisemeonething.’

‘I’lsee,’returnedhissistercautiously.Whatisit?’

‘Thatyou’lcablemeatonceifanythinggoeswrong,andthatyou’lwriteatleastonceaweek-oftenerifyoucan.’

‘Alright.Iagreetothat.NowwilyougoandfetchJoey,andwe’ltelher.Iknowshe’sabitanxiousaboutwhat’sgoingtohappen,butIcouldn’tsayanythingtilI’ddiscusseditwithyoufirstofal.She’supstairsreading.’

‘Joreadsentirelytoomuch,’hegrumbledashewenttothedoor.‘That’sonethingIhopeyou’lalteralittle.’

‘She’lhaveplentytotakeheroutofdoors,’repliedhissisterserenely.‘Sherealyneedsothercompanions.Calher,oldthing.’

Hisyelof‘Joey!’resoundedthroughthehouseasecondlater,andwasansweredbyashriekof‘Coming!’

Therewasthesoundofflyingfootsteps,athudinthehal,andthenJoey,or,togiveherherpropername,Josephine,felratherthanranintotheroom.

AnythinglesslikeMadgeandDickitwouldhavebeenhardtoimagine.Hercroppedblackhairwassostraightasalmosttobedescribedaslank,herbigblackeyesmadetheintensewhitenessofherfaceevenmorestartlingthanitneedhavebeen,andhercheeksandtempleswereholowwithcontinualil-health.

Likeherbrotherandsister,shehadbeenborninIndia;but,unlikethem,hadcomehomeattheearlyageofsevenmonths.ThefrailbabywhohadneverknownhermotherorfatherhadthriveninthesoftCornishairoftheirhometilshewasfouryearsold.Thenaneglectedcoldhadbroughtonanattackofpleuro-pneumonia,fromwhichshehadbarelystruggledbacktolife.Sincethen,herhealthhadbeenaconstantworrytothosewhohadchargeofher.WhatmadethingsstilmoredifficultwasthefactthatMissJoeypossessedatleastfivetimesasmuchspiritasstrength,andfrettedcontinualyattherestrictionstheywereobligedtoenforce.Theexertionofherflightdownstairsbroughtonabadfitofcoughing,anduntilitwasover,andshewaslyingbackontheChesterfield,

whiterthaneverwithexhaustion,therewasnothoughtoftelingherthenews.MadgeflunganagonisedlookatDick,evenasshegavethechildaglassofwater.Hestroledacrosstheroomtothem,hishandsinhispockets.

‘Isay,oldlady,’hebegan,‘youmustn’tsprintaboutlikethat!’

Joliftedhereyestohis.‘I’msickof“don’t!”‘sheremarked.‘Whydidyoucalme,Dick?Anythingsettledaboutusyet?’

‘Isupposeso,’hegrowled.‘Butjustlistentomeforaminute.I’msorryyou’resickof“don’t,”butIthinkyoumighthavealittlemoreconsiderationforMadge.Youknowhowsheworrieswhenyoucough.’

‘Sorry,oldthing!’Josentupalittlesmileathersister.‘Iwassoanxioustohear,Iforgotaboutnotdashinground.Whatarewegoingtodo?Icanseeit’salfixed.’

‘Yes,it’sfixed,’repliedMadge,assheperchedherselfononearmofthecouch.‘It’smyownidea,andIhopeyou’llikeit,’

‘Wel,whatisit?’

‘Madgeisgoingtorunaschool.’

‘Madgerunaschool!’Josatboltupright.‘No!She’smuchtooyoung!Why,ifherhairwasn’tupshe’dlooklikeakid!’

‘I’mtwenty-four-’beganMadgeheatedly,whenDickinterruptedher.

‘Youlistentome,mykid.RememberTiernSee?’

‘Rather!’

‘Wel,you’regoingthere.MadgewilopentheschoolinthatbigChâletnotfarfromthelake.

MademoiseleLaPâttrewilcomewithyoutolookafteryouboth,andhelpwiththeschool.’

‘Whatasimplyrippingidea!Whenarewegoing?Beforeyoudo,Dick?Who

arethepupils?’

‘Don’tbesily!Ofcourseyoucan’tgoyet!There’sthishouseandfurnituretoseeabout,andMadgewilhavetobuyherparaphernaliainInnsbrück–’

‘DearlittleInnsbrück!’Jointerruptedhim.‘Shalwebetherefirst,Madge?Howlong?Oh,itwilbelovelytoseeTiernSeeagain!Whendoweleavehere?’

‘Don’tquiteknow,’repliedMadge.‘Dick,Idon’tthinkthere’lbemuchtroubleaboutselingthehouse.

Youknow,theCorahMinepeoplewantaplacefortheirmanagerstolivein,andit’swithinquitedecentdistanceofthemine.Don’tyouthinktheymightbuyit?’

‘Goodidea!Yes,Ishouldthinktheymight.It’sthesortofplacetheywant,ofcourse.I’ltakeastroluptooldEversonandgethimtoseeitthrough.Sincewe’realgoing,thesoonerwegetthebusinessoverandquitthebetter.’

‘I’lgoandseetheCochranes,’decidedMadge.‘Iknowthey’lbethankfultogetridofpoorlittleGrizel.

WhatfeesshalIask,Dick?D’youthink£120ayearwouldbetoomuch?’

‘Soundsratheralot,’saidDickdubiously.

‘It’sonlywhatmostdecentschoolscharge.I’vegotsomeprospectusestosee.Besides,theCochranescanaffordit;andIbelievethey’dpayevenmoretogetridofGrizel.’

‘MrsCochranewould,anyhow!’chimedinJo.

‘WhatIcan’tunderstand,’saidDickthoughtfuly,‘iswhysheevermarriedhimifshedidn’twantastepdaughter.’

‘Sheknewnothingaboutittilshegothere,’explainedMadge.‘Shenearlyexpiredwhenshesawthepoorkiddy!Oh,they’lletmehaveheralright.Andit’lbethemakingofGrizel.You’lhavetorecommendmetoyourAnglo-Indianfriends,Dick!’

‘Aren’tanywhereIam-notwithkidsofschool-age,anyhow!Wel,I’lgetalong

andseeoldEversonwhileyouinterviewtheCochranes.Whatareyougoingtodo,Joey?It’stoowetforyoutogoout.’

‘I’mgoingbacktofinishQuentinDurward,’returnedJofirmly.‘You’ltakealourbooks,won’tyou,Madge?’

‘Mostofthem,anyway.Butyouneedn’tstarttopackthemyet.ThisisonlyMarch,andwesha’n'tbegoingtilnextmonthatearliest.’

Jotooklittlenoticeofthis,butgotofftheChesterfield,andreturnedtoherlittlebedroom,whereablazingfirerelievedthegloomoftherainyday,andherwel-belovedbooksawaitedher.

‘Bestthingintheworldforher,’observedDickwhenshehadgone.‘Wel,I’mofftosettleoldEverson.

He’lfuss,Isuppose;but,afteral,there’snoonewhocanrealyinterferenowourpooroldGuardian’sgone,andaslongasweagree,it’lbealright.’

‘Oh,rather!’Madgewasstrugglingwithherstout,laced-upboots.‘Insistonhisdoingthingsatonce,Dick.

IwanttogetoffandbesettledbeforethesummervisitorsarriveatTiernSee.He’lwantustoplayroundtilSeptemberifIknowanythingaboutlawyers,anditmakesnodifferencerealy,becauseI’vemadeupmymindtogo.MademoiselewilbethankfultogetawayfromEnglandtoo.’

‘You’resureit’salrightabouthercoming?’

‘Yes.Ispoketoheraweekago,andshesaidifyouconsented,shewouldcome.She’snottoohappyattheWithers’,andshe’snotrealytiedtothematal,Shelovesus-hasdoneeversinceIsatonJeanWithersforbeingrudetoher!-andsheadoresJo.I’mnotmadkeenonmakingafortune.Solongaswecankeepourselves,andsavealittleforthechickenincaseofaccidents,Ishalbequitehappy.’

‘Righto!Wel,so-long!HopeyougettheGrizelkid!’Andwiththis,Dickturnedandlefttheroom,whileMadgeranupstairstogetherraincoatandcap,beforeshe,too,venturedoutintothehurricaneofwindandrainwithwhichMarchhadarrivedthatyear,toseekherfirstpupilfortheChâletSchool.

Chapter2.

Grizel.

Seatedattheoldschoolroompiano,GrizelCochranewasdiligentlypractisingscalesandexercises.Shehadnorealloveofmusic,butherfatherinsistedthatshemustlearn;andsinceshemustlearn,then,also,shemustpractise.Herstepmother,whomGrizelhatedwithaltheintensityofherchildishsoul,haddecreedthat,althoughthiswasherlastdayathome,thedrearyhourofscalesandexercisesmustbedoneasusual.

Hermusicallayatthebottomofhertrunk,soanythingelsewasimpossible,forwhichshewasdevoutlygrateful.

‘Thankgoodness,Ishalbeawayfromalthisaftertomorrow,’shethoughtasshepoundedfiercelyawayatCsharpmajor.‘IloveMissBettany,andJoisadear.I’msuretheywon’tmakemepractisethreehoursadaythere.Csharpmajor,relativeminorAsharp.’Automaticalyherfingerschangedontotherelativeharmonicminorasshewentonwithherthoughts.‘I’mgladI’mgoingawayfromEngland-gladI’mleavingthem!Theydon’twantme,andIcan’tendurethem!’Tearsprickedatthebackofhereyesatthisthought,butsheresolutelydrovethemback,andattackedthemelodicminor.AtfourteenandahalfGrizelCochranehadrealisedthatshewasdecidedlyanunwantedmemberoftheCochranefamily.Hermotherhaddiedwhenshewasfive.Grizelcouldjustrememberherasafragile,complainingbeing,wholayonacouchalday,andsaid‘Hush!’infretfultoneswheneverherlittledaughterventuredtoraisehervoice.Afterherdeath,MrCochranehadsentthechildtohismother’s,andledabachelorlifeforthenextfiveyears.OnGrizel’stenthbirthdayhehadmarriedagain,mostunaccountably,withoutinforminghissecondwifeofthefactthathehadadaughter.Thatshediscoveredwhentheyreachedhomeafterthehoneymoon,tofindGrizelawaitingthemonthesteps.TosaythatthesecondMrsCochranewasindignantistodescribethestateofaffairsmuchtoomildly.Atfirst,sheinsistedthatthechildmustgotoboarding-school.HerhusbandcalmlyrepliedthatonereasonforhissecondmarriagewasthathewantedGrizelunderhisownroof.Healsopointedoutthatifsheweresentawayatoncepeoplewouldtalk.MrsCochranedesiredthatlessthananything,soshegaveway.Grizelwentdailytoabighighschoolintheneighbourhood,and,nominaly

atanyrate,receivedthesamecareandattentionasanyofherfriends.Butlifeathergrandmother’shadspoiltherinmanyways,andbeforelongsheandherstepmotherwereatdaggersdrawnwitheachother.MrCochrane,neveraparticularlylovingparent,refusedtointerfere.MrsCochranewasneveractivelyunkind,butshepossessedasharptongue,andshehadneverforgivenherhusbandfornottelingherofGrizel’sexistence.Byslowdegreesthewilful,high-spiritedchildgradualybecameafrightened,nervouscreature,whodidasshewasbiddenwithapainfulreadiness.

Later,shebecametheexcuseformany‘scenes,’andonthedaywhenMadgeBettanysetoffinthewindandraintosecureherfortheChâletSchool,MrCochranehadatlastgivenway,andagreedtosendheraway.Thenthegreatquestionhadbeen‘where?’Tothem,consideringthepoint,hadcomeMadge,andwithheracompletesolutionoftheproblem.Itwassatisfactoryfromalpointsofview.Grizel’sfatherrealisedthatifsheweresentawaywithsuchanoldfriendasMadgeBettany,itwouldgiverisetonogossipinthelittletown,whichwasbeginningtoconjectureatthecausesforherlossofspirit.MrsCochranerejoicedinthefactthatitwouldbesheerabsurdityforhertomakethelongjourneyfromInnsbrücktoCornwalforanyholidaysbutthesummerholidays.Grizelherselfonlywantedtogetrightawayfromherpresentsurroundings,andMadgewenthomethrilingtothefactthatshehadgainedherfirstpupil.

Forthenextfortnightorsoeveryonehadbeenkeptbusy.Grizelfoundherselfcondemnedtosittingandsewingname-tapesontonewstockingsandglovesandhandkerchiefs,aswelashavingtoendurevarious

‘tryings-on.’Atanyothertimeshewouldhaveresentedalthisintensely.Nowitwas,forher,justpartofthejoyofgoingaway.Madgehadbeenunabletosay,atfirst,whentheywouldgo;butDick,havingappliedforandreceivedamonth’slongerfurlough,bustledtheiroldsolicitortosuchanextent,thatthemiddleofAprilfoundthemwithhouseandfurnituresold,boxespacked,andeverythingready.Whatwasmore,theChâletSchoolhadtwootherpupilsinprospect.Mademoiselewasbringingalittlecousin,SimoneLecoutier,fromParis,andabusinessfriendofMrCochrane’s,anAmerican,hadbeenfiredwithenthusiasmovertheschool,andhadwrittenaskingMissBettanyifshecouldfindroomforhistwelve-year-oldEvadnenextterm.

Grizelwasmusingoveralthisasherfingersmovedupanddownthekeyswith

accuracyandprecision.Itseemedalmostimpossiblethatitcouldbeshewho,onthemorrow,wouldbetakenuptoLondonbyherfather,unusualyindulgent,andtheregivenovertoMissBettany’scharge.

MadgeandJohadlefttheiroldhomeearlyinthepreviousweek,inordertopayfarewelvisitstosuchrelativesasremainedtothem.

It’stoogoodtobetrue!’thoughtGrizelecstaticaly;‘andthat’steno’clock,thankgoodness!’

ShefinishedoffthescaleofAflatmelodicminoringrandstyle,andthenshutdownthelidofthepianowithabang.Shehadheardherstepmothergooutafewminutespreviously,sosherandowntothekitchen,wherethecook,whoadoredher,andspoiltherwhenitwaspossible,welcomedherwithawidesmile,andmadehastetoprofferarockbun.

‘Justhotoutoftheoven,MissGrizel,love,’shesaid.

Grizelacceptedit,and,sittingonthetable,muncheditwithgoodappetite.

‘ThistimetomorrowIsha’n'tbehere,’shesaid,whenitwasdisposedof.

‘No,lovey.It’lbethetrainthistimetomorrow,’repliedthegoodwomaninhersoft,sing-songvoice.

‘AndthenParisnextday-andthenInnsbrücknextweek!’Grizelspokeexultingly‘Oh,Cookie!I’msothriled,I’msothriled,Ican’tkeepstil!’

‘Eh,it’salotyou’lbeseeing,MissGrizel.Andyou’lwritetoCookieandtelheralaboutthegrandsightsinthemfurrincities,won’tyou?’

‘OfcourseIwil,Cookiedear!I’lwritetoyouasoftenasIcan.’AndGrizeljumpeddownfromherperchand,flingingherarmsroundCook’sneck,gaveheraheartyhug.‘I’lwritetoyoueveryweekifIcan.’

‘There’salove!And-MissGrizel,dearie,IwasovertoBodminlastnight,andIgotthisforyoutorememberyourCookieby.’

‘Oh,Cookie!Howdearandkindofyou!Whatevercanitbe?’

Grizeltookthenarrowparcel,feelingitsshapewithchildishcuriositybeforesheopenedit.Alittlescreamofecstasybrokefromherassherealisedwhatitwas-abeautifulWatermanfountainpen.

‘Oh,Cook!AndI’vealwayswantedoneeverso!’

Thetearsstoodinhergreyeyesasshecarefulyexaminedit.Cook,lookingdownatthesmalflushedface,feltwelrewardedforherlongtrampofthenightbefore,andforthesacrificeofanewspringhat,whichhadbeennecessarytobuythepen.

‘I’venothingtogiveyou,’saidGrizel,suddensadnessinhertones.

‘You’lbegivingmeyournews,lovey-maybeapicture-postcardortwo!That’salI’lbewantingfromyou.Nowyou’dbettergo,MissGrizel.Themistressonlywentdowntothebutcher’s,andshewon’tlikeitifshefindsyouhere.’

Grizelnodded.Toowelsheknewthescoldingthatwouldbetheportionofbothofthemifherstepmothercaughtherinthekitchen.Withafinalhugandakiss,sheturnedandranupstairstoherownlittleroom,cuddlinghernewpossession.Somepaperlayonthelittledressing-table,andshe‘tried’thepenonit.Cookhadhaditfiledready,anditwasabeauty-neithertoofinenortoobroad.Shewrotehernamewithaflourishseveraltimes,andthen,hearingMrsCochrane’ssteponthestairs,tuckeditawayintoherattachécase,andscrewedupthebitsofpaper,thrustingthemintoherpocketjustintime.Whenherstepmotherenteredtheroomshewasstandinggazingoutofthewindow,andwhistlingsoftly.MrsCochranefrownedather.

‘Grizel!IhavetoldyoubeforethatIwilnotalowwhistling!Kindlyobeyme!AslongasyouareunderthisroofyouwildoasItelyou!’

Grizelobeyed.Thediscipliningofthepastthreeyearshadtaughtherthevalueofunquestioningobedience,ifithadtaughthernothingelse.

‘Youhadbetterputonyouroutdoorthingsandcomewithme,’wentonherstepmother.‘Yououghttosaygood-byetotheRectorandMissFareham;andIhavetogototheRectory.Hurryupnow,andbrushyourhair,andbedownstairsintenminutes’time.’

Shelefttheroom,andGrizeldidasshewasbidden;butalthetimethatshewasputtingonthenewbluetravelingcoat,andchangingintoheroutdoorshoes,andwrigglingherbrownheadintoherscarlettammy,shewasmurmuringsoftlytoherself,‘Onlyto-dayleft!Onlyjustto-day!Tomorrowwilsoonbeherenow.’

Shewentonrepeatingitasshewalkedslowlydownstairs.MrsCochranecaughtthelowmurmur,andlookedsharplyather.

‘Whyareyoutalkingtoyourself,Grizel?Pleasedon’tbesoabsurd.’

Grizelcolouredupfuriously,butshesaidnothing.Walkingdemurelyatherstepmother’sside,shewentdownthegarden-path,whichwasalreadyborderedwithwalflowersandtulips,gailya-nodinthespringbreeze,andoutintothestreet,wheretheymettwoofthegirlsfromheroldschool.

‘Youwilwanttosay“good-bye”toyourfriends,’saidMrsCochranegraciously-shewasalwaysgraciousinpublic.‘IwilwaitforyouattheRectory;butdon’tbelong,astherearestiloneortwothingsIwanttodo.’

Shepassedon,andGrizelwasleftwiththem.

‘It’stomorrowyougo,Grizel,isn’tit?’saidtheelderofthetwo,aprettyfairchildoffourteen,RosalieDenebyname.‘Aren’tyousorrytoleavehome?’

HithertoGrizelspridehadkeptherfrommakinganyrevelationsabouthomematters.Now,somehow,itdidn’tseemtomatter.Shewouldnotcomehomeformorethanayear,forshewastostaywiththeBettanysalthesummer.

‘Sorry?’shesaidfervently.‘I’mnotsorry;I’mglad-glad,Itelyou!’

‘Grizel!’gaspedRosalie.‘Gladtoleavehomeandgorightaway!’

‘‘Tisn’tlikeyourhome,’repliedGrizelsombrely.‘You’veamother!’

‘Wel,butyouhaveMrsCochrane,andI’msureshe’sawfulysweettoyou.’

‘Yes,whenthere’sanyonetheretoseeit,’repliedGrizelrecklessly.

Thetwoschoolgirlsstoodinhorrifiedsilence.Theydidnotknowwhattosay.

Grizelbrokethespel.Sheheldoutherhand.

‘Imustbegoing,’shesaidbriefly.‘Goodbye.Writetomesometimes.’

‘Goodbye,’saidRosalieflatly.‘OfcourseI’lwriteifyouwil.’

‘I’lsendyousomepostcards,’respondedGrizel.‘Goodbye,Mary!’

Mary,theotherchild,mumbledsomethinginfarewel,andthenGrizelranoff,leavingthemstilstaringafterher.

‘Wel!’ejaculatedRosalieatlast.‘Didyouever?’

‘Never!‘repliedMarywithfinality.‘Ididn’tthinkGrizelCochranewaslikethat!’

‘Iwonderwhatmotherwilsay,’saidRosaliethoughtfuly.

WhatMrsDeneactualysaidwhensheheardherdaughter’sstorywas,‘Poorlittledear!IhopeshewilbehappyinAustria,then.’

Meanwhile,GrizelhurriedtotheRectory,whereherstepmotherwaswaitingforher,andtookleaveoftheRectorandhissister,bothofwhomwerefondofher.Theyhadfarewelgiftsforhertoo,intheshapeofanewKiplingandabigboxofchocolates,andshesaid‘good-bye’tothemwithrealregret.Theyhadalwaysbeenkindtoher.

AftertheRectoryvisit,MrsCochranetookherintothetowntodosomeshopping,anditseemedtothelittlegirlthatneverbeforehadtheymetsomanyacquaintancesinonemorning.Everyonewasverykind,andwishedhergoodluckandapleasantjourney.Oneortwotoldherthattheyenviedherhervisittoforeigncountries,andmostpeoplebeggedforpostcards.Grizelpromisedthemtoalandsundry,andalthetimeherheartwasbeatingmadlywithdelighttothinkthatthiswasthelasttimeformanyalongmonththatshewouldbehere.Thentheywenthometolunch,andafteritwasover,herstepmotherdismissedhertothemoors,wheresheranaboutlikeawildthingtilthelittlesilverwatchonherwristwarnedherthatitwasnearlytea-time,andshehadbetterbeturninghomewards.Herfathercameinfortea,andbroughtwithhimafoldingBrowniekodakinaneatleathercasewithastraptoslingacrosshershoulders.ThegeneralatmosphereofkindnessseemedtohaveinfectedevenMrsCochrane,

andsothatlasteveningpassedoffwel.ThenextdayMrCochranetookheruptotown,andgaveherintoMadgeBettany’schargeatVictoria.

Chapter3.

TheJoysofParis

‘Rienàdeclarer?’

‘Rienàdeclarer!’repliedMadgefirmly,withoneeyeonhertwocharges.Foralherself-confidence,shesuddenlyfeltveryyoungtobesoleguardianoftwogirlsoftwelveandfourteen.Thecustom-houseofficialgruntedashechalkedthemarkonthethreesuit-cases,whichwasaltheluggagetheyhadwiththem,MademoiseleLaPâttreandDickhavinggoneouttoTiernSeeearlyinthepreviousweekwiththetrunksandcasesofbooks,ornamentsandpictures,whichwerealtheyweretakingwiththemfromEngland.

ExperiencedJoeypromptlyhelpedtofastenthecasesagain,whileGrizel,flushedandexcited,gazedroundher,wonderinherbiggreyeyes.

ShehadneverbeenoutofEnglandinherlifebefore,soeventhedraughty,prosaicdouaneofBoulogne,whereeveryonehadtogoinqueuewiththeircases,wasinvestedwithacertainpleasureglamourforher.Thehoarsevoicesofthedouaniers,theclamouroftheirfelow-passengers,theunusualtrainswiththeirfunny,highengines,andlittlestepsupintothecarriages,werealfreshandnewtoher.Madgecastanamusedglanceatherabsorbedfaceastheysettleddownintheirsecond-classcarriage.

Theonlyotheroccupantwasalittlefatmaninaloudchecksuit.Hewasmoppinghisfacewithawhitehandkerchiefadornedwithscarletspots.

‘Eh,it’s‘ot,’hesaid,hisaccentatoncebetrayinghimforaYorkshireman.‘’Otforthistimeo’t’yearitis.’

Yearsago,MissMadge’snursehadaccusedherofbeing‘asfriendlyasamongrelpuppy.’Shehadkeptthisqualitythroughoutherlife.Shewasalwaysinterestedinpeople,and,havingmetnothingbutfriendlinessinalhertwenty-fouryears,shehadthesamefearless,somewhatconfidingmannerwithstrangersasthepuptowhichnursehadlikenedher.So,insteadofsnubbingthegood-

heartedlittleman’sadvanceswithfrostygoodbreeding,sheansweredhimpleasantly.Hehadhadlittleeducation,aswasevident,buthefeltakindly,ifcurious,interestinthetrioinhiscarriage,andwhen,alittlelater,theyproducedsandwichesandmilk,hevanished,toreturnwithsomemagnificentgooseberries,whichhebeggedthemtosharewithhim.Again,Grizellookedfortheicilypolitesnubherstepmotherwouldhavegivenhim.

Madgeonlythankedhimforhiskindnesswiththedirectsimplicitywhichwassomuchapartofhercharm,andofferedhimsandwichesinreturn.

Overtheirmealtheybecamequitefriendly,and,beforetheyreachedParis,hehadfoundoutthatsheproposedrunningaschoolintheTyrol.Hecommendedthescheme,andofferedtotrytofindherpupilsamonghiscustomers-hewasawoolmanufacturerfromBradford,asitturnedout.

Theywerequitesorrytosay‘good-bye’tohimwhentheyreachedParis;buthewasgoingontoLyonsthatnight,andtheyweretospendthenexttwoorthreedaysinthegayestcityintheworld.Itwasfiveo’clock-orseventeen,ifyoucaredtotakeFrenchtime-bythetimetheyhadarrived,andbothJoandGrizelweretired,soMadgemadenoattempttodoanythingthatnight.Theywenttotheirhotel,aquietone,notfarfromtheMadeleine,andafterhavingarrangedfortheremainderoftheweek,theywereshowntotheirrooms,wherethéàl’Anglaiswassentup.Thentheyalthreebathedandchanged,andJowaspackedofftobed,whitherGrizelspeedilyfolowedher.Bynineo’clocktheywerebothfastasleep,andMadge,sincetherewasnothingelsetodo,folowedtheirexample.

Theyalwokeearly,andafterpetitdéjeunerofcoffeeandrols,preparedtogoout.

Naturaly,sincetheyweresonear,theMadeleinewastheirfirstobjective.Johadseenitbefore,butshewasperfectlywilingtovisitthegreatchurchwhichNapoleonhadbegunasa‘TempleofGlory,’andwhichhewasdestinednevertofinish.Grizellookedatitwithwonderinherface.

‘Somehow,Ididn’tthinkNapoleonwasareligiousman,’sheobservedthoughtfuly.‘Whatevermadehimwanttobuildachurch?’

‘Hewasn’t;andhedidn’t,’explainedMadge.‘Iforgetwhathisideawas,butitcertainlywasn’ttheideaoftheaverageman.Butthenhewasn’tanaverageman,

ofcourse!Anyway,it’sratherawonderfulthing,isn’tit?NottobecomparedwithNotreDame,ofcourse!’

‘Isheburiedhere?’askedGrizel.

‘No,intheInvalides,’repliedJo,whowasanenthusiasticadmirerofthegreatEmperor.‘We’lgoandseehistomb.ButImustgetsomeflowers.Ialwaysputthemtheretoshowthatsomeoneremembershim.’

‘Agoodmanypeoplerememberhimbesidesyou,’saidhersisterdrily.‘He’snotexactlyindangerofbeingforgotten.Andforgoodness’sake,Jo,don’tmakethesceneyoumadelasttime!’

‘Ionlythrewtheflowersovertherailings,’protestedJo.

‘Iknowwhatyoudidalright!Ifonlyyouhadn’tbeenstandingatthecorner,andifonlyyoucouldthrowstraight,itwouldn’thavemattered!Asitwas,younearlyletusinforimprisonmentundertheimpressionthatyouwereflingingbombsabout!’

‘Iftheidiotguidehadduckeditwouldhavebeenalright!’retortedJoey.

‘Howwashetoknowyouweregoingtothrowflowersaboutinthatway?Ofcourse,ifhe’drealised,Idaresayhewouldhaveducked,andthenGuardianwouldhavebeensavedanexpensivepour-boire!IfyouwanttoputflowersonNapoleon’stombto-day,youmustbecontentwithpushingthemthroughtherailingsasfarasyoucan.Wel,Ithinkwe’veseeneverythinghere,sowemayaswelgototheChamps-Elysées.

We’ltakeabusthere.Thenwe’lgoupitalittleway,andgetanotherbustothePontAlexandre.Fromthere,it’seasytogettotheInvalides.

Whenyou’vedoneworshipattheshrine,youtwo,we’lhavedéjeuner,andafterthat,wegototheLouvrebytheMétro.’

‘Andtheoperato-night,’supplementedJoey.‘Oh,topping!’

Madgenodded.MrCochranehadgivenheranadditionalcheque,withtherequestthatshewouldtakeGrizelaboutasmuchaspossible.Hewasnotadevotedfather,butsomestrangefeelingofregretthathemeantsolittletohis

onlychildhadpromptedhimtodothis.Themoneywasample,andhehadbiddenhertakeheryoungersisteraswel.

‘Childrenalwaysenjoythatsortofthingbetterwhensomeoneoftheirownageiswiththem,’hehadsaid.

‘PleaseincludeMissJoeyintheparty.’

‘Arewerealygoingtotheopera?’askedGrizelincredulously.

‘Yes.It’sLaBohêmeto-night.Idon’tknowhowmuchofityou’lunderstand,butthemusicislovely,’

repliedMadge,astheyboardedabus.‘Lookoutofthewindow,Grizel.We’recomingtothePlacedelaConcorde,wheretheguilotinestoodduringtheReignofTerror.’

Joey,theinsatiablereader,murmuredsoftly,‘SydneyCarton!’ButGrizel’sknowledgeoftheFrenchRevolutionwasconfinedtothatgainedfromtheScarletPimpernelstories,andwhen,astheyreachedthefamousspace,theyoungergirlsoftlyquotedtheclosingsentencesfromATaleofTwoCities,shepaidnoheed.TheChamps-Elyséespleasedherfarmorewiththeirbustleandlife.Madgechuckledsoftlytoherselfasshewalkedbetweenthem.Theoutlookofthetwochildrenwassototalydifferent.JoeyalwayssawParisthrougharose-mistofhistoryandlegend;Grizel,nowthatherfirstwonderwasover,soobviouslytookalthatsideofitforgranted,anddevotedherselftoitslifeandpeople.AtthechurchoftheInvalidesshedidrousetoenthusiasmoverNapoleon;butitwasonlytemporary,andshestaredatJoeywhenthatfaithfuldevoteepushedafewspraysofliliesofthevaleybetweentherailingsthatsurroundthefamousEmperor’stomb.

AfterLesInvalides,theyhaddéjeuneratoneofthemanyrestaurants,andthentooktheMétrototheLouvre,whichboredthatlittlePhilistine,Grizel,almosttotears.Theopera,however,,wasanentiresuccess,True,neitherofthechildrenunderstoodmuchofthestory,buttheexquisitemusicappealedtoboth,andevenmatter-of-factGrizelfeltalumpcomeintoherthroatwhenMimidied.ThenextdaywasdevotedtoatripuptherivertoStCloudandSèvres,whichpleasedMissCochranefarmorethantheLouvre.

‘Iliketoseethingsdone,’sheexplainedtoJoey.‘Ofcourse,picturesandstatues

arealright,butthey’renothalfsointerestingasseeingpeopledothingsnow.AndIthinkStCloudisawfulyjoly!Iwishwe’dbeenabletogouptheEiffelTower,though.’

‘You’vedonequiteenoughforto-day,’declaredMadge,withananxiouseyeonJoey’swhiteface.‘Tomorrowwe’lgoouttoVersailes,andthenonMondaywemustbegettingon.I’mgoingtosendyoutobedwhenwegetback,Joey.Youlookdone!’

‘I’malright,’repliedJo.Nothingwouldhaveinducedhertoownthatherbackandheadwereaching,andthatbedwastheonethingforwhichshewaslonging.However,hersisterhadnotknownherfortwelveyearswithoutlearningsomethingabouther,andtobedshewentassoonastheyreachedtheirhotel.

OnthenextdaytheywenttoVersailes,andspentlong,happyhourswanderingaboutthatmagnificentextravaganceofLouisXIV.Thegardensfiledthemwithadmiration,andGrizelthriledatseeingtheHalofMirrors,wherethePeaceTreatyhadendedtheGreatWar.Fromthere,theywentontotheTrianons,withtheirdaintyartificiality,wherepoorMarieAntoinetteandhercourtladieshadplayedatbeingmilkmaidsandshepherdessescladinfloweredsilks,while,lessthantwentymilesaway,theParismobwasbeginningtocryaloudforbread.Thewholeplacewaspeopledwithgay,exquisiteghostsforbothMadgeandJo,andevenGrizelbecameinfectedbythem,andhalfexpectedtoseesomehoopedandpowderedlady,withraisedfanandbrilianteyes,beckontoherfrombehindoneofthestatues.Madgewaswiseenoughtotakethembackearly,aftertheyhadseenthefamousfountainsplaying,andthenextdaywasspentinvisitingNotreDameandlookingattheshops.

Grizelwasanxioustobuynearlyeverythingshesaw,butMadgekeptatightreinonher.Shewouldonlyalowhertochangealittleofhermoneyintofrancs,andthensheinsistedthatchoicemustbecarefulymade.Finaly,attheLouvrealacecolarwaschosenforCook;severalpostcardswereboughtandsentoff;then,atJo’ssuggestion,theywenttotheLuxembourgGardens,whichlaybathedinAprilsunshine.GrizelwasdeeplyinterestedintheFrenchchildrenwhorompedaboutthere,carefulywatchedbymothersandnurses.Thecarrousel,withitslionsandelephants,andgaylittlehurdy-gurdy,tookherfancycompletely,andsheinsistedonhavingseveral‘goes,’rathertotheamusementofJo,whostrayedofftothefountain,wherebare-leggedandcrop-hairedsmalboysweresailingtheirboatstoageneralchorusof,‘Quelestbeau!’‘Ah,monDieu!’‘C’estbien

quepossible!’‘Voleur!C’estlemien!’And,morethanonce,‘Fermeslebee,toi!’

HereMadgeandGrizelfoundherwhentheycamealittlelater,haranguingtwosmal,bewildered-lookingboysinapolyglotmixtureofFrenchandEnglish.

‘Whatonearthareyoudoing?’demandedhersister.

‘Telingthemtofightfair,’respondedJocalmly.‘Theirboatsgotmixedup,andtheywentforeachother.

Thatone,’coolypointing,‘triedtoscratchtheother,andhekickedhim.Ipuledthemapart,andwasjusttelingthemnottoscraplikegirls,whenyoucame!’

Thetwolittleboyshadbeenstaringatherwithhorridfascination.Now,asshereachedtheendofherexplanation,theysuddenlygrabbedeachother’shandsand,takingtotheirheels,fled.

‘You’vescaredthem!’laughedGrizel.‘Oh,Joey,Ithinkit’slovely!Icaughttheringfivetimes,andthemansaiditwassuperb!’

‘Wel,nowlet’shavedéjeuner‘suggestedMadge.‘I’mhungry,ifyouaren’t.’

Déjeunerover,theystroledalongtotheChamps-Elysées,andjoinedinthemerrythronground‘Guignol,’

whichisaFrenchversionofPunchandJudy.Afterthat,theymettheoldwomanwhoselstoybaloonsandzeppelins,andnothingwoulddobutthattheymusteachhaveone.Teatheyhadatapâtisserie,whereGrizelrejoicedoncemoreinthedelightfulcustomwhichordainsthateachcustomershaltakeaplateandforktothecounterandhelphimselftodelicioussandwichesandcakesbeforesettlingdown.

‘SomuchmoresensiblethanEnglishshops,’shesaid.’Theyalwaysbringthethingsyoudon’twant–’

‘Likehorridspongycakeswithbutter-icing!’chimedinJo.‘Iloathethem!Nowéclairs,Icouldgooneatingforever!’

‘Andbeautifulysickyouwouldbe,’saidMadgefirmly.‘No,youdon’t,Joey,mychild!Remember,ourtrainleavesatnine.Finished?Lecomptoir,s’ilvousplaît.’Thislasttotheprettywaitresswhostoodnear.

Afterthat,theyreturnedtotheirhoteltopackupandhavedinner,andhalf-pasteightsawthemattheGaredel’Est,climbingintotheParis-Wientrainexpress.

‘HerestartourAustrianadventures,’observedJo,asshecurledherselfupcomfortablyinacorner.‘Youcan’tcountParis!’

‘Can’tyou?Ido!’repliedGrizel.‘It’salbeenabsolutelythriling,sofar!’

‘Gotosleepanddon’ttalk,’orderedMissBettany.‘WeshalbeinSwitzerland,Ihope,whenyouwaketomorrow.’

‘Switzerland?’Grizelsatboltuprightinherexcitement.

‘Yes;wereachBasleaboutsixinthemorning.Now,bequiet!’

Andsherefusedtosayanotherwordortoletthemtalk,sotheysubsided,andbeforelongalthreewerefastasleep,whilethegreattrainhurledonwardsthroughthedarkness.

Chapter4.

AustriaatLast!

ITwashalf-pastsevenontheWednesdayeveningwhentheViennaexpressslackenedspeedbeforeenteringtheInnsbrückStation.BythistimeGrizelwaswearyofthetrain,whileJo’stonguehadlongceasedwagging,andshelayinhercornerofthecarriagegazingdreamilyoutatthedarkeninglandscape.

‘We’reonlyanhourlate,’observedMadge,asshecolectedtheirbelongingstogether.‘We’vemissedthelasttrainofthemountainrailway,sowe’lhavetogotoanhotelsomewhereforthenight.’

‘Ishan’tbesorry,’repliedGrizeldecidedly.‘WilMrBettanymeetus,orshalwehavetofishforourselves?’

‘Dickwilmeetusalright,’saidJo,rousingherselfuptoanswerthisquestion.‘Whereshalweputup,Madge-attheEurope?’

‘Isupposeso,’repliedhersister.‘Orthere’stheKreide,onlyit’sfartheraway.’

‘Ihopeit’ssomewherenear,’returnedJowearily,‘Ishouldliketohaveabathandgotobed!Helo,we’reslackening!’

‘There’sDick!’exclaimedMadge,asshehungoutofthewindow.ButDickhadseenher,andwasalreadyrunningalongbythesideofthecarriage,shoutingacheerygreetingtothem.

‘Shovethecasesthroughthewindow!’hecaled,asthetrainstopped.‘Bustlethekidsout!I’vegotaporterhere!RoomsbookedattheEurope!’

UndertheinfluenceofhissuggestionsMadgebundledouttheirbelongings,andfiveminuteslatertheywerealontheplatformmakingfortheexit,whileashort,good-natured-lookingTyroleanfolowedthemwiththesuit-casesandrugs.Dickwasanexperiencedtraveler,andbothheandMadgespokeGermanfluently,sotheyweresoonpastthebarrierandoutintothebigsquare,wherecarriagesintendedfortwohorses,butdrawnbyoneonly,werewaitingforhire,whilethecoachmen,picturesqueenoughfiguresintheirshortopenjackets,fulskirts,and

littlegreenTyrolesehatswiththeinevitablefeatherattheback,leanedupagainstthewheels,shoutingchafftoeachother,orsmokingtheirlongchina-bowledpipes.

Beyond,theycouldseethegreatsnow-cappedmountainstoweringuponalsides,whileroundthemthrongedtow-headed,grey-eyedchildren,beggingforKrönenwithapersistencewhichsuddenlydiedawayasDickaddressedthemwithareadyflowoflanguage.

‘Awfullittlebeggars!’hesaidastheydispersed.‘They’renearlyasbadasthenativesatPortSaid.Tired,Grizel?Here’sourhotel;niceandhandyforthestation,yousee!Youkidshadbetterhavesomethingtoeat,andthenhopittobed.Plentyoftimetoseethingsinthemorning.’

‘IseverythingalrightattheChâlet?’askedMadge,astheyenteredthebighotel.‘HasMademoisele’scousinarrived?I’vegotanotherpupil-anAmericancaledEvadneLannis.She’scominginSeptember.’

‘Goodforyou,’repliedherbrother.‘Yes,everything’salright,andthekid-Simone,hernameis-arrivedFridayoflastweek.Mademoiselestayeddownheretilto-day,andsentupthethingsbyrail.Igottheplacescrubbedout,anddearoldFrauPfeifencamealong,andhereldestgirl,andwe’vegotitquiteshipshape.

There’sabigroomtheyhadbuiltonforaSpeisesaal,andwe’veturnedthatintoaclassroom.Iknockedupsomeshelves,andwe’vegotthebooksup.Twolittleroomswe’vegiventoyouandMademoisele,andahugeloftaffairwe’veputthekids’bedsin.Itholdseighteasily,soyou’dbetterbuckupandgetfourmore.

There’salanding-stagejustopposite,andthewater’squiteshalow.OldBraunattheKronPrinzKarlsaysyoucanbathefromthereinthesummer.NowI’lgetyourkeys,andthenyoucangoandbeautifyyourselveswhileIordersomefoodforyou.ComedowntotheSpeisesaalwhenyouareready.’

‘What’saSpeisesaal?’askedGrizel,astheywentupinthelift.

‘It’sGermanfordining-room,’explainedMadge.‘Hereweare!Nowbuckup,youtwo,andmakeyourselvestidy,andthencomeandtapatmydoor.’

Theyhastenedjoyously,andinamarvelouslyshorttimetheywereready.

ThentheywentdowntotheSpeisesaal,wheretheyfoundDickandadelightfulmealawaitingthem,togetherwithamostobsequiouswaiter.

‘Nothingrealyexciting,’saidDick.‘OnlyKalbsbraten-alright,Grizel!That’sGermanforroastveal!-andKartoffeln,otherwisespuds,andApfelntorte,whichisn’tapple-tart,althoughitsoundslikeit.’

‘Whatisit,then?’Grizelwantedtoknow.

‘Sortofcakewithcookedapplesonit,’saidJoswiftly.‘Oh,itisnicetohavethefunnythingsagain!Ithinkforeignfoodismuchmoreinterestingthan.English!Mustwerealygotobedaftersupper?Idon’twanttointheleast.’

‘It’lbenineo’clockbeforeyou’resettled,’retortedherbrother.‘YoucantrotroundInnsbrücktomorrowifyou’resokeen!Itwon’trunawayinthenight,youknow.’

‘WhendowegouptoTiernSee?’askedGrizel.

‘Nottilthehalf-pastseventraintomorrowevening,’repliedMadge.‘ThereareoneortwothingsIwanttoget,andyourealymustseealittleofInnsbrückwhileyouarehere.WewilgototheFerdinandeumMuseumandtheHofKirche,andyoumustseetheoldhousewiththegoldenroof.’

‘Isitrealygold?‘askedGrizelinawestrucktones.

‘Ohdearno!Anditisrealyjusttheroofofthebalconytoawindow.Butit’sveryfamous,andyououghttoseeit.’

‘Thenthere’stheMariatheresienStrassewithitsswaggershops,’chimedinDick,‘andthegreatTriumphalArch.AndyoumustgodownandhavealookattheInn.You’lhaveplentytodotomorrow,Icanassureyou.I’lgoupduringthemorning,Madge,andtakethecases,thenyouandthekidscancomeonlater.’

Everyoneagreedtothisprogramme,andJoandGrizelwentofftobedquitehappily,whiletheirelderstookastroluptothelittlestation,wheretheelectricrailway,whichisknownastheStubaiBahn,begins.

‘Yououghttotakethekidsupheresomeday,’observedDick.

‘Someday,’agreedMadge;‘butdorememberthatI’mheretostartaschoolinthefirstplace!’

‘Geography,’hesaidshortly,withatwinkleinhiseye.‘Youmightmakeaweek-endexpeditionofitinthesummerandtakethemtotheedgesoftheStubaiGlacier,YoucouldgetroomsinFulpmes,andtheStubaivaleyislovely.’

‘Iknow,’saidMadge,sighing.‘Italis!Butoh,Dick!Supposingitisn’tasuccess!SupposingIfail!’

‘Tosh!’hesaideasily.‘Youwon’tfail!You’vetoomuchgritforthat.Otherpeople.might;butyou’lgoon!Buckup,oldthing!’

‘ButI’msoyoung,’shesaid-‘onlytwenty-four,Dick!’

Hegaveherarmareassuringsqueeze.

‘You’lpulthroughalright!Keepyourhairon,oldgirl!We’dbetterbegettingbacknow.You’retired,andoughttobeinbed.’

‘Yes,Iam,’acknowledgedMadge.‘Oh,Dick,Ishalbesothankfultogettoourownhouse!Imustsayitsoundsattractive.WhatislittleSimonelike?’

‘Didn’tseemuchofher,’hereplied.‘Shestruckmeasjolyquiet.Verydark,ofcourse;notabitprettylikethatGrizelkid.’

‘Yes,Grizelwilbelovelywhenshe’sgrown-up,’saidhissister.‘Ishouldthinkshe’sclever,too.Oh,Dick,sheandJoweretoofunnyforanythinginParis!Joeywasdreamingitalintohistory,andGrizelissoabsolutelymatteroffact.Shesimplycouldn’tunderstandJoeyandherdream-pictures.’

‘Jolygoodjob,’saidDickausterely.‘Jodreamsfartoomuch,’

‘Wel,shehasn’thadmuchchancetodoanythingelse,’repliedMadge.‘PerhapsGrizelandSimone,andEvadnewhenshecomes,wilmakeherdifferent.’

‘Oh,she’lbebetterinthemountains,’washisanswer.‘Halfthetroublehasbeenherhealth.She’sbetteralready,Ithink,eventhoughshe’stired.’

‘ItcanrainatTiernSee,’Madgeremindedhim.

‘Iknowthat.Butshe’lhavecompanionsofherownage.Anddon’tyouworry,mychicken!Everything’sgoinggrandly!’

Withthisassurancethesubjectwasdropped,andpresentlytheyreachedthehotel,andMadgeretiredtobed.

Thenextdaywasspentinshoppingandsight-seeing.Dickleftthemearlyintheday,andwentuptoTiernSeewiththecasesandtherugs,whilethethreegirlsexploredthecitytotheirhearts’content.Grizel,quicktolearn,wasalreadypickingupphrasesinGerman,andshetookthegreatestdelightinpractisingthem.Jo,whoseGermanhadbeenfluentinthepast,founditcomingbacktoher,evenasherFrenchhadbeguntodoinParis.Sheinstructedherfriendastheywentabout,andeventualypouredsomuchinformationintoher,thatitwassmalwonderthatGrizelbecamemuddled.TheresultwasamistakethattheBettanysrememberedagainstherforlongenough.

Madgehaddecidedtotakebothchildrentohavetheirhairshampooedbeforegoinguptothelake.Sheremembered,fromtheirlastsojournintheTyrol,averygoodhairdresser’sshopintheMuseumStrasse,andthithershetookthem.ThehairdresserhadalittleEnglish,butnotmuch.

Whentheshampooingwasover,heaskedthemwhetherthefinalrinsingshouldbeofhotorcoldwater.TheGermanfor‘hotwater’is‘heissesWasser.’Jocamethroughtheordealalright,demandingalukewarmrinsingforthelast.NotsoGrizel.SheforgotwhattheGermanfor‘cold’was,butremembered,assheimagined,thewordfor‘hot.’Thetemptationtoexhibitherknowledgeofhislanguagewastoogreattoberesisted,andshereducedthemantohorrifiedsilence,andtheBettanygirlstohelplesslaughter,byboldlydemanding‘heiligesWasser.’‘

ItwastheexpressionofoutrageonHerrAlphen’sfaceasmuchasanythingthatrendereditimpossibleforMadgetodoanythingbutchokewildly;whilehehimself,amostdevoutCatholic,decidedthatthiswasonlyonemoreexampleofthemadnessoftheEnglish.Itstruckhimasprofaneintheextremethatanyoneshoulddemandtohaveherhairrinsedwithholywater.Stil,doubtlessthesepoorcreaturesknewnobetter.Witharesignedexpressionandoutspreadhands,hecarefulyexplainedthatitwasimpossibletogiveherwhatsheasked.Heassuredher.however,thathewouldputsomeofhisverybesttoiletpreparationsintowhatwasusedifshewouldonlysaywhethershewouldhaveithotorcold,

or,liketheotherFräulein,lukewarm.

Ofalthisharangue,whichwaspouredforthattopspeed,Grizelunderstoodnotoneword.FinalyMadge,chokingbackherlaughterwithgreatdifficulty,cametotherescue,andtheshampoowasfinished.

‘ButIdon’tseewhattherewastogiggleat,’observedGrizeltoJoeywhentheyhadfinalylefttheshop.

‘AndwhydidthatmangetsofussywhenIaskedforhotrinsingwater?DidhethinkIshouldcatchcoldafterit?Iwantedacoldrinse,asamatteroffact,butIcouldn’trememberthewordforit,soIaskedforhot.’

‘That’sjustwhatyoudidn’tdo,’Joeyinformedhersolemnly.‘You’veshockedpoorHerrAlphenmosthorribly,andI’mnotsurprised!Ionlywonderhefinishedyouatal!’

‘Butwhy?WhatdidIdo?‘demandedthebewilderedGrizel.

‘Oh,youonlyaskedforafinalrinsingofholywater!AndheaCatholic-atleastIsupposeso!’

‘ButIonlysaidwhatyoutoldme,’protestedGrizel.

‘They’reratheralikeinsound,’admittedJoey.‘Thebeginningsarethesameanyhow.Iwonderifhe’sgotoverityet?’

Atfirst,Grizelwasinclinedtoaccuseherfriendof‘pulingherleg,’butwhenshefinalyrealisedthatthemistakewasherown,shecheerfulyjoinedinthelaughagainstherself.

‘Wel,anyhow,that’sonethingIsha’n'tforget,’shesaid,astheymadetheirwaytothestation.‘Icouldn’tifItriedafterthat!’

‘Idon’tbelieveyoucould,’agreedJo-MadgewasbuyingtheirticketstoSpärtz.‘Ifyou’dinsisted,Iwonderifhewouldhavetriedtogetsomeforyou!They’reawfulyobliginghere,youknow.Hulo,Madge!

Gotthemalright?Doesn’titfeelgrandtocountinhundredsandthousands?’

‘No,ratheranuisance,’repliedhersister.‘Nowcomealong.Ourtrainisoverhere.Haveyougotthosebookssafe,Joey?’

ThejourneyfromInnsbrücktoSpärtzisofnoparticularinterest,withtheoneexceptionoftheold-worldtownofHal,famousforitssaltminesnow,thoughinoldendaysithadagreatreputationasthecentreofplotsandwars.Butthelittlemountainrailway,whichcarriesyouuptoaheightofthreethousandfeetandmoreabovethesea-level,issomethingtoremember.Higherandhighertheyclimbed,nowandthenstoppingatatinywaysidestation,tilatlasttheyreachedthegreatAlp,orratherAlm,astheyarecaledintheTyrol,andtherebeforethem,dark,beautiful,andclearasamirror,spreadtheTiernSee,withitsthreetinyhamletsandtwolittlevilagesrounditsshores,andtoweringroundonalsidesthemightylimestonecragsandpeaksofthemountains.

TherailwayterminusisknownasSeespitz,andherethesteamerwaswaitingforthepassengers.Dickwastheretoo,readytohelpwiththeparcels.

‘It’sajolywalkroundthelake,’hesaid,‘butto-nightIthinkwe’ltakethesteamer.It’saboutaquarterofamilenearerfromtheBriesaulanding-stagethanitisfromhere,andIknowyou’realtired.’

Thelittlesteamerwaitedtenminutes,thenherwhistleblew,andoffshewent-firsttoBuchauattheoppositesideofthelake,andthentoBriesau,wheretheywerewelcomedbygoodFrauPfeifen,whoalmostweptforjoyatbeholdingMadgeandJoeyoncemore.Fromthelanding-stagetotheChâletwasagoodtenminutes’walk,andthentheysawthewelcominglights,andheardMademoisele’swarmFrenchgreeting.

TheywereattheChâletSchoolatlast.

Chapter5.

TheChâletSchoolOpens.

BydegreestheysettleddownintheChâlet.TheendofAprilfoundthemreadytobeginwork.Thehugeroom,whichhadbeenbuilttoaccommodateeightypeopleatmeals,hadbeenpartitionedoffintotwogood

–sizedclassrooms.Athirdnexttothemhadbeenmadeofasmalroomwhichhadbeenusedasalounge-theformerowneroftheChâlethadtriedtorunitasasemi-restaurant.Anotherone,ontheoppositesideofthedoor,hadbeenturnedintoasitting-room,sacredtoMadgeandMademoisele.Therewerenocarpetsonthefloors,buttheywerebroughttoafinepolishwithbeeswaxandhardrubbing.Thefurniture,withtheexceptionoftheschoolroomappointments,wasalold.Therewasbutlittleasyet;MissBettanyintendedbuyinghereandthere,andhavingitasgoodasmightbe.InthelongkitchenatthebackofthehouseMariePfeifenreigned,withayoungersisterandacousintohelpher,whileBrotherHanscleanedshoesandknives,andattendedtothehugeporcelainstoveswhichwarmedtheplacethroughout.DickBettany’sfurloughwasupon29thApril,andhehadtosay‘good-bye’tothem,beforegettingtheParisexpress,sinceheintendedjoiningtheboatatMarseiles.ActualschoolworkwouldstartonthefolowingMonday,andMadgewasverythriledoverthat,for,inadditiontoJoey,Grizel,andSimone,shehadfourday-pupilswhoseparentslivedroundabout,becauselivingwascheaperinthemountainsthaninthetown.HithertothegirlshadgoneintoInnsbrück;butnowthattheChâletSchoolwasstartingatBriesau,itwasbotheasierandlessexpensivetosendthemthere.Sotheywouldbeginwithaveryfairnumber.

‘Andofcoursethereareheapsofsummervisitors,’saidMissBettanywhenshewasdiscussingitwithMademoisele.‘Whentheyseehowwelourschoolisrun,I’minhopesthattheywilsendtheirgirlstous.’

JoeyandGrizelwerejustasthriledasshewas.Simone,thoughquitenice,wasveryshyandquiet,and,sinceshehadbeenbroughtupveryproperly,wasapttobeshockedatthetomboyishnessofhercompanions.

‘Besides,’asJoeyputit,‘iftherearemoreofus,weshalbeabletohavemoregames.’

So,whenMondaycame,theywerealagogtomeetthestrangers.

Schoolbeganatnine-thirty,whenalittlebodyofschoolgirlsweretobeseencomingalongthelakeroad,carryingbooksandchattering.

‘Theretheyare!‘criedJoeyfromhervantage-pointatthewindow.Thenaminutelater,inamazedtones,sheadded,‘IthoughtMadge-mysister,Imean-saidtherewereonlyfour!’

‘Soshedid,’repliedGrizel,joiningher.

‘Wel,there’ssixthereanyhow,andone’squiteatinyone!’

‘Let’sgodownandmeetthem,’suggestedGrizel.

‘Goodscheme!Comealong,Simone!’

Simonefolowedthemslowlyastheyclatteredgailydownthewoodenstairsandoutontothepath.Joey,whodidnotknowwhatshynessmeant,dancedgailyalonginfront.Alreadythepuremountainairwashavingitseffectonher,andafaintcolourtingedherwhitecheeks.Sheranuptothenewcomers,holdingoutherhandineagerwelcome.

‘Helo!’shesaid.‘I’mJoBettany,andIknowyouarecomingtotheChâletSchool.Dotelmeyournames,won’tyou?Andwhy,there’ssixofyou,whenweonlyexpectedfour.’

Thegirlsthusaddressedpausedandlookedateachother.Thenone,whowasobviouslytheeldest,cameforwardandtookJo’shand.

‘Howdoyoudo?’shesaidincarefulEnglish.‘YouareFräuleinBettany’ssister,areyounot?IamGiselaMarani,andtheseareGertrudSteinbrücke,BernhildaandFriedaMensch,BetteRincini,andmyyoungersisterMaria.’

‘TheseareGrizelCochraneandSimoneLecoutier,’saidJoey,wavingherhandintheirdirection,whileshelookedeagerlyatthem.

ThetwoMaranisandBetteRinciniwereslight,gracefulgirls;GiselaandMariaverydark;Bette,brown,withwavybrownhair,browneyes,andawarmbrownskin.Gertrudwasbrown-haired,grey-eyed,andverypretty,andthetwo

MenscheswereofthefairGermantype.Theywerealbetweentheagesoftwelveandsixteen,withtheexceptionofMaria,whowasobviouslynotmorethannine.SeeingJo’seyesfastenonhersmalsister,Giselaapologeticalyexplainedherpresenceamongstthem,andalsoGertrud’s.

‘MammathoughtthatperhapsFräulein-ah,butyousay“Mees,”doyounot?-BettanywouldbesokindastopermitMariatocomealso.Sheisyoungerthanweare,butitwouldbedulforherathome,andsheisclever.AndFrauSteinbrückehaslongwantedtosendGertrudtoanEnglishschool,sosheiswithus,andhermotherwilcomeherselftoexplain.’

‘Wel,comeinandtakeyourthingsoff,’saidJoey,wonderingtoherselfhowMadgewouldtakeit.‘Thiswayin.Thisisourcloakroom.Haveyoubroughtslipperstochange?Righto!Wesha’n'tdomuchinthewayoflessonsto-day,youknow!Justgettoknowwhatweknow,andaboutbooks,andsoon.You’retheoldest,aren’tyou,Gisela?’

‘Yes,Ihavesixteenyears,’repliedGisela,‘andBernhildaisnext.’

BernhildasmiledatJoey,butshewasobviouslytooshytosayanythingjustatpresent.SheandFriedaratherremindedJoeyoftwodolswiththeirfairhair,blueeyes,androsyfaces.Sheknew,becauseMadgehadtoldher,thatBernhildawasfifteenandFriedatwelve.Bettelookedaboutfourteenandahalf,andGertrudwasevidentlymuchthesameage.Whentheyhadalchanged,sheledthemintothefirstofthebigschoolrooms,whitherGrizelandSimonehadalreadygone.

‘Nowwe’realhere,’shesaid.‘Shalwesitdown?IexpectmysisterandMademoiselewilbeherepresently.’

Theysortedthemselvesout,Gisela,Gertrud,andBernhildatakingthreedesksattheback,whileBette,Grizel,andherselfsatinthenextrow,andFrieda,Simone,andlittleMariaoccupiedthefrontrow.Therewasaminute’ssilence.Thencamethesoundoflight,swiftfootsteps,andamomentlaterMadgeenteredtheroom,headwelup,althoughherheartwasbeatingratherquickly.Shewelcomedthemalwithapretty,shydignity,listenedtoGisela’sexplanationofGertrudandMaria,andassuredhershewasverypleasedtohavethem,andthenturnedherattentiontothebusinessoftheday.Prayersweresomethingofadifficulty,since

altheTyrolesegirls,andalsoSimone,wereRomanCatholics,whilesheandJoeyandGrizelwereChurchofEngland.Forthepresent,shesolveditbyashortreadingfromThomasàKempis,andtheLord’sPrayersaidinLatin.‘ButImusthurryupanddecidewhatwearegoingtodoaboutit,’shethought.‘ImustdiscussitwithMademoisele.’

Prayerswerefolowedbytheworkingofsomeexam,questionsbyalthegirls,sothatshemighthavesomeideaastohowtoarrangethem.Asallessons,saveFrenchandGerman,weretobetakeninEnglish,shefoundtheforeigngirlsworkrathermoreslowlythanwouldotherwisehavebeenthecase,andlittleMariadidnothingatal.Thearithmeticwasnotdoneinthewaystowhichshewasaccustomed,andthereweremanyquaintturnsofspeechintheshortEnglishcompositions;but,ontheotherhand,bothJoeyandGrizelrathercametogriefovertheFrench,whileSimone’sGermanwasdreadful,andGrizel’sworse.

Finaly,aftermuchconsideration,shedecidedtoworkalofthem,saveSimone,Maria,andFrieda,togetherinEnglishsubjects.Maria,Joey,Grizel,andBettewouldformoneFrenchclass,whiletheotherswouldmakeanother;andforGerman,GrizelandSimonewouldhavetobespecialycoached.Itwasalsoobviousthatshemustgetanotherassistantassoonaspossible.‘Wearegrowingquickly,’shemused.‘Ionlyhopeitcontinues.’

Attwelveo’clockshefinishedworkforthemorning,andbiddingtheTyroleanstobringsomesewingfortheafternoon,dismissedthemfortwohours,duringwhichshesawthatthechildrenhadtheirdinner,insistedonJo’spractisingforanhour,and,finaly,entertainedFrauSteinbrücke,astout,cheerylady,whoinformedherthatalTiernSeewastalkingabouther,andwhoprophesiedthat,inthesummeratleast,shewouldhavequitealargenumberofpupils.

Athalf-pasttwopunctualyalthegirlsweresettledintheirplacesagain,eachwithsomesewing,andMademoiseletookcharge.Here,bothJoandGrizelcameoffbadly,sincebothhatedtheirneedles,andevenlittleMariawasmoreexpertthantheywere,whileGiselawasdoingsomewonderfulembroiderydestinedforherownunderclothes.ShesatwithGrizel,andafterwatchingthatyounglady’santicsforafewminutes,putdownherownwork,andtookthemuch-abusedpocket-handkerchieftheEnglishgirlwassupposedtobehemming.

‘Butyoushouldholditso,’shesaidinhercarefulEnglish.‘Andyourneedle-itsticks.Hereisanother;nowwewiltryoncemore,please!’

Thusencouraged,Grizelbeganagain,withslightlybetterresults.

‘Ihatesewing,’shesaidconfidentialytoherguide,whohadtakenupherownworkagain.‘Idon’tseewhyweshouldhavetofaglikethiswhentherearesewing-machinesthatdotheworktwiceasquickly!’

‘Butyouwouldwishtoknowhowtomakethestitches?’repliedGisela.

Grizeltossedherhairwithanimpishgrin.‘Nofear,’shesaid.Then,withasuddenchangeofsubject,shewenton:‘IwonderwhowilbeappointedHeadGirl?-thefirstHeadGirloftheChâletSchool!’

‘Ah,yes;IhavereadoftheHeadGirlinyourEnglishschool-stories,’repliedGiselapleasantly.‘AndalsoPrefects.’

‘Yes.IknowMissBettanymeanstohavethisexactlylikeanEnglishschool,soIexpectweshalhavethemtoo.’Thenshebegantogiggle.

‘RatherweirdtohavePrefectswhenthereareonlynineofus!’

‘Butsoontherewilbemore,’observedBetteRincini,whouptilthenhadworkedinsilenceonGisela’sotherside.‘MammasaidatMittagessen–’

‘”Dinner,”‘correctedGisela.

‘Ah,yes,dinner-thatalreadymanyofourfriendsaretalkingaboutus,andshemakesnodoubtthatmanymoregirlswilcome.’

‘Howjoly!’commentedGrizel.‘Ilikeabigschool.DoyouhavebigschoolsinInnsbrück?’

‘Butyes.Thepublicschoolsareverylarge.Ididnotgotothem;GiselaandMariaandIhadaMamsell.

ButourMamsellhasgoneawaytobemarried,soMammaisverypleasedformetocomehere.’

‘BernhildaandFriedawenttothepublicschool,’observedGisela,‘butthey,too,arepleasedtoleaveit.

MyfathersaysthattheEnglishschoolsaredeficientineducation,buttheygivegirlsamorehealthylife,andHerrMenschagreeswithhim.

Thereareothers,too,whothinkthesame,so,asBettehassaid,weshal,withoutdoubt,soonbecomealargeschool.’

‘Butourschoolsaren’tdeficientineducation!‘saidGrizel,firingup.‘YougetajolygoodeducationattheHighSchools!’

‘Butyouhavesuchashortperiodinschool,’returnedBette.‘Youworkfornomorethanfiveorsixhours.

Nowwebeginateighto’clockinthemorningandworktiltwelve.Thenwebeginagainatthirteenandgoonforanotherfourhours.’

‘Howghastly!’saidGrizelsincerely.‘AlmostasbadasGermany!’

‘ButinGermany,somycousinAmaliehastoldme,theyworkevenharderthanthat.Andtheyhavenogamesasyouhave.’

‘Wel,wecertainlysha’n'tworklikethat,’repliedGrizeldecidedly.‘I’msureMissBettanywouldneverhearofit!’

‘No;sheisEnglish,’agreedGisela.

Atfouro’clockthecommandcametofoldupthework,andthenthesixday-girlsgotreadyfortheirwalkhome.TheMaranisandGertrudlivedatTorteswald,asmalvilageabouttwentyminutes’walkfromSeespitz,andtheMenscheswereatSeespitzGasthausforthesummer,whileBettehadtogoalthewaytoBuchau.Asitwasafineday,shemeanttowalkinsteadoftakingthesteamer,andGrizelandJovolunteeredtoaccompanythemtotheSeespitzlanding-Simonehaddisappearedassoonastheyweredismissed,andtheycouldnotfindher,thoughJoeyran,caling,throughthehouse.

Itwasadelightfulwalk,andtheyfoundeachotherveryfriendly,althoughshyFriedaonlysmiledandscarcelyspokeatal.Gisela,Bette,andGertrudwereanxioustofindoutaltheycouldaboutEnglishschools,andtheyaskedmanyquestions.ThetwoEnglishgirlsfoundthattheyhadreadquiteanumberofschool-stories,andwereveryreadytotakeinaltheycouldonthesubjectofPrefects,andHeadGirls,andgames.

‘ThenIunderstandthatthoughmostofyouareveryhonourable,itisnotalwaysso,’saidGertrudfinaly.

‘Whatdoyoumean?Englishgirlsalwaysplaythegame!‘criedJosharply.

‘Butsomecheat,andlookatexaminationpapersbeforehand,andtakewhatisnottheirown,’returnedGertrud.

‘Tosh!I’venevermetany!’declaredJo.

‘ButitsayssointhebooksIhaveread,’persistedtheeldergirl.

‘Butthat’sonlytomakethestory,’explainedJo.‘Wedon’trealydosuchthings-honestInjun,Gertrud!

‘Ishouldhopenot!’camefromGrizel,whowaswalkingalittleinfrontwithGiselaandBernhilda.

Gertrud’sfacecleared.‘Ah,Isee.Iamglad,forIshouldliketothinkthatalEnglishgirlsarehonourable.

Wearegratefultoyou,youknow,formyfathersaysthatitisthegreatloansEnglandhasmadetoAustriathataremakingitpossibleforustobecomeanationoncemore.’

JoandGrizelneitherknewnorcaredabouttheloanstoAustria,buttheyrealisedthattheotherswantedtobefriendly,andtheywerereadytomeetthemhalf-way.TheychatteredonaboutschooltopicstiltheyreachedtheSeespitzGasthaus,whereBernhildaandFriedasaid‘good-bye’tothem.

‘Wilyou,perhaps,comeandeatanEnglishteawithusonSaturday?’askedBernhilda,justbeforetheyparted.‘Mammawouldbesopleasedifyouwouldcome;andSimonealso.’

‘Thankyou,we’dloveit,’repliedJoey.

‘Ourfirstinvite,’shesaidgleefulytoGrizelastheytrottedbacktotheChâlet.‘Wel,whatdoyouthinkofthemal?’

‘Ilikethem,’returnedGrizelwithfervour.‘Gisela’sadear,isn’tshe?DoyouthinkMissBettanywilmakeherHeadGirl?’

‘Oh,Iexpectso;she’stheeldest.Isay,ifwe’regoingtogoongrowingliketheysay,Madge’lhavetotakeanotherplace,won’tshe?’saidJoeywithconsiderablelackofgoodgrammar.‘Andgetsomemoremistressestoo!There’sSimone!Hulo,Simone!Whydidn’tyoucomewithus?’

‘Iwentforalittlepromenade,’repliedSimone.

‘Wel,whydidn’tyoupromenadewithus?’demandedGrizel.‘There’snoneedforyoutogooffbyyourselflikethat!’

‘Youhadenough,’returnedSimone.

‘Oh,tosh!’declaredJoeyinfriendlyfashion.‘Youmustn’tgorakingoffbyyourself.There’sonlyusthreeboardersatpresent,andwemuststicktogether!’

Simonelookedwistfulyatthem,butmadenoremark,andastheyhadreachedtheChâlet,theconversationdropped.

Chapter6.

JoeyGivesAPromise.

BySaturdayitwasquiteobviousthattheChâletSchoolwouldhavetoenlargebothitspremisesanditsstaff.Ithadstartedactualworkwithninepupils.Infivedays’timethesehadsweledtoseventeen,twoofthembeingEnglishgirlswhoseparentswantedtogotoNorway,andwerenotanxioustotaketheirchildrenonsuchatiresomejourney.So,asJoeysaid,thereweretwomoreboardersstraightoff.

AmyandMargiaStevenswerenicelittlepeopleofeightandeleven,whohadspentmostoftheirshortlivesintraveling,sincetheirfatherwasForeignCorrespondenttooneofthegreatLondondailies.Margia,theelderchild,wasamotherlyperson,whoadoredhersmalsister;Amywasadainty,fairylikelittlecreature,whothoughtMargiawasalthatwaswonderful.

‘Itrealyistimetheymixedwithotherchildren,’saidMrsStevens,asshesat

talkingtoMadgeandMademoisele;‘butuntilthisyear,Amyhasbeensodelicate,Ididnotliketoleaveheranywhere,anditwasoutofthequestionforMargiatogoalone.WemustgotoBergen,butIdidnotwanttosendthemtoaconventschool.Whenweheardofyou,itseemedquiteprovidential.’

BetteRincini’scousinscamefromInnsbrücktoliveatBuchauwiththeiruncleandauntforthesummermonths,anditwastakenquiteasamatterofcoursethattheyshouldcomewithher.ThentwosisterscamefromScholastikaattheotherendofthelake,andtwosmalchildrencamefromtheKronPrinzKarl,wheretheywerestayingwiththeirparents.

‘Itisawfulythriling!’saidJoeytoMadgeontheSaturdaymorningasshesatcurleduponhersister’sbed.‘Ididn’tthinkschoolsgrewasquickly!’

‘Theydon’tgeneraly,’repliedMadge,whowasbrushingouthercurlylocks.‘Itjusthappensthatwe’vemadealuckypitch.’

Shelaidherbrushdown,andbegantotwistupherhair.Suddenlysheturnedfromthemirrorandfacedhersister.

‘Joey,isSimoneLecoutierhappy?She’ssuchaquietlittlething,andthoseeyesofherslooknaturalytragic.AreyouandGrizelkindtoher?Ihopeyoudon’tgoofftogetherandleaveheralone?’

‘Doyourealythinkwe’dbesomean?’demandedJoey,righteouslyindignant.‘Why,wehaulheralongwhereverwegowhenwecanfindher!

Butshe’ssoweird!Soonaseverlessonsareover,sheslidesoffbyherself,andwhereshegetstoismorethanIcansay.’

ItwasonthetipofMadge’stonguetoinquire,‘Aretheothersdecenttoher?’butsherememberedintimethatnoheadmistresscanexpecttoberespectedifshestartsquestioningherpupilsabouteachother;sosheletthesubjectdrop,andsuggestedinsteadthatJoeyhadbettergotoherownquarters.

‘Iseesolittleofyounow,’grumbledtheyoungergirlasshewriggledoffthebed.‘EarlymorningistheonlychanceIgetnowadays.’

Madgelaughed.‘Sorry,Joey,butI’mafraidyou’lhavetoputupwiththatduringterm-time.I’lmakeituptoyouintheholidays.Runalongnow.

Thebreakfast-belwilbegoinginaminute.’

Joeylefttheroomandwentdownstairstothebigdining-room,whereMariewasjustputtingabigdishofhoneyonthetable.Simonewastherealready,looking,assheusualydid,almostpainfulytidyinherblueandwhitecheckedfrockandlongblackpigtails.TheChâletSchooluniformwastobeashortbrowntunicwithtussoretop,butsofar,JoeyandGrizelwereitsonlymemberstohavethem,althoughtheothersweregettingthemmade,andSimone’s,atanyrate,wouldbereadybyMonday.

Hersister’squestionhadarousedfreshinterestinthelittleFrenchgirlinJoey,andsheregardedtheyoungerchildgravelyasshesalutedherwiththeprettyTyroleangreeting,GrüssGott!’

‘Bonjour,’saidSimonesoberly.Shewasratherwhite,andhereyeslookedasthoughshehadbeencrying.

‘Whydon’tyougiveme“God’sgreeting”?’askedJoeylaughingly.‘Ithinkit’ssuchanicethingtosaytoanyone.’Shecamecloser.‘Simone,whyhaveyoubeenhowling?Aren’tyouhappy?’

‘Iamver’‘appee,zankyou,’repliedSimonewithdignity.

‘Thenyoudon’tlookit,’retortedJo,inhermostdownrightmanner.‘Ifyou’rehappy,whydon’tyouchirkupabit?’

Simoneliftedtragicdarkeyestoherface,butanythingshemighthavesaidwaslost,forGrizelcamerunninginatthatmoment,folowedinmorestatelyfashionbyMademoisele,andSimonepromptlybecamemuterthananyoyster.

Asamatteroffact,althatwaswrongwithherwasthatshewasdreadfulyhomesick.Shehadneverbeenawayfromhermotherbeforeinherlife,andwantedherbadly.Shesaidnothing,becauseherpeoplewerepoor,andhadjumpedatthischanceofgettinghereducatedsocheaply;forMademoiseleinsistedthattheonlyreturnthatshedesiredforherserviceswashersmalcousin’seducation.TolittleSimone,itwouldhavebeenterribleingratitudeforalCousineElise’skindnessifshehadletherseethatshewasnotquitehappy.Thenagain,neitherGrizelnorJowantedtoleaveheroutofthings,buttheyhadatrickofreferringtotheirpastgoodtimestogetherwhichhadtheeffectofmakingthelittleFrenchgirlfeelthatshewasnotwanted.PerhapsGrizelwasthe

worstoffenderinthisway.Itwasthenaturalreactionfromtheeffectsofherhome-life.ThepitywasthatSimoneshouldbethesufferer.Onthismorningsheslippedoffagainassoonasbreakfastwasover,whiletheothertwowereconcludinganamicablewrangleastowhichofthemshouldpractiseonthesitting-roompiano.Jomissedherpresentlyasshewentoff,quitecheerfuly,towhatwas,forthemoment,knownastheJuniorform-room.

‘Slippedoffagain!’shethought.‘Wel,mypracticemustjustwait-thoughit’sashametobeindoorsonsuchagorgeousday!ButImustfindherfirst.Simone!Si-mo-one!’Sheraisedhervoiceinalongmelodiouscal,butnoSimoneansweredit.‘Si-i-i-mo-one!Whereareyou?Simone!’

Noresponsecame,soshedroppedhermusicontothenearestchair,anddashedupstairs-incompletedefiancetorules-toseeifthesmalgirlhadtakenrefugeinthedormitory.Butwhenshepuledasidethepaleyelowcubiclecurtains,shefoundthecubiclequiteempty.Ascamperdownstairs,andahastyrushthroughaltheliving-rooms,helpedhernofurther,forSimonewasnotthere.Marie,whenquestioned,declaredshehadnotseentheyoungladysincebreakfast,andshewassureshewaswithneitherMademoiselenorFräuleinBettany,fortheyhadgoneofftoSpärtzhalfanhourbefore.Sothataccountedforthefactthatnoonehadwishedtoknowwhyshewasrunningaboutthehouseinsteadofpractising,thoughtJo,asshewanderedoutintothewarmsunshine,andturnedtogazeattheBärenkopf,amountainwhichgreatlytookherfancy,althoughtheyhadnotclimbedityet,sinceitwasconsidereddangerous,atanyrateforamateurs.

‘I’lhaveashotatthatsomeday,’shethought,asshelookedatthebold,ruggedoutlines.Thenshegaveanexclamation,foramongthetreeswhichclusteredatthefootoftheslopeoftheBärenbad,anothermountain,shehadcaughtaflashoftheblueandwhitefrockwhichSimonewore.

‘Sothat’swhereshegoes!’shethought,as,practicenowcompletelyforgotten,sheracedacrosstheflower-besprinkledgrasswhichlaybetweenherandthewoods.Shesoonreachedthem,butbythattimeSimonehaddisappeared,andalthoughJoeyshoutedagainandagain,therewasnoanswer.Finaly,justasshehaddecidedtogiveupthehuntandreturnhome,shestumbledovertherootofalargetree,andwentheadlongontoanestofoldleaves,andtherewasSimone,sobbingasifherheartwouldbreak.Joeyhadahorroroftears,andneverquiteknewwhattodowithpeoplewhocried.Stil,itwasobviousthatshecouldnot

leavethelittleFrenchgirllikethat,soshewriggledovertoherandbegantopathershoulder.

‘Simone!What’sup?Don’tcrylikethat,oldthing!Aren’tyouwel?’

AtthefirstsoundofhervoiceSimonehadhalfsprungup,thenshecolapsedagainintothelittlehuddleshehadbeenwhenJofoundher.

‘Isanythingup?’askedthelatteragain,asshemadeavaliantefforttopultheotherchildintoherarms.

‘Telme,Simone,oldthing!’

‘Iwantmymother!’sobbedSimoneinFrench,sothatitwasalJoeycoulddotomakeitout.Iwantmymotherandmyhome!’

‘Youpoorkid!’SimonewasexactlytenweeksyoungerthanJoey,butforthepresenttheEnglishgirlfeltverymaternaltowardsher.‘Youpoorkid!There,don’tcry,olddear!You’lbealrightsoon!’

Simonestretchedoutahot,stickyhandandgrabbedJoey’s.

‘Iamsolonelee!’shesobbed.‘YouandGrizelaresuchfriends!’

‘Isay,wedidn’tmeantomakeyoufeeloutofit,’repliedJoey,whoseconsciencewasverybusilyatwork.

‘Honourbright,wedidn’t!’

‘Youareofthesamenationality,’wentonSimone,who,onceshehadstartedtomakeconfidences,evidentlymeanttogoon.‘Youliveinthesametown,andknoweachotherwel,andme,Iamonlyone.

Andnowtherewilbetwomore,andIshalstilbeonlyone.’

Herehersobschokedher,andshewasunabletogoonforafewminutes.Joeysatstrokingherheadinsilence,thewhileshewasrapidlyturningthingsoverinhermind.Finalyshedecided.

‘Simone,’shesaidaloud,‘I’mawfulysorryGrizelandIhavebeensuchbeasts.

Iquiteseewehavebeenbeasts,eventhoughwedidn’tmeanit!

NowIwantyoutomopup-here’sahankie!-andcomebackwithme,andwe’lstartagain.I’msureGrizelwilseeit,andwe’lalbepalytogether.’

ButthiswasnotwhatSimonewanted.Truthtotel,shehadconceivedaviolentaffectionforJo,andGrizel,withhervividprettinessandmoreobviousqualities,repeledher.Soshesobbedon,whileJoeysat,nearlydistracted,andnotknowingwhattodo.

‘Simone,Idowishyou’dstop!’shesaidfinaly.‘Dostopcrying,oldthing!I’ldoanythingIcanforyou;honest,Iwil!’

Simonemadeabigeffort.‘Wilyoube-myfriend?‘shechokedout.

‘OfcourseIwil!Iam!Webothare!’

‘No;Imean-myamieintime!Oh,Jo,ifyouonlywould,IthinkIshouldbehappier!Grizelmakesfriendswitheveryone.GiselaMaranilovesher,andsodoesBetteRincini!Idon’twanther;Iwantonlyyou!Iloveyouso!’

AnyonelesssentimentalthanJoeyBettanyitwouldhavebeenhardtofind;andnowshesatrigidwithhorrorwhileSimonemadethislittlespeech.Herfirstimpulsewastosay,‘Don’tbesoidiotic!’butyoucan’tdothatwhenapersonhasliftedapatheticalytear-stainedfacetoyou,andislookingatyouwitheyesfulofadoglikeaffection.Atleastyoucan’tifyouarelikesoft-heartedJo,whopromptlyhuggedtheyoungergirl,saying,

‘Righto!we’lbepals.Andnow,domopup,there’sagem!’

‘Youwilbemyamieintime?’persistedSimone,evenasshescrubbedhereyeshardwithJoey’shandkerchief.‘Youwilrelatetomealyoursecrets,andwalkwithme,andloveme?’

‘Yes,aslongasitdoesn’tinterferewithotherpeople,’respondedJoey.‘Ican’ttelyouotherpeople’saffairs,Simone!Andlookhere,youmustn’tcomerushingoffbyyourself.Itmightcomeonathunderstormoranything,andweshouldn’tknowwhereyouwere.Atleast,Ishouldnow,buttheotherswouldn’t,anditmightworrythem.’

‘Iwilpromisetodoitnomore,’repliedSimonesoberly.‘Andnow,Joey,pleasekissme.Youhaveneverkissedmeyet.’

JoeyhastilybrushedSimone’scheekwithherlips,thenshesaid,‘Idon’tkissanyoneverymuch.Youmustn’tgofeelinghurt‘cosIdon’tkissyoueveryday.Wedon’tinEngland.’

‘IthinkEnglandmustbeverycoldandhard,’sighedSimone,assheacceptedthehandJoeystretchedouttoher,andgotontoherfeet.‘ButIwilremember,Joey,thatitisnotbecauseyoudonotlovemethatyoudonotkissme,butthatitisyourcustom.’

‘You’realleaves;you’dbetterletmebrushyoudown!’saidJo,changingthesubjecthurriedly.Shehadhadquiteenoughofit.‘You’lhavetochangebeforewegoovertotheMenschesthisafternoon;youcan’tgointhatfrocknow!Itlooksasthoughyou’dsleptinit!’

Theywentslowlydowntheslope,andcrossedthegrasstotheChâlet,wheretheyweremetatthedoorbyGrizel,whohadjustfinishedherpractice.

‘Helo!‘shesaid.‘I’vejustfinished.Whatshalwedo?’

‘I’mgoingtopractise,’repliedJo.‘Ihaven’ttouchedthekeysyet!’

‘Notpractised?ButyouwentwhenIdid!’

‘Wel,Ichangedmymind.I’vebeenoutwithSimone,soI’vegottodoitnowinstead;andshe’sgottochangeherfrock.Comeon,Simone!’AndJoeyvanishedintothehouse,leavingGrizellookingafterherinstartledfashion.

Simonefolowedher,andGrizelwasleftalonetowonder,first,whatonearththeFrenchchildhadbeencryingabout;second,whyJoeyhadleftherpracticetilthishour.Shecouldcometonosatisfactoryconclusion,soshegaveitup,andwanderedofftothelanding-stagetoseeifanyvisitorswerecoming,asthesteamerwasjustcrossingfromBuchau.Shewasrewardedforherinterestbyseeingaparty,unmistakablyEnglish,leavetheboat,and,givingtheirluggageinchargeoftheporter,makefortheTyrolerHof,oneofthelargesthotelsinBriesau.Whatinterestedhermostwasthefactthat,besidesaladyandgentlemanwholookedverybored,therewasalsoagirlofaboutherownage.

‘Iwonderiftheyarestayinglong?’shethoughttoherself,assheturnedandwentbacktotheChâlettoseeiftheothertwowerereadytocomeout.‘P’r'apsit’lbeanotherpupilfortheChâletSchool.Oh,Idohopeso!’

Chapter7.

TheTiernjoch.

Somenewpeoplecamethismorning,’saidGrizel.

Theywerealfive-Joey,Simone,Bernhilda,Frieda,andherself-gatheringflowersinthestretchofmeadowthatliesbetweenSeespitzandTorteswald.TheflowersintheTyrolarewonderful,andnow,inmid-May,theplacewasaveritablefairyland.EvenGrizelandJoey,freshfromCornwal,wherethewealthofbloomisalmostasrichasitisinDevon,werethriledwiththerichesattheirfeet,andgatheredarmfulsofgentian,anemone,hepaticæ,heartsease,narcissi,anddaisies,whichtheywouldlaterarrangeinthebowlsandjarsattheChâlet.

Therehadbeenagooddealofchatteraboutschoolaffairs-orrather,JoeyandGrizelhaddonethechattering,andtheothershadputinanoccasionalword.NowGrizelchangedtheconversation.

‘Somenewpeoplecamethismorning.’

‘Howinteresting!’saidBernhildapolitely.‘WeretheyEnglish?’

‘Theylookedlikeit,’repliedGrizel.‘Therewerethreeofthem-father,mother,andagirlaboutfourteen,Ishouldthink.’

‘PerhapsanotherpupilfortheChâletSchool,’suggestedtheeldergirl,glancingatherwatchasshespoke.

‘Ithink,ifyoudonotmind,thatwehadbetterreturnnow,asweshalhaveteaat–’

‘Fouro’clock!’putinJoey.‘Youtoldusthetimebefore,Bernhilda,anditissomuddlingwhenyoutalkofsixteeno’clock.’

Bernhildalaughed.Shewasarathersedate,wel-manneredgirl,andMissBettanyhadalreadydecidedtoappointherasSecondPrefect.

GiselawastobeHeadGirl,andBetteandGertrudwouldbesubs.MadgewouldhavepreferredanEnglishgirlashead,butGrizelwastooirresponsible,andJoeytoochildishforhertodreamofit.

BernhildanowledthewaytotheGasthaus,herarmslippedthroughGrizel’s,whiletheotherthreefolowed,Joeykeepingupalivelyflowofconversation,towhichshyFriedaonlyrespondedbysmiles.

Simonehadremainedgluedtohersidethewholeafternoon,anditwasbeginningtodawnonJoeythatshemighthaveundertakenafriendshipwhichwastoproverathertiresomeonoccasion.

Inthisordertheyreachedthehotel,wherekindlyFrauMenschwasawaitingthemwithtea,accompaniedbygreatplatefulsofdelicious-lookinglittlecakeswhich,Joeyknew,musthavecomefromInnsbrück,sincesuchthingswereunprocurableinthelakevilages.Shewelcomedthemcheerily,andsoontheywerealsittingroundthetable,whiletheirhostessinquired,‘TheemitCitronodermitRhum?’

WithasuddenshockJoeyrealisedthatshewasbeingaskedwhethershewouldhaveteawithlemoninitorrum.Shehatedtheone,andhadnoideaoftakingtheother,soshewasnotverysurewhattodo.Luckily,Bernhildacametotherescue.

‘Oh,Mamma,’shesaid,‘IthinkJoeyandGrizelpreferTheemitMilch-doyounot?’turningtothem.

‘Yes,ifyouplease,’repliedJoeypromptly.

FrauMenschsmiledkindly.‘Ofcourse,ifthatiswhatyoudesire,mychildren.Kelnerin,’shecaledtothewaitress,‘bitte,Milch!’

Themilkwasbroughtandtheteawasmade,theMenschestakingitinthesameway,thoughFriedaevidentlydislikedit.TowardstheendofthemealHerrMenschappeared.Hewasabig,jolyman,withfairhairandgreyeyes,and,sincehewasinoneofthebigbanksinInnsbrück,hisEnglishwasmuchmorefluentthanhiswife’s.Hischildrenobviouslyadoredhim,andhesatdown,pul

ingFriedaontohiskneewithaloudandheartykiss.

‘Whathastthoudoneto-day,Mädchen?’

‘IhavestudiedmylessonsforMonday,’repliedFriedaseriously,‘andIhavehelpedourgueststogatherflowers.’

‘Suchgloriousflowers!’putinJoeyeagerly.‘IdothinkTiernSeeislovely!’

‘Thoulovestitalready,Fräulein?’Helookedpleased.‘Itismyhome-whereIwasborn.Ifishedyonder’-hepointedatthebluelakewaters-‘manyadayereIwasthineage.IclimbedtheTiernjochwhenIwasbuteleven,andbroughtmymotherhomesomeedelweiss.Ei!Butmyfatherwasangry!Ihadgoneindisobedience,youunderstand,andhisstickwasreadyforme;butmymotherbeggedmeoff,andtherewasnopunishmentthattime.’Hebrokeintoagreatroaroflaughter,andthegirlsjoinedwithhim.

‘WhyshouldyoubepunishedforclimbingtheTiernjoch?’askedGrizelcuriously.‘Whichisit,HerrMensch?’

‘TheTiernjochisdangerousforalbutthemostexperiencedclimbers,’hereplied,‘andtheedelweissgrowsonlyinonepart,whichisthemostdangerousofal.Thoudostnotknowit,meinKind?Comethen,andIwilshowittothee.WewilwalktoBuchau-canstthouwalksofar?AndFräuleinJoey,andthelittleone?-thenwewilgotoBuchau,andfromthereIwilnameyouthemountains,andalthreeshalseethem.

Mamma’-heturnedtohiswife-‘youwilcometoo?’

FrauMenschdeclined,however,sayinglaughinglythatshewastoooldandfatforthewalkthereandback,andtherewouldbenosteamerforsometime.Sotheotherssetoffthroughthethickgrass,listeningeagerlywhileHerrMenschtoldthemaboutthetimewhenhewasaboyhere,morethanthirtyyearsbefore,andthelittlelakehadhadnobighotels,butonesimpleGasthaustoeachlittlevilage,wheretheinhabitantsoftheTyrolesetownsusedtoputupforanightortwointhesummerwhentheytooktheirannualholiday,spent,forthemostpart,inclimbing.

‘Wedidnotthenthinkofthehundredsoftouristsfromalcountrieswhowouldcomeandvisitourlittlelake,’hesaid.‘Andnowwehaveevenaschool!’

‘Papa,GrizelsawsomeEnglishpeoplecometo-day,’saidBernhilda.‘TheyareattheTyrolerHof,andthereisagirlofourage.PerhapsshemaycometotheChâletSchool.’

‘Thatwouldbeverypleasant-anothercompatriot,’herepliedseriously.‘ButitisearlyyetforEnglishvisitors.TheydonotgeneralycometilJuneishere.Nowsee,mychildren,thereistheTiernjoch,thatlargeonewholiftshisheadintotheclouds.InfrontofhimstandstheBernjoch,andthatone,totheside,istheMittelberge-alverydifficulttoclimb.ThatonethatseemstowatchoverBriesau-seehowhebendsprotectingly!-istheMondscheinspitze,quiteeasytoclimb,andthereisahutontheAimwhereonecanobtainmilkandbutterandcheese.WewilclimbtheresomedayifFräuleinBettanywilpermitit.Itisawalkupthevaley,andthenitisverypleasantonthemountain,withflowersgrowing,andbutterfliessotame,theywilnotflutterwhenoneapproaches.’

‘Howtopping!’saidJoey.‘Ishouldlovethat!’

‘IwanttoclimbtheTiernjoch,’saidGrizelsuddenly.‘Ilikedifficultthings!’

Thekindlygiant-herealywasalmostagiant!-lookeddownatherwithasmile.‘Na-na,meinKind!AgoodMädchenwilwaittilthereistimeforawholedayandaguide.Thatcannotbeuntilthesummer.

Then,perhaps,itmaybepossible.ButthelittleexpeditionuptheMondscheinspitzecanbemadeonaSaturday,andwewiltaketheherdsmensometobacco,anddrinkoftheirmilk,whichisveryrichwithcream,andsocomeback.ToclimbtheTiernjochonemuststartveryearlyinthemorningbeforethesunhasrisen,andclimbforsix-eighthoursbeforeonereachesthesummit.ButtheMondscheinspitze,thatisanicelittleclimb.’

Grizelsaidnothingfurther,butherlipssetinobstinatelines,andJoey,lookingather,feltassuredthatitwouldtakemorethanHerrMensch’sspeechtomakeherchangehermind.

‘Iwishwehadn’tsaidanythingaboutit,’shethoughttoherself.‘IknowGrizelwilthinkofnothingelsenow,andIshalhavetospendhalfmytimetryingtopersuadehernotto!’

HowheartilyshewastowishthisthingbeforethesummerwasoverJoeydidnotthenknow-whichwas,perhaps,justaswel.NowsheturnedherattentiontoHerrMensch,whowaspointingoutthemountainsbehindthem,andnamingthem:‘Sonnenscheinspitze,Alpenglückjoch,Maria-Theresienspitze,Wolfkopf,Schneekoppen.Butthesearenotsuchmountains,’hewenton,’astheDolomites.Somedayyouwildoubtlessseethosetoo.’

‘Papatookustheretwoyearsago,’observedBernhilda.‘WestayedintheGasthausatPrimiero,andourcousinscametoo.Itwasverypleasantthere,andtheyhavemanylovelyflowers.Youwouldlikethose,Grizel.’

‘Didyouclimbanyofthem?’askedJoey.

‘Oh,no!TheDolomitesareverydifficulttoclimb,’explainedheryounghostess.‘ButPapaandOnkelPaulusedtogofordays.Onceortwicetheytookmybrotherwiththem–’

‘Brother!Ididn’tknowyouhadabrother!’interruptedGrizel,somewhatrudely,itmustbeadmitted.

‘Oh,yes;mybrotheriseighteen,nearlynineteen.HeisattheUniversityofBonn,’repliedBernhilda.‘Hewilbeadoctorsomeday,andperhapsIshalbehisHausfrautilhemarries.’

‘Perhapshewon’t,’suggestedJoey.‘I,knowDick,mybrother,sayshewon’t.HesaystheDeccanisnoplaceforwomen,andheloveshisworktooweltogiveitup.’

‘Oh,IhopeGottfriedwilmarrysomeday!’saidhissisterearnestly.

‘Wealhopethat,’saidherfather.‘Andnowwemustbereturning,forthereisquitealongwalk,andthelittleonelooksweary.’

HereachedoutabighandandpinchedSimone’scheekashespoke.

Sheblushed,andedgednearertoJoey,whofeltsuddenlycrosswithher.IfSimonewasgoingtobesoidioticalyshy,andsticktoherlikegluealday,Joeyfeltthingsweregoingtobetiresome.Andwhy,oh,whydidn’tshetalkinsteadofstandingtheredeathlysilent?

‘It’sbeenawfulyjolyofyoutoshowusalthesethings,HerrMensch,’shesaid,withasurreptitiouspokeatSimone.‘Itmakesitseemtwiceasnicetoknowthenamesofaltheplaces;doesn’tit,Simone?’

‘Yes,’repliedSimonefaintly.

‘WearegoingtogouptheBärenbadAlpesomeSaturdaysoonandhavecream,’wentonJoey.‘Marie-MariePfeifen,whodoestheworkforus,saysthatitisawfulynicecream;andit’saneasyclimb,soweshalalbeabletogo,eventhenewlittleboarders.DidyouknowweweretohavetwonewboardersonMonday,Bernhilda?’

‘No,Ihadnotheardofit,’respondedBernhilda.

‘Wel,weare-MargiaandAmyStevens.Margiaiseleven,andAmyisaboutthesameageasMariaMarani.Thatmakesfiveofusboarders,andp’r'apsweshalgetsomemore.’

SuddenlyGrizelcaughtherarm.‘Look!’shecried.‘TherearethosepeopleItoldyouaboutthismorningthatIsawgoingtotheTyrolerHof!See-comingthisway!’

Theyallookedwithinterestatthetriowhowerewalkingintheirdirection-atal,bronzedman,witherect,soldierlybearing;asmal,slightwoman,salowofskinandfashionableofdress;andaschoolgirloffifteenorthereabouts,whosemostnoticeablefeatureswereapairofenormousdarkeyes,andalong,fairpigtailswingingtoherwaist.Shewaswalkingslightlybehindtheothers,andtherewasasulen,unhappylookinherface.Justasthetwopartiesmet,thewomanturnedtoher,sayingsharply,‘Juliet!Holdyourselfup!

Goodgraciousme,child,youlookpositivelydeformed!Putyourshouldersbackatonce!’

Thesharp,scoldingtonesbroughtbackherstepmothertoGrizel,andinvoluntarilysheshivered.Joey,noticing,slippedanarmthroughherswithalittlesqueeze.ThegirlJulietlookedatthemcuriouslyasshepassedthem.Shehadmadenoefforttostraightenherself,andBernhildacommentedonthiswhentheywereoutofhearing.

‘Buthowdisobedient!’sheremarked.

‘Icantelyoutheirname,’saidherfather.‘HeisaHerrCaptainoftheIndianarmy-CaptainCarrick.Hecameintothebankthismorningtochangesomemoney.’

‘Idon’tthinkhelookskind,’saidJoey.‘Whataprettynamethegirlhas-Juliet!Don’tyouthinkso,Grizel?’

‘Ithoughtshelookeddreadfulyunhappy,’repliedGrizel.‘Andhowfunnytohavefairhairwiththosedarkeyes!’

‘Doyouthinkso?’askedBernhilda.‘ThereareagreatnumberofpeoplelivinginWienwhoarelikethat.

Butasforunhappy,shedidnotdoasshewastold.’

HerrMenschapprovedofthis.‘Theyoungshouldalwaysobey,’hesaid.‘Isitnotso,mylittleFrieda?’

Frieda,whowouldassoonhavethoughtofflyingasofdisobeyingherparents,saidinhershy,softvoice,

‘Yes,Papa!’

Grizelmadealittleimpatientmovement,butJoey’shandonherarmcheckedanyremarksshemighthavemade,andtheywentontotheGasthaus,talkingaboutthemountains.Thegirlswentin,andthethreeboardersgottheirflowersandsaid‘good-bye’toFrauMensch,whowassittingplacidlyknittingsomestockingsforFrieda.Shekissedthemal,andtoldthemtocomebackwhenevertheyliked.Then,accompaniedbyBernhildaandFrieda,theywentout,tofindHerrMenschwaitingforthemattheboat-house.

‘Come!’hesaid.‘Itisalongwalk,anddieKleinelookstired!Iwilrowyouacrosstoyourownlanding-stage.BernhildaandFrieda,youmaycometoo.Run,Frieda,andtelMamma!’

Friedaranquicklyback,andpresentlyreturned,andtheypushedoff.

Itwasgloriousonthelake.Thedayhadbeenverywarmformid-May,butnow,withtheevening,hadcomealittlecoolbreezethatruffledthesurfaceofthewaterintotinyripples,andsetthecurlyendsroundGrizel’sfacedancinggaily.

Theyrowedoutintothecentre,andthenHerrMenschrestedonhisoars,andnoddedtowardsthemountainhehadnamedforthem-

Alpenglückjoch.

‘Look!‘hesaid.‘Alpenglückto-night!’

Theyturnedandlooked.Astheydidso,theysawthegreylimestonecragsflushintorosylifewiththereflectedlightfromthesettingsun.AlalongthewestwardsideoftheTiernSeethepeakscaughttheglory.

ItreflectedonthesilverthreadofamountaincataracthighupintheSonnenscheinspitze,andevencastafaintglowoverthelake.Forfiveminutesthewonderlasted,thenitbegantofade,andHerrMenschtookuphisoarsagainandrowedtheminleisurelyfashiontotheChâletlanding-stage.

‘Itisbeautiful!’saidJoeyinlowtones.Herimaginativetemperamenthadbeenfiredbythelovelinessofwhatshehadjustseen.‘Ihaveseenitonceortwicefromthewindows,butneverfromthewaterbefore.’

‘Yes,itisaglory,’repliedHerrMensch;‘butitalwaysbringsbadweatherwithit.Weshalhaveraintomorrow.’

Hebroughttheboatuptothelanding-stageashespoke,andhelpedthemout.Madgehadseenthemcoming,andcamerunningdownthepathtomeetthem.WhentheMenscheshadgoneandwerebeyondcalingrange,sheturnedtothethree.

‘Girls,’shesaid,‘Ihavenewsforyou!Wehaveanotherday-girl.SheisanEnglishgirl,whosepeopleareAnglo-Indians.TheyhavejustcometoTiernSee.Whentheyheardofus,theycameatonce,andshestartsonMonday.Sheisfifteenandahalf,andhasonlybeentoschoolintheHils.

Herpeoplearearmypeople,andhernameis–’

‘JulietCarrick!’burstoutGrizelimpatiently.‘Oh,MissBettany,isit-isit?Dosayitis!’

Madgelookedatherinamazement.‘Yes,itis,’sheanswered;‘buthowdoyouknow?’

TheyexplainedtoheraboutthemeetingnearBuchau,andGrizelenlargedonthewayMrsCarrickhadspokentothegirl.

‘Ibelieveshe’sherstepmother!’sheconcluded.

‘No,’saidMadge,‘sheisn’t.Don’tgetwildideasintoyourhead,Grizel.IftheyonlycametoTiernSeeto-day,Iexpecttheyaretired,andthatiswhyMrsCarrickscolded.’

Grizelsaidnothingfurther,andMadgethoughtnomoreofit.ButwhenHerrMenschheard,helookedthoughtful.

‘IhopethingswilgowelwithFräuleinBettany,’hesaidtohiswife.‘Ididnotlikethatman-Idonottrusthim.’

AndheresolvedtoadviseMadgetowritetoherbrotherattheearliestopportunity,andseeifanyinformationcouldbegatheredaboutthesepeoplewhohadcomesosuddenly.

However,whenhespokeaboutitsomedayslater,hefoundthatshehaddonethatverythingalready.

‘Iknowitseemsmadtotakeanyonesoabruptly,’shesaid,‘buttheyweresoanxious,and-wel-somehowhepersuadedme.Andtheyhavepaidaterm’sfees,ofcourse,andifIfindfrommybrotherthatsheisnotadesirablepupil,Icangetridofherquiteeasilybysayingthatwearefulup.

Anyhow,itisprobablyforthistermonly,astheyexpecttogotoEnglandinSeptember;buttheyhadheardofTiernSee,andthoughttheywouldliketoseeit,sotheybroketheirjourneyhome.’

Andafterthatthegood-naturedAustrianfelthehadnothinglefttosayforthepresent.

Chapter8.

AFirstPrefects’Meeting.

‘Gisela!’

‘Yes?Doyouwantme,Gertrud?’

‘IshouldbegladifyouwouldsummonaPrefects’meeting.’

Giselaputdownherpen,whichalthistimeshehadbeenholding,andliftedasurprisedandinquiringfacetoherfriend.

‘Ameeting,Gertrud?Oh,butwhy?Nothinghasgonewrong?’

‘No,’agreedGertrud,‘butIamafraidsomethingwilgowrongverysoon.’

Inherearnestness,sheforgottheschoolrulewhichsaidthat,duringschool-hours,andsaveinFrenchandGermanlessons,nothingbutEnglishwastobeused,anddroppedintohernativetongue.

‘Oh,Gertrud!Youhaveforgotten,’saidGiselareproachfuly.

‘Iamsorry,Gisela!Iwasthinkingaboutthemeeting,’apologisedGertrud.‘ShalIentermynameintheOrderBook?’

‘No,’saidtheHeadGirlfirmly.‘ItisnotgoodfortheJuniorsthattheyseeaPrefect’snamethere.YouhadbetterreportyourselftoMissMaynard.Andnow,telme,whydoyouwishthismeeting?’

‘Thereismischiefgoingonintheschool,’returnedGertrud,perchingherselfonherfriend’sdesk.‘Itispartlythatnewgirl,JulietCarrick,butIthinkGrizelCochraneismakingitalso.’

‘Howtiresome!’Giselaknittedherblackbrowsatthisinformation.

DuringthesevenweeksthatshehadbeenHeadGirl,therehadbeennorealdifficultytomeet.Thiswaspartlybecauseofthenoveltyofthingstoalthegirls;butalsoherownpersonalcharacterhadagreatdealtodowithit.MissBettany

hadchosenwiselyinchoosingherasHeadofthegirls.Bernhildamadeaverygoodsecond,andBetteandGertrudwererapidlylearningtheirdutiesasSubs,butthemostreliablepersonwasGisela.Shenowcolectedherpaperstogether,andhastilystuffedthemintoherlocker,whileGertrudstood,lookingoutofthewindowatthemeadow-land,wherehalfadozenoftheJuniorswereplayingcross-tag,withJoeyBettanyasinstructress.

‘Ready?’shesaidpresently,turningherhead.‘Thenshalwecaltheothers?Theyarebythelanding-stage.’

‘Yes.Wouldyouaskthemtocometoourroom,Gertrud?’saidGisela.‘Iwilawaityouthere.’

Threeweekspreviously,MadgeBettany,afteralongdiscussionwithMademoiseleandMissMaynard,whohadbeenaddedtothestaffasmathematicsmistress,hadgivenovertothePrefectsasmalroomonthefirstfloorfortheirown.

‘Eveniftheyhavejustfourchairsinit,itwilgivethemafeelingofbeingalittledifferentfromtherestoftheschool,’shesaid.

MissMaynard,herselfaHighSchoolgirl,hadagreed,andthefourdelightedgirlshad,accordingly,thatpossessionofwhichtheyhadreadsomuchintheirEnglishschool-stories-aPrefects’room.

MissBettanyhadexplainedtothemthat,beyondchairsandasmaltable,shecouldgivethemnofurnitureyet;buttheyhadpromptlyjoinedforces.WhileGiselabroughtsomepicturesandacoupleofbowlsforflowers,Gertrudproducedasetofbookshelveswhichshehadinducedherbrothertomake;Bernhildacontributedaprettyblueandwhitetableclothandafancyinkstand,andBettepresentedalittleclockandabracketonwhichtoplaceit.Amongthem,theyhadmadeadaintylittlesanctum,andGiselaalwaysfeltathrilofpleasurewhenshewasinit.TheywereveryanxioustohavethingsaslikeanEnglishschoolaspossible,andmanyhadbeentheconsultationsoverthequestion.InonebookGertrudhadreadofthe‘

Prefects’‘noticeboard.CarefulquestioninghadsoondrawnfromJoeyaltherewastoknowaboutthis,andnowasimilarboardhungoverthebookshelves,withnoticesofvariouskindsonit,alwritteninGisela’spointedItalianhandwriting,which,bytheway,wasmuchlessclearthanithadbeenwhenshe

firstcame,thereasonbeingthatshewastryingtocopyherheadmistress’sprettyHighSchoolscript.ThetwobigbowlswerefulofAlpenroses,andonthissunnyafternoon,itwasascharmingagirls’roomascouldbewished.

TheHeadGirlpuledupthefourchairsroundthetable,andseatedherselfatthehead,paperandpencilbeforeher.Presentlytherecamethesoundoffootstepsonthestairs,andthentheotherthreeentered.Verysmartandbusinessliketheylookedintheirschooluniform,whicheverygirlnowworeasamatterofcourse.

Giselalookedatthemwithapproval.ThemostEnglishofEnglishPrefectscouldnothavelookedmoreorso,shethought.

“GurtrudtelsmeyouwishaPrefects’meeting,’beganBernhilda,asshetookherseatonGisela’srighthand.‘Whatisitthatyouwishtodiscusswithus?’

‘ItisGertrud’sidea,’repliedtheheadGirl.‘Shethinksthatthingsaregoingrather-’

‘Wonky,’supplementedBette,asGiselapausedtosearchfortherightword.ItwasamysterytothemalhowBettecontrivedtopickupsomuchslangandtouseitsocorrectly.AltheforeigngirlswerefarquickeratEnglishthaneitherGrizel,Juliet,orthetwolittleStevenshadshownthemselvesatFrenchorGerman.

Joeyhavingmerelytorenewheracquaintancewiththesetwolanguages,alreadyspokefluentlyandevencoloquialy!Bette’saccent,too,was,saveforaslighttriltoher‘r’s’andatrickofgivingeachwordit’sfulvalue,almostperfect.Theothergirlsspokewithafairfluency,butevenGiselawassometimesatalossforaword;Bette,never.

TheHeadGirlmowmadealittlebowtoherSub,andcontinued:

‘ApparentlyGertrudfearsthatGrizelCochraneandJulietCarrickareabouttocausetrouble.Myself,Ihavenoticednothing.’

“ButIhave,saidBettecomposedly.‘IquiteagreewithGertrud,andIthinkJulietCarrickisatthebottomofit.’

“Whyshouldyouthinkthat?’demandedGisela.

‘Because,untilshecame,GrizelCochraneneverrebeledagainstourauthority.Butnowsheistiresome,’

repliedBette.‘Sheisevenrude.’

‘Howso?Shehadnotbeenrudetomeasyet.Howhasshebeenrudetoyou?’

‘Itoldhertogoandputhershoesaway,’saidBette,‘andshesaiditwassickeninghavingfussyforeignersalwaysatyou.’

‘Thatwasveryrude,’saidGiselaslowly.‘Whatdidyoudo?’

‘IsaidIwassorryshelookedatitinthatway,’returnedBette,‘butasIwasaSub-Prefectandoneofmydutieswastoseethatthecloakroomwaskepttidy,Iwasgoingtoseethatitwaskepttidy.’

‘Whatdidshesaythen?’queriedBernhildawithinterest.

‘SaidIthoughtmyselfeverybody,’repliedBette.‘Itoldhernottobeimpertinent,andsawthatsheputtheshoesaway,andthatwasal.’

‘Ithinkitwassufficient,’saidGiselaquietly.‘Andyou,Gertrud?’

‘Talkingafterthesilence-belhadbeenrung,’saidGertrud.‘Itoldhertobequiet,andshelookedatJulietandlaughed.’

‘WhatdidJulietdo?Laughtoo?’

‘Yes,andshruggedhershoulders.ItisnotgoodfortheJuniorstoseethatinagirlasoldasGrizelorJuliet.’

‘Idon’tthinkyouneedworryabouttheJuniors,’saidBette.‘AmyandMargiawouldneverbehavelikethat,andMariaistoofondofyou,Gisela,toworryyouthatway.NorwouldSuzanneandYvette.Giovannawilbegood,becauseshedoesn’twantafusswithme,andIcouldn’timagineeitherFriedaorSimonedoinganythingbutkeepingtherules.Joey,ofcourse,wildoasshe’stoldtoo.ItrealyisonlyGrizel,andshewouldn’tifJulietdidn’tencourageher!’

‘Wel,Imustmakeapunishment,’saidGisela.‘Iamsorry,butGrizelmustnotberudetothePrefects.’

Shethoughtdeeplyforaminute.‘Ishalsendforherandmakeherapologisetoyou,Bette,andyou,Gertrud.ThenIshalsaysheistolearnsomeGermanpoetryinherplay-hours.Yes,thatiswhatIshaldo!

Wilyoufetchher,Bette?’

Bettegotupandlefttheroom,toreturntenminuteslaterbyherself.

‘Sherefusestocome,’shesaidbriefly.

‘Refusestocome?’TherewasconsternationinGisela’svoice.‘ButdidyoutelherthatthePrefectswantedher?’

‘Yes,’saidBette.‘Shejustlaughed,andsaidifwewantedherwecouldgotoher;shewasn’tcomingtous!’

Therewasasilence.NoonehadforeseenthatGrizelwouldgotoquitesuchlengthsasthis,andtheywereuncertainhowtodealwithit.Itwas,hadtheybutknownit,thetesting-pointofthePrefectsystemintheChâletSchool.Hadtheygivenway,ortakennonoticeoftheEnglishgirl’sdefiance,itwouldhavebeen

‘good-bye’toalhopeofself-government.Luckilyfortheschool,GiselaMaraniwasmadeoftoofinestufftothrowupthegameweakly.Tohermindtherewasonlyonecoursetofolow,andshefolowedit.

‘ImustreportthemattertoMissBettany,’shesaidquietly.‘Bette,wilyoucomewithme?Shewilwanttohearwhatyouhavetosay.’

‘Shalwewaittilyoucomeback?’askedGertrud.

‘Yes,Ithinkitwouldbebetter,ifyoudonotmind.Wewilmakehaste.’

Thetwogirlslefttheroom,andwentdownStairstothesitting-room.

MadgeBettany,enjoyingamuch-deservedrest,lookedupwithsurprisewhen,inanswertoher‘Comein!’

theyentered,closingthedoor.

‘Wel,’shesaidwithasmile,‘whatisitthatyouwant?Anythingwrong,

Gisela?’

‘Ihavecometomakeareporttoyou,’repliedGiselasteadily.

Madge’sfacesobered.‘Toreportabreachofrules?Mustyou,Gisela?’

AlindecisionhadvanishedfromGisela’smindnow.

‘Yes,Imust,’sheansweredfirmly.

‘Wel,whatisitthen,dear?Sitdown,bothofyou,andtelme.’

Theysatdown,andthenGiselaunfoldedherstory,lookingeverynowandthentoBetteforcorroboration.

MissBettanygrewmoreandmoreseriousastheyprogressed,andwhen,finaly,theyhadfinished,shesatforaminuteortwowithoutspeaking.Asamatteroffact,shehadherselfnoticedachangeinGrizel’smanneroflate.Sherealised,ofcourse,thatafterfouryearsofsuchrigoroustrainingasthechildhadhad,reactionmustfolowwiththegreaterfreedom;butshehadnotexpectedanythingquitesobadasthis.ShehadnodesiretopunishGrizel,butthissortofthingcouldnotbealowed.AsforJuliet,shesincerelyhopedthatSeptemberwouldseeherfarenoughawayfromtheTiernSee.

‘Iwilsendforher,’shesaidatlength,

‘Whereareyou?InthePrefects’room?Verywel,then!Iwilcomebackwithyou,andsheshalcomeandapologiseforherrudenesstoyou.Iamsorrythishasoccurred,Gisela.’

‘I,too,amsorry,’repliedGisela.‘Iwishithadnotbeennecessarytotroubleyouwithit,Madame.’

‘Youwerequiterighttoreportit,’returnedherheadmistress.‘Wecannothavethissortofthingoccurring.

WilyoufindaJunior,Bette,andsendherforGrizel?ThenIwilfolowyouupstairs.’

Thusdismissed,theylefttheroom.InthepassagetheymetAmyStevens.

‘PleasetelGrizelCochranethatMissBettanywantsherinthePrefects’roomatonce,’saidBette,whileGiselapassedoninsilence.

‘Yes,Bette,’saidlittleAmy.‘InthePrefects’room?Alright.’

Sheranoff,andBettefolowedGiselaupstairs.Theyweregreetedbyaduelof‘Wel?’astheyenteredtheroom.

‘MissBettanyhassentforGrizel,andsheiscominghereherself,’repliedGisela.

Aminutelatertheheadmistressappeared,lookingsternerthantheyhadeverseenherbefore.Shehadjusttakenherseat,whentherewasatapatthedoor,andGrizelenteredwithanairofsomewhatforceddefiance.

Lefttoherself,shewouldneverhavebehavedasshehaddone.ButtherewasacertainweaknessinGrizel’scharacter,andshewaseasilyled.

JulietCarrickwasjustthetypeofgirltoexerciseagooddealofinfluenceoverGrizel.Inthefirstplace,thechild’sgenerouspityhadbeenarousedbywhatshehadseenandheardofJuliet’sfamilylife.TherewasnodoubtthatCaptainandMrsCarrickfoundtheirdaughteragooddealofanuisance,andthegirlhadamostunhappytime.Thenagain,JuliethadgrownupintheclassofAnglo-IndiansocietythatconsiderstheEnglishtheonlynationworthmentioning,andhertraininginaHilschool,wherenine-tenthsofthegirlswereEurasianswholookeddownontheirnativecousinswithabittercontempt,hadhelpedtofosterthisfeeling.Shehadsneeredat‘foreignerPrefects,’assertingthattheycouldnotpossiblyactadequately.GrizelwasfeelingsoreatwhatsheconsideredJoey’sextraordinaryfancyforSimoneLecoutier-andalthetimepoorJoeywouldhavegivenmuchtoberidofthisfriendship!-andshethereforefolowedJuliet’slead,withdisastrousresultstoherself,andtootherslateron.

Madgewastedfewwordsonherwhensheappeared.

‘YouhavebeenrudetothePrefects,Grizel?’sheasked.

Amumblewastheonlyreply.Madgetookitasmeaning‘yes.’

‘Youwilapologiseatonce,’shesaidcoldly.‘IwilalownorudenessfromyouyoungerchildrentomyPrefects.Youhadbetterunderstandthatatonce.Asktheirpardon,andthendowhatevertheygiveyouforpunishment.’Therewasa

silence.‘Come,Grizel!’

Therewasthatintheheadmistress’svoicewhichcompeledGrizeltoobedience.

Withoutraisinghereyes,shemuttered,‘I’msorry!’

MissBettanywaswiseenoughtorealisethatitwouldbeweltoacceptthis.ShewaitedtilGiselahadacceptedtheapology,andhadsettheculpritashortGermanpoemtolearn.Thenshesaid,‘Youmaygo,Grizel!’Andwhenthechildhaddashedaway,shelefttheroom.

AsforGrizel,shehadrushedofftothepine-woods,whereshevowed,amidsthertearsofshameandanger,thatshewouldpaythemaloutfortreatingherinthisway.

Chapter9.

Simone’sExploit.

IfanyofthegirlshadbeeninclinedtodefythePrefects,MissBettany’spromptactionoverGrizelCochrane’sbehaviourhadputanendtoanysuchideas.Theschoolwasrapidlysettlingdown,andthetwentygirlswhomadeitupalreadyfeltagreatprideinit.Altheday-girlsstayedfordinnernow,arrivingattheChâletbyhalf-pasteightinthemorningandstayingtilsixo’clockintheevening.Lessonsbeganatnineandwentontiltwelve,whentherewasabreakforthemiddaymeal.Attwoo’clocktheystartedworkagain,andwentontilfour.Teawasattenpastfour,andthen,fromfivetosix,theSeniorsdidpreparationandtheJuniorspractised.TwiceaweekHerrAnserlcameupfromSpärtzandgavemusiclessonstothemoreadvancedpupils,whiletheotherslearnedwithMademoisele.MissMaynardtaughtmathematicsandgeographythroughtheschool,andMissBettanyherselfundertooktheEnglishsubjects.French,German,andsewingwereMademoisele’sdepartment,andshewasformmistressoftheJuniorform.Atpresenttheyhadonlythethreeforms-Senior,Middle,andJunior;butalreadyMadgewaslookingjoyfulyforwardtothetimewhenshewouldbeabletohaveatleastfiveforms.

TwodaysafterthePrefects’meeting,alonglettercamefromEnglandfromMrsDene.MrDenehadbeentheseniorcurateoftheParishChurchathome,buthehadacceptedachaplaincyintheWestIndies,andtheywerenotanxioustotakeRosaliethere.ThenMrsDenehadthoughtoftheChâletSchoolatTiernSee,andshewrotetoaskifRosaliemightjointheminSeptember.Ifso,wouldMissBettanyalsohaveroomforRosalie’scousin,MaryBurnett?

MissBettanywrotebacksayingthatshewouldbepleasedtohavethemboth.

Thesameday,anItalianladywhoseacquaintanceshehadmadecametomakeinquirieswithregardtoherlittledaughter.SignoradiRicciwasacharmingperson,andshewasobviouslyveryanxiousthatVannashouldcome.MadgeknewVanna,andlikedher;so,withEvadneLannis,therewerefourmorepupilsfortheChâletSchool.

SittingonherdeskintheMiddleschoolroom,JoeyBettanyproclaimedthenewsofthecomingoftwomoreEnglishgirlsintheautumn.

‘It’stoppingtothinkRosalieandMaryarecoming!‘shesaidenthusiasticaly.

‘Howoldarethey?’askedMargiaStevens.

‘Rosalie’saboutfourteenandMary’stwelve,’repliedJoey.

‘Oh!OnefortheSeniorsandoneforus,’observedFriedaMensch,whowasbeginningtogetoverhershyness.‘Thatwilbejoly!’

‘Tophole!’agreedJoey.‘Wearespreading,aren’twe?You’lloveMary,Frieda.She’ssuchadear,steadyoldthing!I’mgladshe’scoming!’

Simone,whowas,asusual,gluedtoherside,changedcolouratthis,butforonceJoeytooknonotice.

Truthtotel,shewasgettingthoroughlytiredofSimone’sjealousyandal-in-alfriendship,andtherehadalreadybeenmorethanonescene,whenSimonehadaccusedJoofhurtingheronpurpose,andnotlikingheranymore.Thelasttime,unsentimentalJohadverynearlydeclaredthatshedidn’t;thatshewasfed-upwithalthesefusses!ButSimonehadmeltedintotearsattheleastharshness,andcriedsopiteously,thatJoeyhadn’tthehearttodoit.Now,unheedingofthelittleFrenchgirlatherside,shewentonenthusiasticaly:‘MarywasaformbelowmeattheHighSchool,buttheylivednearus,andweusedtoplaytogether.Wewereinthesamenet-balteamtoo.’

‘Andtheothergirl-Rosalie;isshe,too,pleasant?‘askedFrieda.

‘Oh,yes,quitejoly!’repliedJoey.‘She’sawfulyprettytoo,andjolycleveraswel!Oh,bother!There’sthefive-to-ninebel,andIhaven’tgotmybooksout!Mind,Simone!’

ShebrushedpastSimoneasshejumpeddown,anddashedtoherlockertocolectherpossessions.TheFrenchchildlookedatherwithbig,mournfuleyes,butJoeytooknonotice.Shewasintentonfindingherhistory,whichseemedtohavevanished.Justintimeitturnedup,andthentheyalhadtogointoprayersandcal-over.

AtlessonsthatmorningSimoneseemedunusualystupid.Alherarithmeticwaswronglyworked;herdictationwasfulofmistakes;andsheknewnoonewordabouthistory,although,asJoeywelknew,shehadthoroughlyprepareditonthe

previousevening.Thelessonwasaneasyonetoo-thestoryoftheBartholomewMassacre.Asquestionafterquestionpassedthelittlegirl,andsheeitherdidnotansweratal,orelsetalkedutterrubbish,MissBettany’sbrowgrewblackerandblacker.ShehadjustlefttheSeniorsafteratusslewithGrizel,whoseemedtohavetakenleaveofhersenseslately,andshewonderedwhetherthatyounglady’sspiritoflawlessnesswereinfectingSimone.Finaly,sheclosedherbookwithanangrysnap.

‘Simone!Whyhaveyounotpreparedyourwork?Itissimplydisgracefulthatyoushouldknowsolittleofyourowncountry’shistory!Iamsurprisedatyou!Youmustdothislessonoveragainathalf-pastfour,andpleasenevergivemesuchdisgracefulworkagain!’

Simonesaidnothing.Shefeltutterlymiserableandunhappy,andonlylongedtoflyawaysomewherewhereshecouldcryherheartout.Theotherswerelookingatherwithstartledfaces.ItwassounlikeSimonetohavetobespokentolikethis.Meanwhilethebelrang,and,undertheirHead’swatchfuleyes,theywereforcedtofileoutoftheroominproperorder.Norweretheyabletospeakuntiltheyhadescapedwiththeirglassesoflemonadeintotheopenair.

ThenSimonewasdiscoveredtohavedisappeared.

‘Whatonearthcanbethematterwithher?’demandedJoeyofaselectgroup,composedofherself,MargiaStevens,FriedaMensch,andSuzanneMercier.‘D’youthinkshe’siloranything?’

‘Shewasalrightatfirst,’repliedMargia.‘Shewastalkinglikeanythingatbreakfast,andsheateheaps!’

‘Butlookhere!Sheknewthathistorylastnight-Iknowshedid!Andshenevergetsreturnedwork!Why,she’stopoftheformeverytime!’

protestedJoey,whoseownworkhad,atanyrate,themeritofnotbeingmonotonous,sinceitwaseitherverygood,orelsesobadastobebeneathcontempt.

‘Shemayhaveaheadache,’suggestedSuzanne,asshenibbleddaintilyatherbiscuit.‘Sometimestheybeginsuddenly.’

‘I’veneverheardofSimonehavingheadaches,’saidJoeydoubtfuly.

‘Let’stryandfindher,’proposedMargia.‘Ifsheisn’twel,MissBettanyoughttoknow.Shemightbegoingtohavemeaslesoranything.’

Atthatmomentthebelfortheendofbreakwent,sotheyhadtoreturntotheirform-roomandFrenchcomposition.Simonedidnotputinanappearance;butthen,asJoeysaidafterwards,theyalthoughtthatshemustbepoorlyandhavegonetoteltheHead,whohadsenthertobed.

Mademoiseleherselfdidnotmissthechild.Simonewasalwayssoveryquietandinconspicuous,andnaturaly,shedidnotrequirenearlyasmuchattentionastheothers.ThelastlessonwasgeometrywithMissMaynard,andasthelittleFrenchgirl’sarithmeticwasappalinglybackward,ithadbeendecidedthat,forthepresent,sheshouldconcentrateonthat.When,however,shedidnotputinanappearanceatMittagessen,MissBettanypromptlyinquiredwhereshewas.

‘Inbed,Ithink,’repliedJoeywithequalpromptness.

TheHead’sblackbrowsweredrawntogetherinafrownofperplexity.

‘Bed?Butwhy?Whosenther?Isn’tshewel?Mademoisele–’

‘Iknownothing,’repliedMademoisele.‘Ihavenotseenhersincethismorning.’

‘NorI,’repliedMissMaynard.‘Shecametomyarithmeticlesson,ofcourse,butshedoesn’ttakegeometry,andIhaven’tseenhersincebeforerecreation.’

MissBettanygotup,lookingdisturbed.‘Joey,whydoyouthinkshehasgonetobed?Didshetelyoushefeltpoorly?’

‘Oh,no,’repliedJoey.‘Only,shegotalherworkwrong,anditisn’tlikeher,sowethoughtshemustbeil.’

‘Runupstairsandseeifsheisthere.’Joeyvanished,tocomebackafewminuteslaterlookingflushedandstartled.

‘Sheisn’tthere,Madge,’shesaid,usingtheforbiddenChristiannameinherearnestness.‘There’snoonethere.ButinhercubicleIfound-this!

‘Andsheheldupalong,thickplaitofblackhair.

Agaspsoundedthroughtheroom.Madge,Mademoisele,andMissMaynardstoodasiftheyweretransfixedtothespot,whileJoeyBettanystoodholdingthatawfulrelicofSimonebeforetheireyes.

AmyStevensbrokethesilencebyawhimper.‘Oh,isSimonekileddead?Hassomeonechoppedoffherhead?’shewailed.Asifsomeonehadreleasedaspringwhichwasholdingher,MademoiseleleapedforwardandsnatchedtheplaitfromthetremblingJoey.

‘Andwhere,then,isSimone?’sheshriekedinhernativetongue.‘Whathasbecomeofher?’

‘Nothingveryterriblecanhavehappened,Mademoisele,’saidMadge,comingforwardhastily.‘Shemusthavedoneitforajokeorformischief,andnowisprobablyashamedtoshowherself!’Sheturnedtothegirlswithangerinherface.‘Girls,doanyofyouknowanythingaboutthis?’ShewaslookinghardatGrizelandJulietasshespoke,butitwasquiteobviousthattheyknewnomoreaboutitthananyoneelse.Theyallookeddumbfounded.

MademoiseleturnedonJoey.‘Josephine,youarethefriendofSimone!Whyhasshedonethisthing?’

Joeyshookherheadhelplessly.‘Idon’tknow,Mademoisele-honestInjun,Idon’t!I’dhavestoppedherifI’dknown.’

Thingscertainlyseemedatadeadlock.Amyhadstoppedcrying,mainlybecausenoonewastakinganynoticeofher,andtherestjustsatinstrickensilence.

‘Wel,’saidMissBettanyatlength,‘wehadbettertrytofindher.MissMaynard,wilyoutakethetablewhileMademoiseleandIgotosearch?

Yes,Joey,whatisit?’

‘Oh,please,mayIcometoo?’askedJoeybreathlessly.‘I’vejustrememberedwhereshemightbe-inthepines.Icanfinditinasecond.’

‘Verywel,’saidhersister.‘MademoiseleandIwilgothroughthehouse,andyoucantrythishidey-holeyousayshehasinthepine-woods.Putyourhaton,

though-thesunisveryhotto-day.’

Joeyonlywaitedlongenoughtosnatchherhatfromitspeginthecloakroombeforedashingofftothepine-coveredslopesatfulspeed.Assheran,herbrainbusieditselfwiththequestionofwhySimoneshouldhavecutherhair,ofwhich,asamatterofplainfact,shehadbeenrathervain.Nogoodreasoncametoherassheclamberedovertherootsofthepinetrees,occasionalyslidingalittleontheslipperyearth.Itwasverystilinthewoods,fortherewasnobreezetostirthroughthepine-needles,andtheverybirdsseemedtohavehushedtheirhymnsofpraise.

Overhead,throughthedarkbranches,shegotglimpsesofasky,blueaslapislazuli,unfleckedbyasinglecloud.Butalthoughsheworshippedbeauty,Joeyhadnotimetospareforthewonderfultranquilityofthissummernoon.Shewasintentonfindingherfriend.Shereachedtheholowbetweenthebigroots,whereshehadfoundSimonebefore,butitwasempty.TherewasnosignatalofthelittleFrenchgirl,andJoey’sheartstoodstilforamoment.ShehadbeensosureshewouldfindSimonethere.Asshestood,wonderingwhateversheshoulddonow,alittlesobcaughtherear.Atoncesheswunground,andscrambledoverthesticksanddeadpine-needlesinitsdirection.There,inalittleheap,laySimone,cryingasevenJoeyhadneverseenhercrybefore.Theendsofherhairwhereshehadsawnoffherplaitstooduplikelittledrakes’

tails,aneffectwhichwouldhavemadeherfriendgigglehelplesslyatanyothertime.Now,however,sheonlytumbleddownbesideher,flinginganarmroundher,andhaulingherupontoherknee.‘Simone!Oh,Simone!Whatisthematterwithyou?’

‘Goaway!’sobbedSimone,inherownlanguage.‘Goaway,Joey!’

‘Nofear!’repliedJoey.‘I’mnotgoingtilyou’rereadytocomewithme.Andanyhow,Iwanttoknowwhyyou’vechoppedyourwiglikethat.Youoncetoldmeyouwouldn’thaveyourhairbobbedforanything.

Whyonearthdidyoudoit?’

‘I-Ithoughtyouwouldlikeit!’Simonechokedout.‘Youhaveoftenlaughedatmebecausemyhairwaslong,andIthoughtifIcutitshortyouwouldloveme,andnotleavemewhenthosenewEnglishgirlscomenextterm!’

‘Wel!’Joeysatbackandgasped.‘Ofalthemadideas!’shesaid,whenshehadgotherbreathback.‘Idon’tcarewhetheryouwearyourhaircroppedlikeaconvictortrailingroundyourfeetlikeLadyGodiva!

Realy,Simone,youareaperfectidiot!Andwhydidyourushoffherelikethat?InearlyhadafitwhenIwenttofindyouinyourcubicleandfoundonlyyourpigtail!’

‘Ilooksoterrible!’sobbedSimone.‘AndthenIthoughtofwhatCousineElisewouldsay,andhowMissBettanywouldbeangry,andyouandaltheothergirlswouldlaugh,andsoIranaway.’

‘Wel,nowyou’recomingback,’saidJoeyfirmly.‘Idon’tknowwhatMadgewilsaytoyou,orMademoisele!Butyoucan’tstayhereforever,andIwantmydinner-Icameoutinthemiddleofit!Asforlaughingatyou,Isha’n't;andIdon’tmuchsupposetheotherswileither.Nowdostophowlingandcomeon!’

AtfirstSimonerefusedtobudge,butfinalyJoeysucceededingettinghertocomebackwithher,andtheyreachedtheChâlet,bothofthemfeelinghotandtired.AfteroneglanceattheFrenchchild’sface,MissBettanypackedherofftobedwithoutonewordofscolding;andwhenshehadfinalydraggedthewholeridiculousstoryoutofhersister,shesentthatyoungladyuptohercubiclewithstrictinjunctionstogotosleep.ThenshebetookherselftoMademoiseleandunfoldedthetaletoher.

‘Inaway,it’sjustaswel,’shesaid,‘foralthatmassofhairwasfartoomuchforherinhotweather;butofcourseshehadnobusinesstocutitherselflikethat.YouhadbettertakeherovertotheKronPrinztomorrowandletthehairdressertheretrimit.NowImustgotomyclass.’

ThenextdaySimonewastakentohaveherhairproperlycut,and,muchtoherrelief,theothergirlssaidverylittleaboutthewholeaffair,althoughhercousinscoldedherroundly.Besidesthat,shehadtowritealetterhometotelthemwhatshehaddone,andMaman’sgrievedreplywasveryhardtobear.Altogether,Simonedeeplyregrettedthefactthatshehadevertouchedherhair-themoreso,sinceJoeyBettany,insteadofbeingimpressedbywhatshehaddone,characterisedthewholethingas‘idioticnonsense!’

Chapter10.

TheCinemaActresses.

Itwasamercy,asMadgeBettanysaid,thatforthenextweekortwoeverythingwentquiteordinarily.

GrizelandJulietgavethePrefectsnofurthertrouble;Simoneceased,forthemoment,tobehaveinasentimentalway;AmyStevensgaveupcryingonthesmalestprovocation;andtherewaspeaceintheChâletSchool.TheonlyeventofanynotewasanaccidentBernhildahadwiththeredink.

Althestationerywasinonecupboard,thekeyofwhichMissMaynardkept.BernhildahadbeenappointedStationeryPrefect,andshewenteveryFridayandgaveoutthenewstationeryasitwasrequired.

Itwasnotaveryheavytaskasyet,sinceeveryonehadstartedwithnewbooksatthebeginningoftheterm.

Scribblersandlittlenotebooksandpen-nibswerewhatweremainlyrequired,withaveryoccasionalexercise-book,andGrizelCochrane,inhercapacityasinkmonitress,cameonMondaysfortheweek’ssupply.

OntheMondayfolowingSimone’sexploit,Grizelcameasusualwithherink-can.ShefoundBernhilda,whotookherdutiesveryseriously,engagedintidyingthetopshelfofthecupboard.ThePrefect,sittingonthetopofthestep-ladder,lookeddownatherJunior.

‘Oh,Grizel,wilyoupleasetaketheink?’shesaid.‘Iwanttofinishthisbeforethebelrings!Itisinthebigjaratthebottom.’

‘Alright,Bernhilda!Don’tyouworry;I’lgetitalright,’repliedGrizelcheerfuly.JuliethadbeenabsentontheThursdayandFridayofthepreviousweek,andhadnotyetturnedup,soGrizelwasamuchnicerchildinconsequence.

HavingdirectedtheJunior’sattentiontothebigink-jar,Bernhildareturnedtohertask,whileGrizel,pushingbackthelong,thickcurlswhich,despitetheribbonthattiedthemback,wouldgetinherway,uncorkedthejar,and,carefulytiltingitononeside,begantofilhercan.Bothwereabsorbedintheirwork.

Grizelhadverynearlyfinished,whenBernhildagaveasuddenshriek,anddivedforward,nearlycolapsingontoGrizel,whoechoedhershriek.

Atthesametimetherewasacrashasthelargepintbottleofredinkfelheavilyagainstthestep-ladder,andsmashed,sendingafountainofredinkineverydirection.Bernhilda’stunicsuffered,buttheonewhocameoffworstwasGrizel,whowasalmostdirectlyunderneath.Inherdiveforward,thePrefectmanagedtocatchthebottomportionofthebottle,andtherestfelclearoftheJunior;buttheinkdelugedher-hair,frock,hands,evenherlegsweredrippingwithit.AsMadgesaidafterwards,amoregory-lookingspectacleitwouldhavebeenhardtofindanywhere.

Thecombinedshrieksofthetwodrewthestaffhastilytothespot.Mademoisele,undertheimpressionthattherehadbeenafearfulaccident,rushedforwardwithacryof‘Where,then,istheinjury?’

MissMaynardandtheheadmistress,whohadbothrealisedalmostatoncewhathadoccurred,werehardputtoittokeepfromlaughing,althoughthelatterpromptlyproducedahandkerchief,andsettoworktotrytowipeoffsomeoftheink.BythistimeBernhildahadreachedtheground,andwasgivingasomewhatincoherentaccountofwhathadoccurred.

Accordingtoherstory,shehadturnedsomebooksroundsharply,andhadcaughttheink-bottlewithacorner.Shehadtriedtocatchit,buthadnotbeenintimetopreventitsbreaking.Theresttheycouldseeforthemselves.Grizel,whohadnotbeenactualyhurt,wasfurious.

‘I’malink,andmygymmerisruined!‘shesaidinchokedaccents.

‘No,Idon’tthinkso,’repliedMissBettanygravely.‘Youmustgetoutofitatonce,ofcourse,andMariemustwashitimmediately.ThenIthinkitwilbealright.Luckilyit’syourcottontunic.Andyoumustgoandgetabath.I’lcomeandwashyourhair,andthenyou’lbealrightbyrecreation.

Don’tlooksodistressed,Bernhilda.Itwasanaccident,andyoucouldn’thelpit.ButIadviseyou,forthefuture,toputalliquidsonthefloorofthecupboard.’

Accordingly,Grizelwasmarchedofftosundryablutions,andBernhildawasrequestedtogiveuphertunicsothatit,too,couldbewashed.

Whileitwasdrying,sheputonaskirtofMissMaynard’s.

Whenrecreationcame,averycleanandexceedinglyindignantGrizeljoinedtheothers,secretlyexpectingtobewelteasedaboutherunexpectedbath.Luckilyforher,however,shefoundeveryonebuzzingwithexcitementoversomenewsJulietCarrickhadbroughtthatmorning.

Itappearedthatacertainwel-knownfirmoffilmproducershaddecidedtousetheTiernSeeaspartofthesettingforafilmwhichshouldgiveLifeintheAustrianTyrol.Itwasoneofaseriesofeducationalfilmsthattheyweredoing;andsinceitwasnot,ofcourse,alwayspossibletogetthenativesofthecountrytoposeforthem,theyhadsentthe‘principals’overfromAmerica.Thesesiximportantpeople,togetherwiththedirector,thecameraman,andabusinessmanager,weremakingtheTyrolerHoftheirheadquartersforthetimebeing.Theyweregoingtousealthevilagesandhamletsroundthelakeassettings,andalsosomeoftheAlms,wherethecowherdslivedduringthesummerinwoodenhuts,whilethecowsbrowsedcontentedlyonthesweet,shortgrassoftheuplandpastures.Theyintendedtogobeyondthelakeand,folowingthecourseofthelittleTiern,takesomeofthehamletsandvilagesonitsbanks.JustwhytheyshouldhavehitontheTiernSeewashardtosay.Julietwasnotoccupiedwiththatquestion.Itwasthewholeideawhichappealedtoher,andshewasfulofit.

‘TheyaregoingtotheZilerThalafterthis,’shechatteredeagerly,‘andKufsteinaswel,beforetheygosouthtotheDolomites.They’vedoneInnsbrückandtheStubaiThaiandroundaboutthere,andMrEades-that’sthecameraman-saidtheyhadsomegloriousclose-upsofHalandSpärtz.Hewasawfulyinterestedinus,andIthinktheymeantoaskMissBettanytoletthemtakeus.Isn’titthriling?’

MissBettany,however,whenapproachedonthesubjectbythesaidMrEadesandaMrSindon,thebusinessmanager,refusedtohearofit.

Shewasicilycourteousandabsolutelydecided.Nothingwouldinducehertoreconsiderthematter,andthetwogentlemenlefttheChâlet,realisingthat,asoneofthemlaterexpressedittoJuliet,’Itwasabso.N.G.Nixonthe‘movies’stunt!’

Mostofthegirlscaredverylittleeitheronewayortheother,butJulietherself,

Grizel,andoneortwoofthemorethoughtlessoneswerebitterlydisappointed.Theyhadalready,inimagination,seenthemselvesonthescreen.PeoplealoverEuropeandtheBritishIsles,atanyrate,wouldknowthem,andnowitwasalspoiltbyMissBettany’srefusal.

‘It’sashame!’criedJuliet,toaselectgatheringontheafternoonofthedayonwhichshelearnedofherheadmistress’sdecision.‘Whycouldn’twebefilmed?BigschoolslikeEtonandWinchesterare!ButMissBettanyalwaysdoesthatsortofthing!She’sthoroughlynarrow-minded!’

‘No,sheisn’t!’returnedGrizel,whohadmomentswhensherealisedthatherpresentbehaviourwasanythingbutwhatMadgehadtherighttoexpectofher.‘It’sdifferentphotographingboysatsports,anddoingusherebythelake.Oh,Ican’ttelyouhow,butitis!’Andfromthispositionsherefusedtobudge.

Julietgaveitup,forshewascleverenoughtorealisethatonceGrizelhadmadeuphermindtoathing,wildhorseswouldn’tmoveher.

However,AnitaRincini,SophieHamel,andSuzanneMercierweremoreeasilyswayed,andweresoonpersuadedintothinkingthattheyhadagrievanceagainstMissBettany.Themanagerofthe‘movies’alsofelthehadagrievance.Hehadforeseenagloriousadvertisementintheschool.

Itwas,sofarasheknew,anentirelyfreshidea,andthegirlslookedsofreshanddaintyintheiruniform,andthewholethingwouldhavemadeanexcelentfoiltohiscontinentalscenes.

‘IfonlyIcouldgetjustoneortwoofyourkids!’hesaidtoJuliet.‘Itwouldbeaneasymattertorigupaschoolroomscenario.Andwecouldtakeyousculing,andswimming,andsoon.’

ThesewordsgaveJulietanidea.‘Couldyourealydoit?‘sheasked.‘IfIgotsomeofthegirlstogetherinouruniform,couldyourealymanage?’

‘OfcourseIcould!’hesaidimpatiently.‘Cometothat,IsupposeIcouldrigupsomethingintheStateswhenwegetback.’

‘Butitwouldn’tbethesamescenery,’saidJulietearnestly.

‘Wecouldfakeitnearenoughforthepublic,’hereplied.

‘Butitwouldbebetterwiththesamebackgrounds,wouldn’tit?‘sheasked.

‘Ofcourseitwould!Butthatschool-ma’amofyourswon’tevenlistentotheidea,sowhere’sthegoodoftalkingaboutit?’hereturnedirritably.

‘SupposingIweretogettwoorthreeoftheotherstocome,couldn’tyoutakeus?‘queriedJuliet.

MrSindon’sfacelitupattheidea.Hewasnotsothick-skinnedthathecouldnotfeelthedisdaininMissBettany’sicyvoicewhenshehadrefusedhissuggestion,anditseemedtohimthatherewasachancetogetevenwithher.

‘Icouldmanageit,ofcourse,’hesaidslowly.‘Whencouldyouarrangeforit?BecauseweareoffnextFriday,soitwouldhavetobebeforethen.’

‘WouldSaturdaydo?’

‘Yes,thatwoulddoverywel.Saturday,then,atteno’clockinthemorning.Bringyourswimmingsuits,andwe’lgetyouinthewater.’

Juliettackledherfoursatelites,andbydintofflattery,coaxing,and,inthecaseofSophieHamel,frankbulying,gotthemtoagreetojoinher.Asshehadexpected,Grizelwasthehardestofthemtocapture.Ifithadnotbeenforthefactthatshehadbeencaughttalkinginthedormitorythepreviousnightafter‘lightsout,’andhadbeenroundlyscoldedbytheHeadthatmorning,shewouldprobablyneverhavedoneit.Asitwas,shegaveinwhenJuliethadalternatelyscoldedandpleadedwithherfornearlyhalfanhour,andagreedtobeatGeisalm,alittlehamletamileandahalfupthelakeshore,onSaturdaymorning.Itwouldbeaneasymatterforhertobethere;for,onSaturdays,theywereleftverymuchtothemselves,MadgeBettanyhavingatheorythatitwasbettertotrustgirlsthantowatchthemcontinualy.Theywerenotalowedtobatheorgoboatingunlessamistresswasthere;butotherwisenooneinterferedwiththem,andsofartherehadbeennonecessityforinterference.Therefore,teno’clockonSaturdaymorningfoundGrizel,incompanywithJuliet,scramblingalongthenarrowrockypaththatleadsfromBriesautoGeisalm.

‘Aren’tyouthriled?’demandedJuliet,astheystoppedtorestonthegreat‘fan’ofaluvialrockwhichmarksthehalf-waybetweenthetwoplaces.

‘Iam!I’veneveractedfor”movies”before.’

GrizeldidnotsupposeJuliethad,andherconsciencewasbeginningtowakeupverythoroughly,whichmayhaveaccountedforthevehemencewithwhichshesaid,‘Oh,rather!Awfuly!’

Julietshotaquickglanceatherfromherqueer,darkeyes,butshesaidnothingbeyond,‘Wel,we’dbetterbegettingon!’

Theywentontheirway-slowlyandcarefuly,foratthispartthepathwasnotverywide,andwentalmostsheerdowntothewater,whosevividbluenesstoldhowdeepitwas.AtanyothertimeGrizelwouldhaveenjoyedthatscrambleovertherocks,andtherapidrunpasttheplacewherethemountainwaterdrippedfromacragthatoverhungthepath.Shehadenjoyedthisverywalkascoreoftimes.Butnowshefelthalfangryandwholyunhappy,andIthinkthatifithadnotbeenforherfearofJuliet’smockingtongue,shewouldhaveturnedbackeventhen.Soabsorbedwassheinheruneasiness,thatshenevernoticedabroad-bottomedrowing-boatwithfourpeopleinitheadingforScholastika.

Juliet,who,atthemomentitpassed,wasgatheringabunchofpurplescabiousandwhitemoon-daisies,didnotnoticeiteither.

Theoccupantsoftheboatglancedup,attractedbythesplashofbrownagainstthegreenoftheAlmwhichtheyhadreached.Juliettheypassedover,butasJoeyBettany’seyeslingeredontheothergym-frockedfigure,shegaveagasp.

‘HerrMensch!’shecried.‘That’sGrizel!Whateverisshedoinghere?’

HerrMenschturnedaplacidfacetowardstheplace,butthetwogirlshadvanishedbehindtheclumpoftreeswhichprotectsthefootpathfromthelakeatthispoint.

‘So?’hesaidpolitely.‘Thenthatiswhywecouldnotfindherwhenwecametofetchyou?Butisitwrongforhertobehere?’

‘I’msuremysisterdoesn’tknowaboutit,’declaredJoey.‘ShethoughtGrizelmusthavegonetobuyapplesfromtheoldwomanatSeespitz,

‘cosshesaidso!’

HerrMensch’sfair,German-lookingfacebecametroubled.

‘ThatisverywrongofdasMädchen,’hesaidgravely.‘WouldyoulikeustolandatGeisalmandtakeherintotheboat?’

Joeythoughtrapidlyforamoment.TheyhadneverbeentoldthattheywerenottogotoGeisalmbythemselves,butsheknewthatMadgewasalwaysalittlenervousaboutthatpath,especialythenarrowbitofit.ShealsoknewthatGrizelwouldbefuriousatbeinginterferedwith-andshehadbeenfurioussooftenlately!ButJoeyBettanywasnotthekindtoshirkdoingwhatsheoughttodojustbecauseotherpeoplewouldbefuriouswithher,soshenoddedherhead.

‘Yes,please!Ithinkitwouldbebetter,ifyoudon’tmind!’

Withoutaword,thegood-naturedAustrianturnedtheboattowardsthelittlegreentrianglewithitsbigwhiteGasthaus,whichformsGeisalm.Agroupofpeoplewerestandingtheretalkingtogether.Joeyrecognisedthecinemafolk,butstilshedidn’tguesswhatwasupuntilBernhildacried,

‘Why,thereareSophieandAnita.HowstrangeforsomanyoftheChâletgirlstomeethereto-day!’

ThenJoeyunderstood.

‘Oh!’shesaid,andherface,palenolonger,buttannedbythehotsunshine,flamedwithsuddenanger.

‘Oh!Howcanshe,whenMadgesaidnot!’

‘Howcanshedowhat?’askedBernhilda,whowasslowatgraspingthings.‘Andofwhomareyouspeaking,Joey?’

‘It’sGrizel!Juliet’sdoneit,ofcourse!She’smadonthem!’repliedJoeyincoherently.‘Oh,HerrMensch!

Pleasestopthem!Madgewilbesoangry,anditisn’tfairwhenshesaidshewouldn’t!’

HerrMenschwasquickerthanhisdaughter.Withafinalpulhebroughttheboatneatlytothelanding-stageandsprangout.

‘Stayhere!’hesaidcurtlytothethreegirlswithhim,andthenhestrodeofftothegroupbytheGasthaus.

MrSindonwasconsiderablysurprisedwhenhefoundhimselfconfrontedbyanangrygiantofaman,whorequestedtoknow,inverygoodEnglish,ifheintendedtakingphotosthatday.Somethingintheangrygiant’svoicewarnedhimthathehadbettergiveanansweratonce,andtothepoint,soherepliedthathewas.ItwasatthismomentthatGrizelandJulietcameuponthem.HerrMenschtooknottheslightestnoticeoftheeldergirl,butheturnedtoGrizeland,intoneswhichliteralyscaredher,toldhertogototheboatatonce.WithherhesentAnitaandSophie.ThenhespoketotheparalysedMrSindon.

‘Iamsorry,meinHerr,ifintakingtheseyoungladiesawayIamcausingyouanyinconvenience,buttheyareherewithouttheknowledgeorpermissionoftheirparentsandguardians.Iwishyougood-day!’Andwiththisheturnedandstrodebacktotheboat,whereAnitaRincini,whohappenedtobethedaughterofhisowngreatfriend,haddissolvedintotears.Sophielookedscared,andGrizelwasbeginningtorecoversufficientlytofeelfuriouslyangryathavingbeentreatedinthissummaryfashion.ButHerrMenschtooknonoticeofheratal.

‘Howdidyougethere?’heaskedtheothertwointheirownlanguage.

Sophiepointedtothelightrowing-boatmooredtothelanding-stage.‘WerowedacrossfromScholastika,’

sheexplained.

‘Isee,’hesaid.‘Welnow,youwilrowbackwithme.’ThenheturnedhisattentiontotheEnglishgirl.

‘Youwilcomewithus,’hesaid.‘Getintotheboat.’

Grizelgavehimonelook-andobeyed.SophieandAnitahadalreadystarted.InagrimsilencetheypuledupthelaketoScholastika.BernhildaandFriedaweretoomuchafraidoftheirfather’sangertospeak,andJoeywasbusilyengagedintryingnottosaywhatshethought-yet.

AtScholastika,HerrMenschgrimlymarchedthembeforehim,firsttotheRincinis’vila,andthentothehotelwheretheHamelswerestaying.

Whilethere,heranguptheChâlet,andtoldMadgethat,astheyhadmetGrizel,hewastakingherwiththeotherstoMariaKirchetoseethefamouschurchthere,andtheywouldalreturnintheafternoon.Thenhewentbacktothegirls,andsendingBernhildaandJoeyoninfront,tookeachahandofFriedaandGrizel.

Itwasnotapleasantexpedition.Andwhentheyreturnedintheafternoon,HerrMenschhadalongconversationwithMissBettany,whichendedinamoreseriousscoldingforGrizelthanshehadeverknownsinceshehadleftEngland.Whathurthermorethananythingwastheknowledgethatshewasnottobetrustedbyherself-atanyrateforthepresent.AsforJuliet,CaptainCarrickhadmadearrangementsonlythatmorningforhertobeaboarderfortheremainderoftheterm,asheandhiswifeweregoingtoMunichtovisitsomefriends,anddidnotwanttotakeherwiththem.

MissBettanyresolvedtokeepawatchfuleyeonthenewboarder.

Chapter11.

TheHead’sBirthday-Party.

‘Joey!Areyoubusy,ormayIcomeandtalktoyou?’

JoeyBettanyraisedherheadwithastartatthesoundofthevoice.LookingdownfromherperchonthefencewhichshutofftheAlmofBriesaufromtheGeisalmpath,shesawGiselaMaranistandingbesideher,bookinhand,averyseriousexpressiononhercharmingface.

‘Hulo,Gisela!What’sthetrouble?’shesaidcheerfuly,assheclosedJohnHalifax,Gentleman,whichshewasreadingforthethirdtimeinsuccession.

‘Itisthisbook,’explainedGisela,tappingit.‘Wilyoucomewithmetotheseatbytheboat-landing?Iwishtodiscussitwithyou.’

‘Rather!’Joeysliddownfromherseatwithgreatgoodwil,and,slippingherarmthroughGisela’s,stroledalongbyherside.

‘Look!’shesaidsuddenly.‘There’ssomenewpeoplefromtheKronPrinzKarl.Theycamelastnight.

Fatherandmother,andtwogirlsandtwoboys,andagrown-upgirl.Don’ttheylookjoly?’

GiselaglancedidlyinthedirectioninwhichJoey,incompletedefiancetogoodmanners,waspointing.

Thenherfacesuddenlychanged,andherlipscurvedupinasmileofsurpriseandpleasure.

‘Wanda!’shecried.

Theeldergirl,aslim,fairpersonofaboutfifteen,turnedroundatthesoundofhervoice.Thensheutteredalittlecryandrantowardsthem.

‘Gisela!’sheexclaimed.

Theyoungergirlandasmalboyofaboutsevenlookeduptoo,andinaminutetheyalsowereracinguptothelittlegroup.

Giselaembracedthemal,whileJoeystoodononeside,feelingratherintheway.ButtheAustrianhadnoideaofleavingherout.

‘Wanda–Marie–Wolfram–thisismyEnglishfriend,JoeyBettany.Iamnowathersister’sschoolinthelargeChâletoverthere.Joey,theseareWandaandMarievonEschenau,andtheirbrotherWrolfram.IwasatschoolinViennawithWandaandMariewhenwelivedthere.’

Joeyhadneverbeenashyperson;shehadtraveledabouttoomuchforthat.Sonowshecameforwardandshookhandseasily.

‘Hulo!’shesaid.‘Aretheseyourholidays?’

Theeldergirl,whomGiselahadsalutedasWanda,smiled.

‘Butno;notholidays,’shesaid,andhercarefulspeechremindedJoeyofthefirstfewweeksoftheChâletSchool.‘WehaveleftourlycéeinWien’-whichiswhattheAustrianscalVienna-‘andwearerestinghereuntilMammafindsusonewherewecanbealways-ah!youcalit“boarding-school,”Iremember.’

‘Oh,Wanda!‘criedGisela.‘YoumustcometotheChâletSchool!’

‘Thatwouldbeverypleasant,’saidWandapolitely.‘Listen!IhearMammacaling.Come,Marie!

Wolfram!Weshalhopetoseeyouagain,Gisela;ImusttelMammayouarehere.Aufwiedersehen!Goodbye,FräuleinJoey.’

Andshehurriedoff,folowedbytheothertwo,whohadlookedatthetwoChâletgirlsindeathlysilencealthetime.

‘Whatpretties,Gisela!’saidJoeyenthusiasticaly,assheandGiselamadetheirwaytothelittlewhite-paintedstandnearthelanding-stage,wherepeoplelikedtositandwatchthepassengersgettingonandofftheboats.‘Whatdidyousaytheirnamewas?’

‘VonEschenau,’repliedGisela.‘TheirpapaisHerrRittmeistervonEschenauof

theImperialGuards.ItwouldbeveryjolyifWandaandMariecametotheChâletSchool,fortheyarenicegirls;andifMissBettanycouldsayshehadthedaughtersofaHerrRittmeisteratherschool,thenshewouldgetmanymorepupils.’

‘Wouldshe?’JoeyhadthevaguestideasabouttheAustrianclass-feelings.Also,shewasnotsurejustwhataHerrRittmeistermightbe.Giseladidnotenlightenher,either.Shewas,atthemoment,muchmoreengrossedinthebookwhichshehadbeenreadingthaninthearrivalofheroldfriends,andassoonastheywerecomfortablyestablishedononeofthewhiteseats,shebeganherdiscussionatonce.

‘Papabroughtmethisbooktwodaysago,’shesaid,exhibitingtoJoey’sinterestedeyesagirl’sschool-storywithagaypaperjacket.

‘DeniseoftheFourth,’readtheEnglishgirl.‘Who’sitby?MurielBernardineBrowne?Neverheardofher!What’sitlike?’

‘Ifinditinteresting-inparts,’repliedGisela,‘thoughsomeofitseemstomeimpossible.Buttherearedescriptionsoftwothingswhichinterestmeverymuch,andIwaswonderingifwealsocouldnothavethem.’

‘Don’tsay“wealso”likethat!’correctedJoey,whooccasionalyfoundtheEnglishofhercontinentalfriendsratherboring.‘Itisn’tabitEnglish!

Andwhatarethetwothings?’

‘Thankyou,Joey,Iwiltrytoremember,’saidGisela,referringtoJoey’scorrectionofherEnglish.‘Andthetwothingsareamagazine,first.Intheschoolofthisstory,thegirlshadamostinterestingmagazine.Itgivesexamplesfromit.See!’Andsherapidlyfoundtheplace,andgaveittoJoey,whoskimmedthroughthechapterwithawideninggrinonherface.

‘Itisamusing?’queriedtheHeadGirl.‘Youfinditfunny?’

‘It’sashriek,’pronouncedthecritic.‘Fancyanyonewritingsentimentaltoshlikethatsunset!HowoldisDenise,anyhow?’

‘Sheisfourteen,’repliedGisela.‘Youcalitsentimental?’

‘Andtosh!Why,justlistentothis!’AndJoeyreadaloud:‘”Thegloryofthesunlingeredlongo’ertreeandflower;hismoltenrayskissedthesilveryriverasitslidsilentlypast,crooningatenderlulabytothefragileflowerswhichbenttokisstheirreflectionsonitssurface.Inthepalelilacskies,onesilverystar-theperfectstarofeve-shimmeredandglowed–”Istherealotofkissinginthebook?’

‘Theydokisseachotherveryoften,’returnedGisela.

‘Ithoughtso!Andthatisn’tevengoodEnglish!She’sused”silvery”and”kiss”twiceinaboutfivelines!Butit’sratheranidea.Weoughttohaveamagazine.Theonlytrialis,itwilbesofrightfulydifficulttodecidewhatlanguageitwilbein.’

‘ButofcourseitwilbeinEnglish,’saidGisela.‘WeareanEnglishschool.’

‘Itwouldberatherfun,’musedJoey.‘Who’dbeeditor?You,Isuppose?’

Giselashookherhead.‘Oh,no,’shesaidearnestly.‘Idonotknowenoughaboutit.PerhapsMissMaynardwoulddoit.’

‘Shemight;butitoughtrealytobeagirl.Wel,goon!What’stheotherschemeyoulikedsoawfuly?’

‘TheHead’sbirthday,’repliedGisela,turningovermorepages.‘See,Joey!Inthistheyhadadance,andtheygavetheHeadbeautifulpresents,andhadasplendidtime!Hereisthepicture.’

Joeylookedthoughtfulyatthecolouredilustrationwhichdepictedawhite-hairedheadmistressreceivingamagnificentchainandpendantfromaHeadGirloffabulousbeauty;whileasmalchildnearbylookedalmostswampedbyahugebouquetofliliesandroses.

‘Wehaven’tanyoneasgorgeousasthat,’observedtheEnglishgirlthoughtfuly.‘Eventhatfriendofyours,WandaWhat’s-her-name,isn’taslovelyasthat,andshe’stheveryprettiestgirlI’veeverseen!

Besides,it’sidiotic,ofcourse!HeadGirlsdon’tgoroundwiththeirhairalovertheplacelikethat;theywouldn’tbealowedto-notinadecentschoolanyway!AndI’veneverheardofaschoolwherethegirlsgavetheHeadaslendergoldchainonwhichwasswunganexquisitependantstuddedwithdiamonds!ThemostweeverrosetoattheHighwasarealydecentreading-lamp.Buttheholidaystuntisalright,andsoisthedance.Madge’sbirthdaydoescomethisterm,asithappens.Ivoteweaskherfortheholiday,anyhow.’

‘Butshemustalsohaveagift,’protestedGisela.‘Andflowersaswel.Whatdayisit,Joey?Soon?’

‘It’sJulythefourth,’repliedJoey-‘nextThursday.Itwouldbearippingschemetogoforanexpeditionsomewhere,wouldn’tit?Telyouwhat!WemightgouptheMondscheinspitzeandhaveapicnicthere,andthencomedownandhavethedanceintheevening!Oh,gorgeous!’

‘Andthegift?’persistedtheHeadGirl.‘WealadmireandloveMissBettanysomuch,wewouldwishtogivehersomething.’

‘Oh,wel,that’sforyoutodecide!’returnedJoey,wrigglinguncomfortably.

‘Butofcoursewewil!Youwilwanttogiveyourownsouvenir;wewon’taskyoutojoinunlessyouwishit.ButIknowtheotherswil.WhatwouldMissBettanylike?’

‘Oh,anyoldthing!She’dlikewhateveryougiveher!’

‘Theflowerswilbeeasy,’pursuedGiselathoughtfuly.‘Wehaveagarden,Bettehasagarden,AnitaandGiovannahaveagarden,andsohasGertrud.Weshalhaveroses,lilies,andmarguerites.’

‘It’satopholescheme.Let’sgoandasktheothers,’proposedJoey.‘It’snearlytimeforprep,anyhow.

You’lhavetoaskmysisterfortheholiday,youknow,andyou’lhavetogivewhateveryoudogiveher.’

Giselacolouredfaintly.Shewasratherinclinedtobeshy.

‘InDeniseoftheFourth,Mervyn,that’stheHeadGirl,asksthemtocheertheheadmistress,’shesaid.‘Ishouldhavetodothattoo?’

‘Ofcourse!Whatdoyouthink?Here’sGertrudandGrizelcoming.Let’stelthemnow,shalwe?’

‘Don’tyouthinkitwouldbebetteritwewaitedtileveryonewastogether?’suggestedGiseladiffidently.

‘AndshouldInotaskthePrefectsfirst?’

‘Ye-yes,Isupposeyoushould,’concededJoeyreluctantly.‘Alright!YougoandcalaPrefects’meeting,andI’lgoandseewhatSimoneisupto.Ihaven’tseenhersinceMittagessen.’

Joeyskippedoff,leavingGiselatofolowatamorestatelyrate,asbefittedaHeadGirlwhoisweigheddownwithresponsibilities.

Simonegreetedherfriendwithmournfuleyes.

‘Ilookedforyoueverywhere,Joey,’shesaidreproachfuly.

‘Wel,Iwasreadingonthefence,’respondedJoeybriskly.‘ThenGiselacametotalktomeaboutanewbookshewasreading.Oh,Simone,doyourememberthosepeoplewhocametotheKronPrinzKarllastnightbythelastboat?We’vejustmetthem;they’refriendsofGisela’s-comefromVienna,andthey’rehereforawhile.Yourememberthetwoprettygirlslikefairyprincesses?TheirnamesareWandaandMarie,andtheywenttoalycéeinWien!-ItalwaysseemsamadideatometochoptheendofViennaandspelitwitha

“W”!-GiselawantsthemtocometotheChâletSchool.Shesaysitwouldbetoppingformysisteriftheydid,becausetheirfather’saHerrRittmeister,and–What’sthematter?’staringinundisguisedamazementatSimone,wholookedasifshewereabouttoburstintotears.‘Aren’tyouwel?’

‘Oh,Joey,’saidSimonepatheticaly,droppingintoherownlanguageinheragitation-‘oh,Joey,don’thaveanymorefriends!Please,Joey,don’t!You’vegotGrizel,andGiselaandBetteloveyou,andI’veonlygotyou!Andnowyouwantthosetwonewgirlsthatyoudon’tknowatal!Oh,Joey,don’tbesoselfish!’

Joeystoodstockstilinheramazement.‘Selfish!‘sherepeated.‘Selfish!It’syouwhoareselfish!I’vetoldyouoverandoveragainthatI’mgoingtohavealthefriendsIwant,anditdoesn’tmakeonescrapofdifferencetomybeingpalywithyou!Idon’tmindyourhavingotherfriends-Idon’tseewhyyoudon’t!

Margiawouldchumwithyouifyougaveherhalfachance,andshe’sajolynicekid!It’snouselookinglikethat,Simone!Itdoesn’tmakeonescrapofdifference!IfIlikeWandaandMarie,I’mgoingtolikethem.IftheydocometotheChâletandwewanttobepaly,Ishalbe!’ThensherelentedsomewhatatthelookofmiseryinSimone’sgreatdarkeyes,andslippedanarmroundhershoulders,givingheragentlelittleshake.‘Dobuckup,Simone,andbe-beaman!You’dbetwiceasjolyifyouonlywould!Lookhere!

There’sfiveminutesbeforethebelgoes-Iforgotmywatchisfast-andthere’sjusttimetotelyouwhatGiselawastalkingtomeabout.Comealongandlet’sgoandsitbytheboat-slipandI’ltelyouaboutit.It’sawfulythriling!’

ButalthoughSimonealowedherselftobedrawntowardsthelittlewooden

landing-stagebesidetheChâlet,thedumbwretchednessofherexpressiondidnotrelax,andalthetimethatJoeywasenlargingonGisela’s‘topping’idea,shesatwithoutmakingtheslightesteffortatcheeringup.Finaly,evenhappy-go-luckyJoBettanygaveitupindespair.Whatcouldyoudowithagirlwhorefusedtobeinterestedinbirthday-partiesandsatlookinglikeachunkofsolidmisery?

Joeywasthankfulwhenthebelwent,andshewasabletogoofftoherownform-room,wheretherewereplentyofpeopleinterestedinalshehadtosayaboutthenewcomersattheKronPrinzKarl.

‘Itwouldbesplendidfortheschooliftheydidcome,’saidAnitaRincini.‘IhaveheardPapatalkofHerrvonEschenauTheyareverywelborn.’

‘Whatasilyreason!’saidGrizelcrushingly.‘Therealquestionis,Wiltheybealrightinschool?Aretheygoodatgames,forinstance?’

‘Theywilnotknowcricket,’laughedSophieHamel,comingtotherescue,forAnitawastoomuchsquashedbyGrizel’sremarktosayanything.

‘Youwilhavetoteachthemthat,Grizel.Twomore,perhaps,foryourteam.’ForGrizel,whowaskeenoncricket,andhadbeenashininglightoftheJuniorElevenatherlastschool,hadbeenappointedcricketcaptain,andwasprovingaverycapablecoach.Perhapsonereasonforhersuccesswasthattheothergirlswerealsokeenonbeingan‘English’school,thattheytookhercriticismsandsarcasmsingoodpart,andrealytriedtolearnthegame.AsfortheJuniors,theyspentmostoftheirfreetimeinfieldingpractice.ThegamesmistressattheHighhadbeenveryinsistentonthenecessityforsmartfielding,andGrizel,quiteagood,steadybat,hadneverthelessexceledinbowling,whichnaturalymadehermoredeterminedtohavegoodfieldingthanifithadbeentheotherwayround.

Theyhadtennis,too,formostofthegirlsplayeditquitewel,andGiselaMaraniandGertrudSteinbrückewereexceptionalygood.Thecourtswerenotalthatcouldbedesired,sincetheyhad,untiltwomonthsago,beenordinarymeadow-land.ButHerrBraunoftheKronPrinzKarlhadlentthemhisroler,andevensentoneofhismenoveratoddtimes,firsttocutthegrass,andthentorolit,and,asMissBettanyhadremarkedadayorsopreviously,itrealywouldbequitegoodinanotheryear’stime.However,therecouldbenodoubtaboutit,cricketwasthemorepopulargame.

Now,inanswertoSophie’sremark,Grizelspokequitegraciously.

‘Wesha’n'tbeplayingcricketnextterm.Idon’tquiteknowwhatweshalplay;doyou,Joey?’

‘Notanearthly!’returnedJoeypromptly.‘Ishouldthinkit’lbehockey,though.Mysisterwasawfulygoodatitwhenshewasatschool.Butisn’tthereheapsofsnowhereinthewinter?’

‘Oh,yes,’saidAnitareadily.‘Thelakeisfrozen,too,andthereismuchskating.’

‘Girls!Whyareyoutalking?’saidGertrud’svoiceatthatmoment.‘Yououghttobeworking!Sitdown,please!’

Theywenttotheirseats,whileGertrud,whohadcometotakepreparation,arrangedherbookstoherlikingonthemistress’stable.Thentherewassilencewhiletheygotonwiththeirpreparationinthecool,quietroom.

Assoonasthebelforteawent,Joeyliteralypitchedherbooksintoherlocker,andfledalongthepassagetofindGisela.ShewantedtoknowwhatMadgehadsaidaboutthebirthday-party.However,shehadtopossesshersoulinpatience,fortheHeadGirlwasinthePrefects’room.

Luckily,thosegreatpeoplehaddecidedtomakealarrangementsassoonaspossible,andwhentheirowntea,whichtheywerealowedtohavebythemselves,wasover,theycamedowntotheSpeisesaal,wheretheotherswere,andGisela,blushingfuriously,murmuredarequesttoMissMaynard,whowastakingtea.MissMaynardnodded,andgotupatonce.

‘Yes,certainly,Gisela!Wehavejustfinished,soIwilsay“Grace”andthenleavethemtoyou.’

Shesaid‘Grace,’andthenwentoutoftheroom.

‘Wilyoualpleasetositdown,’saidGisela,whenthedoorwasshut.

Theyalsatdown,Joeysqueezingherhandstogetherinherexcitement;for,ofcourse,thismustmeanthatMadgehadagreed,andtheywouldbeabletogouptheMondscheinspitze,whichshehadbeenlongingtodoeversinceHerrMenschhadtoldthemaboutit.

Giselawasquitebrief.SheexplainedtothemabouttheEnglishcustomofcelebratingtheHead’sbirthday,andtoldthemthatsheandthePrefectshadthoughtitwouldbeagoodplantocelebrateMissBettany’s.

MissBettanyhadnoobjectiontotheirhavingtheholiday,and,subjecttotheweatherbeingfine,hadagreedtotheirmakinganexpeditionuptheMondscheinspitze.Ifitwaswet,theyweretohaveapartyintheChâlet.

‘MissBettanyhasbeenverygoodtous,’wentonGisela,‘andIthinkyouwouldalliketojointogivehersomesouvenirofthefirsttermoftheChâletSchool;wouldyounot?SoanywhowishitmaybringcontributionstoBetteRinciniormyselfto-morrow,andontheSaturdaywewilgointoInnsbrückandpurchasesomething.AndonThursday,wilthoseofyouwhocan,pleasebringflowers,andcomeearly,sothatwemayalsogiveherabouquet.’

Thensheceasedspeaking,andwaited.Buttheburstofenthusiasmwhichansweredhertoldherthattheideawasmostpopular,and,asJoeysaidlateron,‘Thatwasthat!’

Chapter12.

Shopping-AndAMeeting

Saturdayprovedtobeagloriouslyfineday.Thesunshonebriliantlyfromablue,cloudlesssky,andeverythingglowedinthemelowwarmth.Afreshlittlebreezerippledthesurfaceofthelake,lyinglikeapieceoflapis-lazuliintheheartofthegreatlimestonemountainsthathavekeptwatchoveritforcenturies.

JoeyandGrizelintheirshortwhitetennisfrocks,withbarebrownlegs,lookeddelightfulycool,andtheothersintheirbrowngymtunicsregardedthemenviously.

‘Youlooksoniceandfresh!’saidMargiaStevens.‘IwishIwasgoingintoInnsbrückto-day!’

‘Youneedn’t,’laughedMadgefromthefootofthetable,whereshewasbutteringAmy’srolforher.‘ItwilbestewinghotinInnsbrückto-day.

Rememberwe’rethreethousandfeetabovesea-levelasitis,andthere’sadelightfulbreezefromthelake;buttherewon’tbeabreathofairdowninthevaley.WhatitwilbelikebynoonIcan’tthink.Luckily,GiselaandBettehaveenoughcommonsensetomakeyoukeepquietthen,orIwouldn’tletyougo.Finished?Verywel.You’dbetterrunalongoryou’lmissthetrain,andmaketheothersmissittoo.Yourbiggesthats,girls;andhaveyougotplentyofmoney?’

‘Heaps!’declaredJoey.‘Comeon,Grizel,buckup!Good-bye,everybody.Expectuswhenyouseeus!’

Withthisshedancedoutoftheroom,folowedmoreslowlybyGrizel,andsoontheywerehurryingalongbythelake-pathtowardsSeespitzandthemountainrailway,whereGiselaandBetteawaitedthemimpatiently,whileFräuleinHelfer,theRincinis’Mamsell-ormother’shelp,asweshouldcalherinEngland-wasalreadysittinginthetrain.

‘Come!Youareverylate!criedtheHeadGirl.‘Ihadfearthatwemustawaitthenexttrain,andPapasaysthatitwilbesohotinInnsbrücklateron.’

‘Awfulysorry,’returnedJoeyinunruffledtones.‘Ithinkourclocksmustbewrong,becausewethoughtwehadoceansoftime.Good-morning,FräuleinHelfer.Hopewehaven’tgivenyouspasms!Isn’titagloriousday?’

FräuleinHelfer,whounderstoodabouthalfofthisspeech,bowedandsmilednervously,asJoey,stilchattering,clamberedupbesideher,folowedbytheothers.

‘Joey,haveyouyetlearnedwhatitisMadamedesires?’inquiredGiselapresently,asthetrainpuffeditswayimportantlydownthemountain-side.

Joeyshookherblackheadvigorously.‘Notanidea.Ithinkit’lbebestifyoujustgetwhatyouthink.

Whateveritis,she’lbesuretolikeit,becauseyou’vegivenit.Hulo!SomepeopleatWachen!Isay,whatacrowd!’

‘Summervisitors,’saidBette.‘Germans,mostofthem.ThatwomaninthetartandresscomesfromBerlin-Iheardhersay.’

‘Whatasizesheis!‘commentedGrizel,astheladyinquestionlumberedintothecar.‘Ishouldn’tthinkoneseatwoulddoher!AretheremanyGermanshereinthesummer,Gisela?’

‘Agreatnumbergeneraly,’repliedGisela.‘WeliketheBavarians-theyarepolite,andlikeourselvesinmanyways;buttheNorthGermanpeople,andespecialytheBerliners,arenot.’

‘Papasaysthatitwastheywhocausedthewar,’Bettechimedin.

‘Oh,wel,everybodyknowsthat!’saidJoeyeasily.‘Whatatremendouswayupweare!Whatwouldhappenifanythingbroke,Gisela?’

‘Idonotthinkitcouldhappen,’repliedGiselaseriously.‘Ihaveneverheardofit.Butifitdid,weshouldplungeoverthesideandontothepathtoSpärtz,whichliesdownthere.’

‘Wouldn’titbeawfulifthelakeweresuddenlytooverflow?Itwouldcomedownherelikeamil-race,wouldn’tit?’

‘Joey!Whathorridthingsyouimagine!’protestedGrizel.

Joeylaughed,andstoppedherimaginingtogazeattheladyfromBerlin.Shecertainlywasenormous-farfatterthanFrauMensch.Shelookeduncomfortablyhot,too,inadressofscarlet,green,andyelowtartan,withalittlestrawhatadornedwithscarletandgreenbowsperchedonthetopofherhead.Heryelowhairwasscrapedbackoffherwideface,makingitseemlargerthanever,andshestaredinfrontofherwitheyeslikegreyglass.Suddenly,asifattractedbyJoey’sinterestedregard,sheglaredatthesmalgirl.

‘Engländerin!’shesnortedingutturaltones.

‘Rather!’respondedtheirrepressibleone.‘Andproudofittoo!’

‘Joey!Bequiet!’saidGiselafirmly.

‘WhyshouldI?Shespokefirst!’

‘Itmakesnomatter.Sheismuch,mucholderthanyou!’

Giselahadnotintendedherremarkstobeoverheard,buthervoicewasoftheclear,carryingorder,andtheladyfromBerlinnotonlyheard,butunderstood.

‘Schweine!’shesaid,andthenheavedherbulkround,nearlyupsettingheroppositeneighbour,aninoffensivelittleTyroleanwhowasgoingtomarketinSpärtz.

‘Isn’tsherude?’observedJoey.‘Alright,Gisela!I’mnotgoingtosayanythingmore.DidyousayyourfatherwasgoingtomeetusatInnsbrück?’

‘Yes.FräuleinHelferwishestovisitherparents,andPapaisgoingtobeourescort.Hewilseeusatthestation,andwiltakeustotheshops.

ThenwearegoingtohavelunchattheMariatheresienRestaurant,andafterwardsweshalgoforadrivealongtheBrennerRoad,andgobackbythelasttrain.ThereisaGasthausuptheBrennerwherewecanhavecoffee,andwewiltakecakeswithus.Doyoulikeit?’

‘Topping!Isn’tit,Grizel?’

‘Rather!’saidGrizel.‘It’stopholeofHerrMaranitodoit!’

‘Iamsogladyouarepleased!’saidGiselacourteously.‘Ah,wehavearrivedatSpärtz,andthereisourtraintoInnsbrückontheothersideoftheplatform!Come!Wemusthurry!’

Butitwaseasiertosaythatthantodoit.FrauBerlin,asGrizelhadchristenedher,tookherowntimeaboutgettingout,andassheblockedthedoorway,thegirlshad,perforce,towaituntilshewaswelontotheplatform.

‘I’veagoodmindtoclimboutofthewindow!’saidGrizelastheywatchedher.‘Wouldtherebeafuss?’

‘Ofcoursetherewould!’returnedBettepromptly.‘Weshouldprobablyalbedetainedatthepolicecourt.’

‘Acaseof“morehaste,lessspeed,”infact,’grinnedJoey.‘Thankgoodness,theoldfreak’soutatlast!

Comeon!Weshalmissthetrainifwedontbuckup!’

Theynearlydidmissit,forMamsellwasnotaccustomedtodashingfromonetramtoanother,andhaditnotbeenforGrizelandGisela,whohauledherupthestepsandintothecarriagewithlittleceremony,shewouldhavebeenleftontheplatform.Asitwas,shewasgaspingandscared.

‘Butnevermindthat;we’vecaughtthetrain!’saidJopracticaly.

Itwasful,asitwastheWien-Paristrain,sotheyhadtocontentthemselvesinthecorridor;however,itwasonlyforashorttime,andthentheyreachedtheoutskirtsofthecapitaloftheTyrol,wheretal,flathousesfacedthem,withplumeauxhangingouttoairfromtheopenwindows,whilethehotvaleyairrushedtomeetthemastheywhirledpast.

‘Hereweare!’exclaimedGrizel,asthetraindrewupbesidethebusyplatform.‘Andthere’syourfather,Gisela.Let’sgetout!There’snohorridfatFrauBerlintostopusthistime!‘Asshespoke,sheswungherselfdownontheplatform,bumpingintosomeonewhowasgoingheavilypast.Thesomeoneturnedandglaredather.Horrors!ItwasFrauBerlinherself!Whatwouldhavehappeneditishardtotel,forshehadobviouslyheardandunderstoodGrizel’sindiscreet

remarks.Luckily,atthatmomentHerrMaranicameup,andquicklygraspingwhathadoccurred,heraisedhishat,apologisingcourteouslytothefuriousladyfortheEnglishchild’sclumsiness.FrauBerlinwasnottobeplacated,butsheroledonwards,afterdirectingavenomousglareattheimpenitentGrizel.

‘Youmustbemorecareful,mychild,’saidHerrMarani,afterhehadassistedtheothersoutofthecarriageandthroughthebarrier.‘Youmighthavehurtthatladyverymuchindeed.’

‘I’msorry,’murmuredGrizeluntruthfuly;whileGiselaadded,‘Indeed,Papa,shewasveryrudeaswecamedown,andcaledusSchweine.’

‘Hush,meinLiebling!Idonotliketohearsuchwordsfromthylips,’saidherfather,astheycrossedthestationsquare,whichlaywhiteandhotinthebriliantsunshine.‘Letustalkofourerrandsinstead.Weneednotthinkofanil-bredBerliner,butonlyofwhatispleasanttousal.’

‘ThereisashopintheMuseumStrassewhereonecanbuybeautifulchina,’saidBette,asGiselaseemedtobereducedtosilencebyherfather’sgentlerebuke.‘WehadthoughtifwegaveMadamealittlecoffee-service.Wehavecolectedenoughmoneyforasmalone.Wouldshelikeit,Joey?Orwecangetheranecklaceofcarvedivorybeads.’

‘It’stoppingofyou!’saidJoeycordialy.‘She’dratherhavethechina,Ibelieve.Shedoesn’tcareagreatdealforjewelery.’

‘Thecoffee-servicethen,byalmeans,’agreedHerrMarani.‘Imustgoinherefortwolittlemomentstobuysomecigars.Thenwewilgotothechinashopandpurchasethecoffee-service.’

‘Howshalwecarryithome?‘askedGrizelpracticaly,astheywaitedforHerrMaranioutsidetheshop.

‘Oh,lookatthoseplums!OnlysixhundredKrönenthekilo!Imustbuysome!’

‘Butthereisnoneed,’objectedBette.‘WearegoingtohaveMittagessenwhenwehaveboughtthepresent.Ifyoueatplumsnowyouwon’tbehungryforit.’

‘Butwemighttakesomehome,’suggestedJoey.‘Wecangetthemwhenwecomeback.Don’tbuyanynow,Grizel.They’donlybeanawfulnuisancetocart

about.Gisela,isthereanywherewhereIcanbuyapictureoftheTiernSee?IthinkM-mysisterwouldlikethatbest.’

‘Yes,ofcourse!ThereisaverygoodshopintheMariatheresienStrassewheretheyhavepicturesandphotographstoo.Wecangothereaswegototherestaurant.’

‘HereisOnkelFlorian,’observedBetteatthisjuncture.

HerrMaranicameoutoftheshopatthatmoment,andtakingJoey’shand,andwithBetteonhisotherarm,said,‘Andnowwearealreadyfortheimportantpartofourholiday.Letusgototheshop.’Heturnedoffashespokedownoneoftheside-streetsthatleadfromtheLandhausStrassetotheMuseumStrasse.

ThereismuchmorecamaraderiebetweenAustriansandtheirchildrenthanbetweenGermansandtheirs,andtheTyrolesemiddleclassanduppermiddleclasstreattheirboysandgirlswithafreedomnearlyconformingtoEnglishideas.HerrMarani,atal,Italian-lookingman,wasdevotedtohistwodaughtersandhisprettyniece,andJoeyandGrizelfeltnoshynesswithhim,sothataltheirtonguesweresoongoingatfulspeed.Hegood-naturedlypausedtoletthemlookattheshops,andansweredtheirquestionsaswelashewasable,promisingthemavisittotheFerdinandeumMuseumintheautumn,andalsoonetothetheatrewhenthereshouldbeagoodplay.

‘Butnotnow,’hesaid.‘Nowthesunshines,anditisweltobeoutinthefreshair.Whenthewintercoldcomeswewilhaveourinsideamusements.Nowthisistheshopwherethechinaissold.Letusgoinandchoose.’

Itwasalveryweltosayit,butitwasdreadfulydifficulttodecideamongsomuch.Therewasonecoffee-servicebespatteredwithpinkrosesonablackground,andanotherwithapurpleclematispatternaloverit,andtheypausedalongtimebeforeoneingoldandblack.However,theyfinalyagreedononewithablueandyelowdesignonawhiteground,whichhadaquaintlyforeignairtobothJoeyandGrizel,andHerrMaranitoldthewomaninchargetopackitupandhaveitreadyforthemtotaketothestationwhentheyshouldreturnfromtheBrennerdrive.Thentheylefttheshop,andturnedoutoftheMuseumStrasseintotheMariatheresienStrasse,whichisafine,widestreetwithverygoodmodernshops.Whetheryoulookdownorupit,youseethemountainswith

whichInnsbrückisringedround.Atthesouthendstandsthetriumphalarchandgate,andbeyondthem,theHerzogFriedrichStrasse,withitscrowninggloryoftheGoldenesDachlor‘GoldenRoof.’

Grizellovedthegreatwidesweepofthemoremodernstreet;Joeypreferredthehistory-steepednarrownessoftheEmperorFrederick’sday-andthereyouhavethedifferencebetweenthetwogirls.HerrMaranihaddiscovereditlongsince,butitamusedhimtoseeitonceagainintheirargumentsaboutthetwomostfamousthoroughfaresofhisbelovednativecity.However,timewasgettingon,sohehushedtheirarguments,andledthemacrosstheroadtotheshopontheoppositesideofthestreet,whereJoeysoonsucceededinchoosingacharmingpictureoftheTiernSeeforhersister.Thentheycrossedoncemore,andenteredtheMariatheresienRestaurant.

Theydidnotpauseinthecrowdedroomwhichfacesontothestreet,butwentrightthroughtotheGardenRoom,wherepalms,afountain,andcreeper-hungtrelisesgaveanopen-airatmospherewhichwasverydelightful.Electricfanswhirlingroundkepttheairfreshandcool,andtheyalsatdownwithsighsofrelief.

Itrealywasboilinginthestreets!

Whenshewascomfortablysettled,Joeylookedround,andgavealittlesqueal.

‘Gisela!Look!There’sthathorridfatwoman!’

Gisela,whowasoppositeher,promptlyturnedround,nearlyoverturningherchairasshedidso,andsaw,sittingafewyardsaway,theirlateenemyofthetrain.Shehadnotseenthem,forshewasburiedinacurrentnumberoftheFliegendeBlätter,whichistheGermanPunch,andshelookedhotterthanever.

‘Horridoldfreak!’murmuredGrizel.‘Doesn’tshelookawful?’

‘Likeascarlethippopotamus!’suggestedJoey.‘IfIwereasfatasthatIshouldgoanddrownmyself.’

HerrMarani,whohadbeendiscussingthemenuwiththewaiter,turnedatthismoment,andcaughtthelastspeechofhisyoungestguest.

‘Josephine!‘heexclaimedinhorror.

Joeyhadthegracetoblush.‘Iknowit’srudeofme,’shemumbled,‘but-sheisfat,isn’tshe,HerrMarani?’

‘Hush,mychild,’hereplied.‘Itiswrongtosaysuchthingsofonesomucholder.Sheisnot,perhaps,socharmingasonewouldwish,butwemustforgetthat.NowletusdiscussourdriveuptheBrennerRoad.IproposethatwegototheAltePost,wherewecangetcoffeeandrolsandbutter.Perhapswemaybeabletofindazither-player,andthenyoushalhearsomeofourmountainsongsamidstthegrandestsceneryonearth.

Then,whenwehavehadcoffee,andyouhavegatheredyourflowers,wewilcomedown,andstopattheshopsforourparcels,andthenwemustcatchthetrain.Youlikethat?Yes?’

‘Oh,rather!’saidJoeyenthusiasticaly.‘It’sjolygoodofyoutogiveussucharippingtreat,HerrMarani.’

Helaughed.‘I,too,likealittleholiday.Herecomesthesoup.’

Joey’seyeswidenedatthethoughtofsouponsohotaday,butwhenitcame,shediscoveredthatitwasiced,andverydelicious.FromherseatshecouldseeFrauBerlingobblingupsoupalso,withsmalregardforgoodmanners.However,HerrMaranikeptherattentionoccupied,andshesoonforgotthefatlady.FrauBerlin,ontheotherhand,hadjustseenthem,andshelookedfurious.Inherindignationshealowedhertempertoovercomeherdiscretion,andshespatvehementlyintheirdirection,justastheheadwaiterpassedbetweenthem.

Therewasaninstantuproar;forhe,intheshockofthemoment,steppedheavilybackwards,almostupsettingGisela,whoseplateofsoupwentflying.HerrMaranisprangtohisfeet,andacoupleofItalianswhowerelunchingnearjoinedinatonce,pouringforthafloodofquestionsandexclamations,and,whentheangrymanagerappearedonthescene,explanationsofthewholeaffair.Severalpeoplewhoweresittingnearstooduptoseebetterwhatwashappening.TheauthorofalthedisturbancesnortedoutsomethingaboutVerdammteEngländerinen,anddemandedherbil.Tenminuteslatershehadgone,everyonehadsatdown,theheadwaiter’sfeelingshadbeensoothedbyagiftofTrinkgeldfromHerrMarani,andthemanagerhadvanished,withonlyaveryhazyideaofwhathadoccurred,butconvincedbyeveryonethatthefaultlaywithFrauBerlin.‘Ihopethatisthelasttimeweshalseeher,’saidGisela.

‘Shehasbeenhorridalround!’declaredGrizelwithconviction.‘Butitwasratherfun,wasn’tit?’

‘Yes,itwas,’agreedBette;‘but,likeGisela,Ihopeweshalseehernomore.’

However,theyweredestinedtomeetheragain,thoughthistheycouldnotpossiblyknowjustthen.

Theyfinishedtheirmealwithoutfurtherdisturbance,andthenHerrMaranitookthembacktotheStationSquare,wheretheygotintooneofthequaintopencarriageswhichalwaysamusedtheEnglishgirlsso,andsetofffortheirdriveintothemountains.

Chapter13.

AtTheAltePost.

‘Oh!Isn’tthisgorgeous?’JoeyBettanydrewalongbreathasshegazedroundheratthemountainswhichroseoneverysideinmajesticsplendour,whilebelow,thepineforestssweptdowntothevaley,wheretheInnwentbrawlingpast,hurryingdowntojoinFatherDanube.AtfirsttheyhadpassedhousesandChâlets,andpeopleleadingheavily-ladenmuleshadstoppedtolookafterthem;butforthelasthalf-hourtheyhadmetnoone.HerrMaranismiledkindlydownatthelittlegirl.Herenthusiasmpleasedhim,for,likealTyroleans,helovedhiscountrydevotedly.

‘Itisfinerfartherup,’hesaid.‘Aswegethigherandhigher,weseethepeaksattheotherside;andifwegohighenough,wecanseetheStubaiGlacier.Wemusttakeyoutheresomeday.’

‘Ifit’sfine,we’regoinguptheMondscheinspitzeonMadge’sbirthday,youknow,’saidJoeyeagerly.

‘So?Thatisapleasantlittleclimb.’

‘IwanttoclimbtheTiernjoch,’putinGrizel.‘Imeantosomeday,too!’

NowGrizelhadsaidnothingaboutclimbingtheTiernjochlately,soJoeyhadimaginedshehadforgottenaboutherdesiretomakeitsascent,andshewas

thoroughlydismayedatGrizel’sremark.

‘IwishHerrMenschhadneversaidanythingaboutit!’shethought.

HerrMaraniraisedhiseyebrowsatGrizel’swords.‘TheTiernjoch?Itisnotagirl’sclimb.Bestleaveitalone-forthepresentatanyrate,’hesaiddecisively.

‘Imeantogo,’saidGrizelstubbornly.‘AndI’mnotababy,HerrMarani.’

‘ButwilMadamepermitit?’putinGiselasomewhattactlessly.‘Itis,asPapasays,averydifficultclimb-Ihavenotdoneityet!Itwouldtireyou,Grizel.’

Grizelmadenoanswer,buthermouthtookitsoldobstinatelines,andJoeymadehastetochangetheconversation.

‘Oh,HerrMarani!Lookatthatlittleboycrossinghisfingersatus!Whyeverdoeshedothat?’

‘Heismaking“thehorns,”‘laughedHerrMarani;‘justincaseanyofushavetheevileye.Thatwildriveawaythedanger.’

‘Whatcheek!Asifwecould!Ineverheardsuchnonsense!’

GiselalaughedatJoey’svehemence.‘Wearestrangers,andthoselivinginthemountainsareverysuperstitious,naturaly.Someofthechildrenseenoonebuttheirownrelativesaltheyearround.Butalthesame,theymustseepeoplegopastinautomobiles,’sheadded,‘forthisisthehighroadintoItaly.’

‘It’stheroadNapoleoncameby,Iknow,saidJoey.‘I’mawfulygladtoseeitonthataccount.’

‘Youadmirehim?Buthealowedhissoldierstobeterriblycruel!’criedBette.‘ThinkofwhattheydidtoAndreasHoferwhentheytookhimprisoner!’

‘Yes,weoftheTyrolfindithardtoforgivethetreatmentmetedoutbytheFrenchtoourgreatpatriot,’

saidHerrMarani.‘Weareproudofhim,forhediedforfreedom.’

‘ButNapoleoncouldn’tknowwhatagreatmanhewas,’pleadedJoey.‘Hedidn’tknowhowthesoldiersweretreatinghimtilitwastoolate!’

‘Heneednothaveorderedhisdeath,’repliedBette.

‘Buttheywereatwar,andAndreasHoferwastheleader.’

‘Youmustagreetodiffer,’saidHerrMarani,seeingthatthetwowerebecomingveryheated.

‘Andanyway,they’vebothbeendeadages,’Grizelchimedin.‘Inevercanseewhyyoumakesuchafussaboutpeoplewhoarepastanddonewith,Joey.Theycan’tpossiblymakeanydifferencetoyouonewayortheothernow.’

Theirkindlyhostburstoutlaughingatthisextremelymatter-of-factviewofthings,andthenpointedouttothemahuge,white,barn-likebuildingupthemountain-side.

‘ThatistheAltePost,’hesaid.‘Weshalbethereinhalfanhournow,andthenwewilhaveourcoffee–’

‘Papa!’Giselainterruptedhimwithacryofdismay.‘Thecakes!Wehaveforgottenthecakes!Nowweshalonlyhaverolsandbutter.’

‘GottinHimmel!Buthowthoughtless!’HerrMaranilookedasperturbedashisdaughter.

‘PerhapstheywilhaveKuchenattheinn,’suggestedBette,notveryhopefuly.

‘Andanyway,itdoesn’tmatter,’addedJoey.‘Wecangetcakesanydaywhenwe’reinthetown.’

ThebigAustrian’sfaceclearedatthat.‘Thatistrue,Bübchen.YoushalhavecakesforFräuleinBettany’sbirthdaytomakeupforyourdisappointmentto-day.Mymothermakesdelicioushoneyandnutcakes,andIwilaskhertomakesomeforyou.’

‘Oh,thatwouldberippingofyouifyouwil,’saidJoeyfervently.

‘Topping!’agreedGrizel.

‘Grandmammamakeswonderfulcakes,’saidGisela.‘Weallovethem.’

‘Madgewilbebucked!’murmuredMadge’ssmalsister.‘Sheisgoingtohaveajolybirthday!’

‘Itwon’tbeabitlikeEnglishbirthdays,’observedGrizel.‘Exceptthepresents,ofcourse,andtheflowers!’

‘Andthebirthdaycake,’addedJoey.‘SheandMademoiselehavemadeahugeone,alrichandplummy,withathreepennyandabuttonandaringin.’

‘Butwhy?’demandedGisela.‘Idonotunderstand.’

‘Don’tyou?Why,whoevergetsthethreepennywilberich,andtheringmeansmarriage,andthebuttonanoldmaid,’explainedJoey.‘Wealwaysdiditathome;andcandlesroundthecaketoo-asmanycandlesasyouareyearsold.’

‘IsMissBettanygoingtohavecandles?’queriedGrizelwithinterest.

‘Idon’tknow;shedidn’tsay.Iexpectshewil,though.Oh,HerrMarani!Justlookatthoseflowers!Can’twegetoutandgathersome?’

‘Besttowaittilwereturn,’headvised.‘Thenyourflowerswilbefreshtotakehome.Wearealmosttherenow.Justonemoreturnandwereachit.’

‘Isay!Wouldn’titbeawfulifFrauBerlinweretobethere?’

AltheothersturnedtoGrizel,whohadmadethischarmingsuggestion.

‘Goodness!Ihopenot!’ThisvigorouslyfromJoey.

‘Whatadreadfulidea,Grizel!’ThusGisela.

WhileHerrMaranisaiddecidedly,‘Oh,Ishouldnotexpectit!’

‘Stilshemightbe,’persistedGrizel.‘We’vemetheroncealready.’

‘Then,ifsheshouldindeedbethere,Ishaltrustyoutosaynothing,donothingthatmayupsether,’saidtheAustriangravely.

‘Supposingshespitsatusagain?‘suggestedJoey.‘Shemight!’

‘ThenyouwilrememberthatyouareEnglish,andanEnglishwomanisnotrevengeful.GiselaandBette,youmustbecarefulofwhatyousay.IdonotwishadisturbancewhichmightmeanthatwecouldnothaveourcoffeeattheGasthaus.’

‘Andhereweare!’exclaimedBette.‘Wewilremember,Onkel.’

Theyjumpeddownasthecarriagedrewupbeforetheinn,andJoeyatoncegaveeagerattentiontothescrolswhichwerepaintedabovethedoorwayingreenandgold;whileHerrMaranigaveordersaboutthecoffeetoaprettydark-eyedgirlwhohadcomeoutonhearingthenoiseofthewheels.

‘Coffee?‘shesaid,inthelow-Germanpatoisofthecountry.‘Yes,Icangiveyoucoffee,verygood,andbread-and-buttertoo.’

‘Haveyouanycakes?’askedHerrMarani.

Sheshookherhead.‘Na;Kuchen,nein!AberMarmelade,’sheaddedgood-naturedly,seeingthedisappointmentonthefourgirlishfaces.

‘Marmeladeistsehrgut.’

‘Wewilhavethat,then,’decidedHerrMarani.

Shenodded.‘ImSpeisesaal-fünfminuten.’

Sheheldupthefivefingersofherlefthandtoemphasiseherremark,andthenranoff.

‘Ialwaysthinkit’ssofunnytocaljam“marmalade,”‘observedGrizelidly.‘Whataprettygirl,HerrMarani!ButshelooksquiteItalian.Look!

Therearesomemore!Whatheapsofchildren!’asfourorfivetow-headedurchinscameshylyroundthecornerofthehousetostarewide-eyedatthevisitors.

‘Alprobablygrandchildrenoftheinnkeeper,’saidGisela.‘Sometimesthreeorfourfamilieswillivetogetherinaplacelikethis.Papa,see!

Hownearthemountainsseem!’

‘Itisonlyseeming,’saidherfather.‘Look,Josephine!ThatisthewayyoucametoInnsbrück.Thereistheline,overthere,acrosstheriver.Andnow,ourfiveminutesareup.Letusgoandseeifourcoffeeisready.’

BetteandGrizelranoninfront,burstingintotheSpeisesaal,onlytodrawupinamazedsilence.TherebeforethemsatFrauBerlin,drinkingcoffeeandeatingbreadatoneofthetables!

Shelookedupastheyentered,andheralreadypurplefacedeepenedincolourassheglaredatthem.

‘Myonlyaunt!’gaspedGrizel,findinghervoiceatlast.

HerrMaraniwasequalythunderstruck;butbeforeanythingelsecouldbesaid,FrauBerlinheavedherselftoherfeet.

‘IwilmitEnglishpig-dogsnoteat!’sheannouncedinthunderoustones.

‘Wel,wedon’twanttoeatwithyou!’retortedGrizelbeforeGiselacouldstopher.

Thewomanglaredatherinstupefiedsilence.HerrMaraniputoutahand,anddraggedtheEnglishchildbackwithsmalceremony.

‘Besilent!’hesaidsternly.‘Gooutside,alfourofyou!’

Howeverindulgenthemightbeinsomeways,Giselaknewthatherfatherinsistedonobedience,soshehauledGrizeloutintotheopenair,folowedbyBetteandJoey,whowerehalfscared,halfinclinedtogiggle.

‘Grizel!’exclaimedtheHeadGirlwhentheywereoutside.‘Howcouldyouspeaksorudely!Shehasrighttobeannoyednow!’

‘I’mnotgoingtobecaled‘pig-dog”byanymeaslyoldGerman!’retortedGrizel.

Giselathrewoutherhandswithalittlegestureofhelplessness.

‘Youareanidiot,Grizel!’remarkedJoeycasualy.‘You’respoilingourfunbybeingsostupid!Ifyou’dleftitalone,she’dhavebeeninthewrong;nowit’sus!’

‘Wel,youcanletthatfatoldpigcalyounamesifyoulike,’flashedGrizel,‘butIwon’t!Youaren’tabitpatriotic!’

‘Howdareyousaythat!’Joeywasbecomingheatednow.‘I’maspatrioticasyou,butI’vealittlemorecommonsense!Ifyou’dheldyourtongue,shewouldhavebeeninthewrong.Butnowyou’vebeenabominablyrudeandletusdown!Patriotic!Huh!Ifthat’syourpatriotism,I’mgladIdon’tpossessanyofit!Anicenameshe’lgivealEnglishgirlsnow,thankstoyoubeing“patriotic”!’Shestoppedforsheerlackofbreath,andGiselapromptlyinterfered.

‘Itisofnousetoquarrelnow.Itisdone,anditisagreatpity,butitcannotbehelped.Joey,wilyoucomewithmetogathersomeofthoseflowers?AndBette,perhapsyouandGrizelwilgotheotherwayandseewhatyoucanfind.’

‘Certainly,’saidBettepromptly.‘Comealong,Grizel!’

Grizel’squickpassionhaddiedbythistime,andshewasfeelingratherashamedofherself,soshemeeklyfolowedBette;whileGisela,takingnonoticeofJoey’sloweringexpression,walkeduptheroad,chattingeasilyabouttheflowerswhichgrewinglorioussplendoureverywhere.BythetimetheyreturnedtotheGasthausinanswertoHerrMarani’scal,thestormhadblownover,andtheywereabletoenjoytheexcelentcoffee,Butterbrod,andPflaumeMarmelade,whichtheprettygirloftheinnlaidbeforethemonatableoutside.Shealsoproducedsomeapples,andtheymadeanexcelenttea.HerrMaraniwas,apparently,quiteundisturbedbyhisencounterwithFrauBerlin,whomtheycouldseeintheSpeisesaalthunderouslydrinkinghercoffee,withherenormousbackostentatiouslyturnedtowardsthem.However,Grizelwasnottogetoffquitesolightly,forwhenthemealwasover,andtheyweregatheringflowerstotakebacktoTiernSee,theirhostcaledhertohim.

‘MeinKindchen,’hesaidgently,‘anothertime,pleasedonotbesoviolentinyourpatriotism.Thereisnorealharmdonethistime,butithasnotmadeourlittleexpeditionthepleasanter,andIdonotthinkMissBettanywouldlikeit.’

‘No,’agreedGrizelmeekly.‘I’msorryIwassorude,HerrMarani.’

‘Thenwewilforget,’hesaidcheerfuly.‘Come,Iwilgetyousomeofthosefernsforyourbouquet,andthenwemustreturn,orweshalbetoolatetocatchourtrain,andIamsureyoudonotwanttowalkupthemountain-roadfromSpärtz.’

‘Don’tforgetwemustcalforthepictureandthechina,Papa,’saidGisela,astheywereoncemoreseatedinthecarriage,rattlingdownthemountain-side.‘Theotherswilwishtoseewhatwehavechosen.’

‘Ofcourse,’hesaid.‘Icanunderstandthat.’

‘It’sgettinghotter,isn’tit?‘remarkedJoey.‘TherewasalovelyfreshbreezeupbytheAltePost,butdownhereit’squitehot.’

‘Thatisbecausewearelowerdown,’laughedBette.‘Onkel,didyouseeHerrRittmeistervonEschenauyesterday?HehadboughtWandaandMariesixbooksofEnglishschool-stories,alnew.Wandasaidshewouldlendthemtous.’

‘Ah,thatremindsme,’saidheruncle.‘Josephine,FrauvonEschenauhastoldmethatshewishestosendWandaandMarietotheChâletSchool.Doyouthinkyoursisterwilbeabletohavethemforboarders?’

Joey’sfaceflushedasshesaidjoyfuly,‘Oh,howgorgeous!IlikeWandaandMariesomuch;don’tyou,Grizel?Yes,I’msureshecanhavethem.Oh,whatsplendaciousnews!’

‘Wearegrowing!We’lbeabigschoolsoon,’saidGrizel.‘Therearefourmoregirlscomingnextterm,andwithWandaandMarie,thatwilmakeustwenty-two,andtheremaybemoreyet!’

‘ArewegoingtoliveatTiernSeealthewinter,Papa?’askedGisela.

‘Yes,Ithinkso,’hereplied.‘IshalspendtheweekwithGrossmutterintown,andcomefortheSunday.

HerrMenschisgoingtodothesame;andBette,Ithinkyouaretolivewithus.’

Betteclappedherhands.‘Howdelightful!Oh,OnkelFlorian,Iamsoglad!ItwouldhavebeensolonelyinInnsbrückwithoutyoual!’

‘Hasn’tthisbeenadayofhappenings?‘saidJoeypresentlyastheyreachedthetown.‘Wheredowego?

Downhere?Oh,IdoloveInnsbrück!Itissuchadeartown!’

Theyretrievedtheirpurchasesandmadeforthestation,whereHerrMaranileftthemforamomentinordertobuyapaper.Astheystoodinalittlegroupwaitingforhim,Grizelsuddenlyutteredanexclamation.

‘Oh,see!Joey!Look!ThereisCaptainCarrickoverthere!’

Herclearaccentscarriedhighabovetheothernoises,andthemanatwhomshewaspointing,indefianceofgoodmanners,heardher,andturned.Itwas,indeed,CaptainCarrick.Raisinghissofthat,hecameovertothem.

‘Wel,girls!Fancyseeingyouhere!IfoundIhadtorunintoInnsbrücktogotothebank.IhaveleftMrsCarrickwaitingformeinMunich.HowisJuliet?Sheisnotwithyou,Isee.’

‘No;wecameintobuyabirthdaypresentforMissBettany,’explainedGrizel.‘Wearegoingbacknow.’

‘AndsoamI-goingbacktoMunich.ButyourmentionofMissBettanyremindsmethatIhaveanoteforherfrommywife-somethingabouthersummerfrocks,Ithink.Iwonder,MissJoey,ifyouwouldmindtakingitforme.Iforgottopostit,andshewilgetitalthesooner.’

‘Oh,rather!’Joeytookthenote,andthentheCaptainbadethem‘good-bye’andstroledaway.

‘Joey,youlookpuzzled,’saidBette.‘Whatisit?’

‘Nothing,’saidJoeybriefly.‘Here’sHerrMarani.’

Theyaccomplishedtherestofthejourneywithoutanyfurtherhappening,andweremetatSeespitzbyMadge,MissMaynard,Simone,Juliet,andtheStevens.

‘Wethoughtwe’dstrolroundtomeetyou,’explainedMadge.‘Whatlovelyflowers!Forme?Oh,thankyou,girls!’

‘Madge,thisisforyou!’saidJoey,producingthenote.‘It’sfromCaptainCarrick.IsawhiminInnsbrück,andhegaveittometogivetoyou,becausehehadforgottentopostit.Hecameintogotothebank,andwasgoingbackto

Munichto-night,hesaid.’

Madge’sblackbrowshadbeendrawntogetherinaquickfrownatthesoundoftheforbiddenChristianname,butsomethinginJoey’stonecheckedher.Sheglancedirresolutelyatthenote.

‘Readit!’urgedJoey.‘Readitnow,Madge!’

‘Oh,yes,MissBettany,pleasereadit!‘echoedJuliet,whohadgonesuddenlywhiteonhearingJoey’snews.‘Yes,readit!’

Withamurmuredwordofexcuse,Madgeopenedtheenvelope,andbegantoread,alittlepuzzledfrownonherface.Suddenlyshegaveventtoanexclamation.

‘Oh,howdreadful!WhatamItodo?’

Chapter14.

Juliet,TheIncubus.

Atoncetheyalclosedroundher-al,thatis,saveJuliet.Shestoodontheoutsideofthelittlecircle,withwhitefaceandeyesfulofdread.Noneofthemnoticedher;theyweretoomuchinterestedinMadgeandtheletter.

‘Whatisit?’demandedJoey.‘What’sthelettersay?’

Madge,readingthecloselywrittenwordsonthesheetofthin,foreignpaper,didnotanswerher,soJoeyshookherarmslightly.

‘Madge,whatisit?’

Withanefforttheeldergirlpuledherselftogether,andrealisedthestartledlittlecrowdofchildrenroundher.

‘Nevermind,Joey,’shesaidsharply.‘MissMaynard,wilyoutakethegirlshome,please?TelMademoiseleIshalbebackpresently.HerrMarani,Imusthaveaman’sadvice.’

‘Certainly,Fräulein.IshalbepleasedtodoanythingforyouthatIcan.Wilyounotcomebackwithus?

Itisdifficulttotalkbusinesshere.Gisela,youmaygotoBuchauwithBette,butmakehastetoreturn.’

Thevariouspartiessetoff,MissMaynardtakingtheChâletgirlsbythelake-roadtoBriesau,whileBetteandGiselastruckoffacrossthewater-meadowsinthedirectionofBuchau,ontheoppositesideofthelake,andMissBettanyandHerrMaraniturnedtowardsTorteswald.NooneevennoticedthatJulietstayedwhereshehaddroppedinthelonggrassinalittleheap,shakingwithsilentsobs.

HerrMaranileftthesubjectoftheletterseverelyaloneuntiltheyreachedtheVilaHubertus,aprettywoodenhousejustoutsideTorteswald.

Arrivedthere,heputMadgeinachairontheverandah,anddisappearedindoors,toreturnpresentlywithacupofcoffee,whichheinsistedonherdrinkingbefore

theydiscussedanybusinesswhatsoever.

‘Youhavehadashock,’hesaid.‘Drinkthecoffee,Fräulein.’

MissBettanydrankit,andfeltbetter.Hetooktheemptycupfromher,placingittooneside,andthensatdownbesideher.

‘Andnow,Fräulein,telmewhathastroubledyouinthisletter.’

Foranswer,Madgehelditouttohim.‘Wilyoureadit?’shesaid.

Hetookitfromher,andreaditslowlythrough.

‘DearMissBettany,’CaptainCarrickhadwritten,-‘PerhapsyouwilbesurprisedatwhatIamgoingtosay.Possiblyyouwilthinkandsayveryhardthingsaboutme.Thatismymisfortune.However,letmebreaktoyouatoncethenewsthatIampresentingyouwithmydaughterJuliet.

CircumstancesoverwhichIhavenocontrolforcemetoleaveEuropeatoncewithmywife.Asulkyschoolgirlwilonlybeanencumbrancetous,addedtowhichIhaveverylittlemoney.Atleastyouhavebeenpaidaterm’sfees,andIdaresayyoucanmakethegirlusefultoyou,andrepayyourselfforherfoodandclothesinthatway.

‘If,inthefuture,Ifindmyselfabletoaffordtokeepheragain,Iwilsendforher.Untilyouhearfrommetothiseffect,sheisinyourhandsandatyourmercy.

‘IregretthatIamforcedtothesemeasures,butIseenothingelseforit.Ofcourse,ifyoulike,youcansendhertothenearestorphanasylum;butIhavemorefaithinyourgoodnessofheart.Foryourownconvenience,ImayasweltelyouthatneithermywifenorIhaveanyrelatives,sosearchforthemwilbeasuselessassearchforus.Julietcantelyouthatmuchherself.-Aurevoir!

‘LindleyF.C.Carrick.’

HerrMaranisworedeeplyinGermanwhenhehadfinishedreadingthisheartlessletter.Then,realisingthatMadgecouldunderstandhim,heapologisedhastily.

‘Icraveyourpardon,Fräulein.Itisthecalousimpudenceofthisman!Heisnotworthyofthenameofeither“man”or“father!”Thatpoorchild,tobe

abandonedthus!’

Atthesewords,aslightfigureroseoutofthebusheswhichcameuptotheedgeoftheverandah,andasobbingvoicesaid,‘MissBettany!Oh,havetheyleftmeagain?’

‘Juliet!’criedherheadmistress.‘Howdidyoucomehere?’

HerrMaranimadethreestrides,andwasofftheverandahandbesidethechildinamoment.HegrippedherbythearmanddrewherintoMissBettany,wholookedatthered-rimmedeyesinthewhitefacewithasofteningglance.

‘Whatdidyoumeanby“again”?’demandedtheAustrian.

JulietflungherselfdownonherkneesbyMadge’sside.

‘Oh,Iwassoafraidwhentheymademeaboarder!’shesobbed.‘TheydiditoncebeforeintheHils;butthattimetheHeadfoundthemandmadethemtakemeback.Thenwecamehere,andeversincehetoldmeIwastobeaboarder,Ihavebeenafraidtheymeanttoleaveme.Inoneway,I’dratherbewithyou,becauseyouarekindtome.Butoh,itissodreadfultobethrownonpeople’scharity!’shefinishedwithalittledrysob.

Madgeslippedanarmroundher.‘Youpoorkid!’

Itwassuchapitifulexistencethechildhadshownherinthatlittlegasping,sobbed-outspeech!Shewasfuriousattheletter,butshecouldnotventherangeronthegirlkneelingbesideher.

‘Don’tcry,Juliet.We’lfixthingsupsomehow.It’sveryhardluckonyou.’

WiththesefewwordsshehadwonJuliet’spassionatealegiance,thoughshewasnottofindthatouttilafterwards.Nowsheturnedtoherhost.

‘HerrMarani,Imustthinkwhattodo.Perhapsyoucanhelpme.Meanwhile,Julietoughttobeathome-it’sgettinglate.HereisGiselacoming.IjustwanttoknowifyoucantelmewhetheritwouldbepossibletogetontoCaptainCarrick’stracks.CouldwewirethematMunichStation?’

HerrMaranishookhishead.‘IdonotthinkhewilhavegonebacktoMunich.

HeismuchmorelikelytohavegoneeasttoWien,orelsestraightthroughtoParis.Wecantry,butIdonotthinkitwouldbeworthit.

TakeJuliethomenow,andIwilthinkwhatisbesttodo.Yes,thatisthebestplan.’

Madge,seeingthatitcertainlywas,gotup,pulingJulietontoherfeettoo.

‘Thankyou,HerrMarani.Wewildoasyousay.Come,Juliet,itissupper-timenow.Stopcrying,child,andcomealong.’

‘Youwilpermitmetorowyouacrossthelake?‘saidtheirhost.‘Itisgrowinglate,andthelaststeamerhasgone.’

Madgethankedhimwithherprettiestsmile.Shewas,asamatteroffact,thankfultohavehimwiththem,forhewasrightinsayingthatitwasgrowinglate.Thewalkalongthelakesideroadwouldbedarkbynow,andthough,asarule,theTiernseerwereapeaceablefolk,littlegiventolatenightsordisturbances,stil,thereweremanyvisitorsnow,andalofthemdidnotbearthequietcharacteroftheTyroleansamongwhomshewasliving.Thejourneyacrossthequietlaketotheirownlittlelanding-stagewasdistinctlypreferable;moreso,sinceshehadbeenoutalday,andwasfeelingtiredoutwithexertionandtheshockCaptainCarrick’sletterhadgivenher.SoshefelinreadilywiththekindAustrian’ssuggestion,andevenmeeklyacceptedtheloanofahugeshawlbelongingtohiswifewhenhebroughtittoherwiththeremarkthathergownwasthinandthat,onthelakeatanyrate,itwouldberatherchilynow.Julietwasmuffledupinasimilarwrap,andthentheysetoffdownthequietroadoverwhichtheoccasionalChâletscastdark,gloomyshadowsinthebrightmoonlight.Feelingthechildbesideherstilquiveringwithanoccasionalsob,Madgeslippedonehandfromunderhershawl,andclaspedthethinfingersinareassuringgrip.

‘Itisverygoodofyou,HerrMarani,’shesaid,addressingherhost,‘Indeed,IthinkeveryoneiskindinAustria.’

‘Oh,bittesehr,’hesaid,glancingdownatherwithasmile.‘Weshouldbearudepeopleindeedifwewerenotgratefultotheladywhoisdoingsomuchforourgirls.AndwearenotPrussians,youknow!’

‘It’sfunny,’saidMadgeslowly,‘buttheonlydiscourtesiesIhavemetwithhavebeenfromPrussians.TheBavariansIknowarealdelightful,andasfortheTyrolese,IcannotsayhowmuchIlikethem.ButthePrussiansseemtobefiledwithahatredasbitterandvenomousasvitriol.’

HerrMaranilaughed.‘Wehadagoodexampleofthatto-day.ThelittleGrizelmakesaworthyopponent.’

‘Anopponent?Why,whatdoyoumean?WhatonearthhasGrizelbeendoing?’demandedMadgewithafeelingofdismay.

‘Oh,shewasnotrealytoblame,’hereplied.‘ItwasaFrauBerlinerwhocreatedmostofthedisturbance,anddasMädchenispatriotic-andhot-headed.Hereistheboat,meinFräulein.Wilyousitinthebows,please,andsteer?’

Hehelpedthemin,andpushedofffromtheland.Whentheywerewelaway,hetoldthemofGrizel’sencounterwiththefatladyofBerlin,describingitwithagooddealofhumour,andglossingoverGrizel’sbehaviourasmuchasmightbe.

‘Oh,dear!I’mafraidGrizelhasbeendreadfulyrude,’sighedtheyoungheadmistress.Then,withasuddenchange,shebegantolaugh.‘Ishouldliketohaveseenit,althesame!Icanjustimagineit!SheisathoroughlittleJohnBul-theresult,Isuppose,ofneverhavingleftherowncountrybefore.Joey,mylittlesister,ismuchmoreofacosmopolitan.Butthen,shehastraveledfairlywidely.’

‘Itwasveryfunny,’agreedHerrMaraniwithareminiscentchuckle,ashedrewupbytheChâletboat-landing.‘No,thankyou,Fräulein,’asMadgeinvitedhimtocomeinforcoffee.‘Imustreturn.Mywifeisaway,andthechildrenwilbeexpectingme.Aufwiedersehen!’

‘Aufwiedersehen,’caledMadgesoftly,astheboatshotoutintothemoonlightoncemore.ThensheturnedtoJuliet.‘Come,Juliet!It’sappalinglylate,andyououghttohavebeeninbedanhourago.’

Julietclungtoherarmamoment,herfacegleamingwhiteinthedusk.

‘MissBettany,you’vebeenawfulygoodtome!I’msosorryIwaseverhorridtoyou!Ifyou’lkeepme,I’ldomylevelbesttohelpyouand-andnotbeanuisance!IpromiseyouIwil!’

Madgelookeddownatherwithalittlesmile.‘Ishouldn’tturnyououtevenifwewereinEngland,Juliet.

Certainlynotinaforeignland.Yourfatherguessedrightlywhenheguessedthat!’

Julietlookedatherwithanexpressioninhereyeswhichmadetheeldergirlexclaimsharply,‘Juliet!Whatareyouthinking?’

‘Iwasthinking-oh,MissBettany,doyouthinktheyarerealymyfatherandmother?DoyouthinkperhapsIamafoundling,andthat’swhy?’

‘Nonsense,’repliedherheadmistressfirmly.‘That’salrubbish,mydearchild.Ofcoursetheyareyourfatherandmother!Nowcomealongin,andthenyoumusthavesomehotmilkandgotobedandtosleep.

Come!’

Sheturnedtowardsthehouseasshespoke,andJuliet,hermindsetatrestonthispointwhichhadtroubledherforlong,folowedobediently.AtthedoortheyweremetbyMademoisele,whowaslookinganxious.

‘Ihadbeguntohavefearsforyou,machérie,’saidthelittleFrenchwomanastheyentered.‘Itissolate,andJulietwilbesoweary.Gostraightupstairstobed,mapetite,andIwilbringtheeacupofwarmmilk.

Goquietly,foralarenowasleep.’

‘Yes,Juliet,go,’saidMadge.‘Goodnight,child!Sleepwel,anddon’tworry!’

‘Goodnight,MissBettany,’repliedJuliet.‘And-andthankyou.’Sheturnedandvanishedupthestairs,whileMadgeandMademoiselewentontotheirsitting-room.

‘Thereisacablegram,Marguérite,’saidMademoisele,astheEnglishgirldroppedlimplyintothenearestchair.‘Drinkthiscoffee,mamignonne.Thouartweary.’

‘I’mcompletelydone,’repliedMadgecandidly,assheopenedthecablegram.

Shereaditaloud.‘”HavenothingtodowithCarrick,Writing.-Dick.”Oh,wel,it’sdonenow!Readthis,Elise,andseewhatyouthinkofit.’

ShetossedCaptainCarrick’sletteracrosstoherfriend,andthenturnedherattentiontothecoffee,eggs,androlsMademoiselehadprovidedforher.

Meanwhile,theFrenchwomanreadtheremarkablecommunicationwithmanyejaculations,butofhorrorandsurprise.Whenshehadfinishedit,sheturnedbacktothebeginningandreaditoveragain.

‘But,mamie,’shecriedinherownlanguage,‘itisvilainy,this!’

‘Vilainypureandsimple,’agreedMadge.‘AsforthatpoorchildJuliet,whatdoyouthinkshehadgotintoherhead?Thatshewasafoundling,andthatwaswhytheyhaddoneit.Apparentlyitisn’tthefirsttimeeither.TheydiditoncebeforeinIndia,shesays.’AndsherepeatedJuliet’spitifulstory,whileMademoiseleutteredlittlecriesofsympathy.

‘Ofcourseheisquiteright,’finishedthegirlsoberly.‘Ishalmostcertainlykeepher!Butimaginethepoorchild’sfeelings!Ofcourseit’sasily,morbididea,andthereisnofoundationforitexceptthisabominablycaloustreatmentofher;stil,that’swhatshewasthinking.’

‘Oh,therecanbenotruththere,’agreedMademoisele.‘Thereisamostclearlikenesstobothparents.But,myMarguerite,haveyouthoughtthattherewilbenowanothermouthtofilandanotherbodytoclothe?

Soonitwilbewinter-alreadyitgrowscolderatnights-andshehasnowintergarmentsatal.’

‘Wel,whatdoyouproposeIshoulddo?’demandedMadge.‘Folowthedelightfulsuggestionheoffersasanalternativetokeepingher,andplaceherinaninstitution?Youknowyouwouldn’thearofit!No,Ishalkeepher.NexttermIshalletherhelpwiththelittleones,sothatsheneednotfeelundertoogreatanobligationtous.Shecandoquitealotwithoutinterferingwithherownwork,andasshewilbetheoldestofourboarders,itneedsurprisenobody.NowIvotethatwegotobed.It’seleveno’clock,andI’mdeadtired.Whatablessingto-morrowisSundayandwecantakethingseasily!Lightthecandlesandcomealong.I’lputoutthelamp.’

Attheheadofthestairssheturnedbeforegoingtoherownroom.

‘Don’tlettheothersknowaboutthis,’shesaidearnestly.‘ItwouldmakeitsodreadfulyuncomfortableforJuliet.Iwilgoandseeherto-morrowearly,andwarnhertosaynothing.Bonnenuit,Elise.’

‘Bonnenuit,mamie.LebonDieutegarde,’respondedMademoisele.

Thentheywenttotheirownrooms,andpresentlydarknessandsilencereignedovertheChâlet.

Chapter15.

Sunday.

TheboardersoftheChâletSchoolalwaysdeclaredthatSundaywasquiteoneofthebestdaysoftheweek.Tobeginwith,theycouldstayinbeduntilnineo’clockiftheyweresominded.Then,aftertheirbreakfastofcoffee,rols,andhoney,theyalassembledinthemeadowwhichranupfromthelakeedgetothepinewood,andMadgereadaloudtothemforanhour.TheCatholicsgeneralyattendedHighMass,whenitwascelebrated,inthelittlewhitewashedchapelwhichstoodneartheKronPrinzKarl;butasthepriesthadalsotoministertoTorteswaldandBuchau,theservicewasheldonlyonceinthreeweeks.Afterthereading,theywerealowedtowanderaboutastheyliked,solongastheykeptwithincal,andtheyweresummonedtodinnerattwelveo’clock.Intheafternoon,theygeneralytookbooksandlayoutside,reading,ortalkingquietly,orsleeping;andintheevening,MadgetooktheEnglishChurchgirls,andMademoiseletheCatholics,andtheyhadquiettalkswhichneverlastedmorethananhour.ThentheywereoncemorefreetodoastheypleaseduntilMarie’sbelcaledthemtosupperandbed.

‘WehavesuchgentleSundays,’MargiaStevenshadoncewritteninalettertohermother,andthequaintepithetexactlyexpressedthefeelingalthegirlshadforit.

OnthisparticularSunday,thefirstpersontoawakenwasJoBettany.Shehadafunnytrickofopeninghereyestotheirwidestextentandthensittingbolt

upright,wideawakeinaninstant.Thismorning,asshesatupinherlittlewoodenbed,gazingstraightoutofthewindow,shesuddenlyrememberedMadge’sexpressionasshehadreadCaptainCarrick’sletterthenightbefore,andherhandsclenched.

‘Ifhe’sworriedMadge,I-I’ltakeitoutonJuliet!’shethought.‘Ihatehim-horridman!PooroldMadge!IwonderifIcouldwakeher?Whattimeisit?‘Sheburrowedunderthepilowandfoundherwatch.Seveno’clock,andmuchtooearlytodisturbanyoneonaSunday!Joeytuckeditbackandturnedherattentiontothebookatthebedside.IthappenedtobeLockhart’sLifeofNapoleon,withwhichDickhadpresentedherjustbeforehehaddepartedforIndia.Thelittlegirlwasreadingitslowly,achapteratatimeinordertomakeitspinout.Usualyshebecameburiedinitatonce,butthismorningshecouldnotfixherattentiononthewoesofthegreatEmperor.Thesightofthegreencoversofthebookrecaledherbrother’scablegramtohermemory,andshebegantowonderwhatnewsithadcontained.Obviouslyithadbeennothingserious,orhersisterwouldhaveletherknowbeforethis.PerhapstheEnglishmailshadbeenlate,andDickhadbeguntoworryaboutthem.Thathadhappenedoncebefore,andhehadcabledthemtoknowiftheywerealright.

‘Idon’texpectwecancablefromhere,’musedthelittlesister.‘SomeonewilhavetogointoInnsbrück,Ishouldthink.HerrMaraniorHerrMenschwouldperhapstakeitforusonMonday,butthatwouldmakeitalongtimeforDicktowait.’

Atthispointthesoundofalightfootsteparousedher,and,turningherhead,shesawMadgecomein,movingcautiouslyassheskirtedtheotherbeds.HerfacelightedupasshemetJoey’sgaze.

‘Soyouareawake!’shesaidinlowtones.‘Ithoughtyoumightbe.Fetchyourthingsalongtomyroom,andwe’ldressandgoout.Iwanttotalktoyou.’

Noiselessasanyghost,Joeyslippedoutofbed,clutchedathergarments,andthentiptoedalongtohersister’sroom.MissBettanywasstandinginfrontofthemirrorbrushingoutherlongcurls.Sheturnedroundashersmalsisterentered,andsmiledinvoluntarilyatthefunnylittlefigureintheyelowdressing-gown.

Joey’shair,rumpledwithsleep,stoodboltupright,andherclotheswerecrumpledupanyhowinherarms.

Herwide,darkeyesintensifiedthestartledairthisgaveher,andsodidherpartedlips.

‘Youdolookafright,Jo!’shesaidintruesisterlyfashion.‘Nowhurryupandgetdressed.IhadmytubbeforeIcametofetchyou,andI’vefileditupagainforyou.Hurry!It’salready,andifyou’requick,we’lhaveajolytimetogether.’

Joeydepositedherclothesonthebedanddeparted,toreturninfiveminutesfreshandglowingfromthestingoftheicymountainwater.Madgewasalmostreadybythattime,freshanddaintyinherplainwhitefrock.Shegaveherlittlesister’swildlocksathoroughbrushing,andthenlefthertomakearaidonthelarder.Whenshecameback,bearingtwolargechunksofcurrantcake,Jowasready,andherbedhadbeenstrippedandtheplumeauxhungoverthebalcony.TheBettanyswerenotdemonstrativeasarule,preferringtoshowtheiraffectionbydeedsratherthanwords,soMadgeunderstoodwhatthatactwasintendedtoconvey,thoughalshesaidwas,‘Here,catch!That’salIcouldfind.Thereisn’tanymilkeither,soifyou’rethirsty,you’lhavetodrinkwater.’

‘Thanksawfuly,’saidJo,withhermouthful.‘RippingcakeMariemakes,doesn’tshe?Arewegoingforatrot?’

‘Justashortone.It’sagloriousmorning-goingtobeboilinglater.’

‘I’mglad.Ilovehotweather,’repliedJoey,asshecreptdownstairsafterhersister.

‘Coldweathermakesmecurluplikeadeadleaf;butthisisgorgeous.Thehotterthebetter,sayI!Andthim’smysentiments!’

‘Bequiet!You’lwakethewholehouseifyouyellikethat!’returnedMadge,theheadmistresscompletelymergedintheeldersister.

Joeygaveasubduedgiggle,butmoderatedhertonesatonce.Madge,glancingather,feltathrobofjoy.

Thethreemonthsinadryclimatehadalreadymadeagreatdifferencetoher.Thecoughhadvanished,andthewarmsunandclearmountainairhadwipedouttheunnaturalpalorwhichherconstantilnessesinEnglandhadproduced.Shewasgettingplumper,too,andhereyeswerebright.Prettyshewouldneverbe,notevenwiththeelusiveprettinessofhereldersister,butshehadlosther

goblin-likeappearance.

‘Youlookpoundsbetter,’decidedMissBettany.‘TiernSeesuitsyou.’

‘Rather!’agreedJo.‘Suitsyoutoo,oldthing!You’reabitmorefreckly,ofcourse,butI’mnotsureitisn’tanimprovement.’

‘Freckly!Youlittlehorror!’exclaimedhersister.‘It’samercythegirlsdon’thearyou!Andthatremindsme,Joey,yourealymusttrytoremembernottousemyChristiannamebeforethem.Youdiditagainlastnight.Yes,Iknowitwasbecauseyouwereexcited;butyoumustn’tdoit,evenifyouarethriledaboutsomething.’

‘Awfulysorry,’murmuredJoey.ThensheslippedherhandthroughMadge’sarm.‘Madge,whatwasinthecablegramfromIndia?’

‘Business,’repliedMadgebriefly.Sheturnedandlookedathersmalsisterthoughtfuly.Shewasn’tverysurehowmuchtotelJoey.Sheknewquitewelthatsomething,atanyrate,mustbetold.Thefamilybabyhadjoinedinaltheircouncilseversinceshecouldunderstandwhattheyweretalkingabout,andsheknewJoeywelenoughtobesurethatshewouldbeintenselyhurtifshewereleftoutnow.Jowasveryclannishinfeeling.

Whatinjuredherbrotherorsisterinjuredher.ShewouldbewonderingwhathadbeeninCaptainCarrick’sletter,andthechanceswerethatifshewerenottoldshewouldguess.Madgedecidedthatitwasbettertotelherthewholetruthratherthanleavethingstohervividimagination.Jo’sfanciessometimestookratherstartlingturns.

‘Jo,’shesaidabruptly,‘I’mgoingtotrustyou.Idon’twantanyoftheotherstoknow,butyou’vealwayssharedwithus,andI’mnotgoingtoleaveyououtnow.ThatletterfromCaptainCarricktoldmethathewasleavingJulietonourhands.Hecan’taffordtokeepher,sohesays,sohe’sdroppedherontous.It’sveryhardluckonher,poorkiddy,becauseshehasnooneforthepresentbutus.Hedidsuggestthatwemightsendhertoaninstitutionifwedidn’twanttokeepher.Butthat’simpossible,ofcourse.’

‘Oh,ofcourse!’agreedJoey,herimpressionablelittleheartfilingwithpityforthegirlwhowaslookedonasanuisancebyherownparents.‘Oh,Madge!PoorJuliet!I’lbeasdecenttoherasIcan!’

‘Don’tletherknowyouknow,’warnedtheeldergirl.‘Shewouldhatethat.JustbenicetoherasyouaretoGrizel,orGisela,orBernhilda.

Remember,Jo,I’vetrustedyou.Dick’scablewaswarningmeabouttheCarricks,butit’stoolatenow.TheonlythingwecandoistobeaskindaswecantoJuliet,andmakethebestofit.’

‘Rather!’ButJoey’sbrightlittlefacelookedpuzzled.

‘Wel!Whatnow?’demandedMadge.‘Whatareyouthinking,Jo?’

‘Iwasthinking,itseemssuchahorridthingtodo,todesertyourownchild!Motherandfatherwouldn’thavedoneit.’

‘Ishouldthinknot!’Madge’sthoughtswentbacktothelong-deadfatherandmotherwhohadlovedtheirchildrensotenderly.‘I’veneverheardofanyotherparentsdoingiteither.Don’tthinkaboutitmorethanyoucanhelp,Joey-Baba.Nowtelmeaboutyesterday.’

‘We’dalovelytime,’respondedJoeyeagerly.‘You’dhaveloveditattheAltePost.Andoh,themountains!Madge,Ilovemountains!’

‘Wel,you’vecertainlygotplentyofthemhere,’saidhersister.‘Goon.Telmewhatyoudid.Oh,andaboutthatBerlinwoman!WhatdidGrizelsay?Iimagineshewasfrightfulyrude,thoughHerrMaranididn’tactualysayso.ButIknowwhatsheisbythistime.Telmealaboutit,Joey.’

Thusencouraged,JogaveafairlyaccurateaccountoftheirvariousencounterswithFrauBerlin,leavingMadgedividedbetweenlaughteratthehumourofital,andhorroratGrizel’sbehaviour.

‘Grizelrealyisdreadful,’shesaidatlast.‘Idohopeyoudidn’tjoinin,Joey?’

‘Madge!Isitlikely?I’vegotalittlecommonsense!criedJoey,distinctlyoutraged.

‘Ishouldhopeso,’returnedhersister;‘butoneneverknows.Nowdon’tgetexcited.Ididn’trealysupposeyoudid.Wel,it’stimetogobacknow,sowe’dbetterturn.HaveyougotanyideasforThursdaybesidestheMondscheinspitzeexpedition?I’veaskedFrauPfeifentomakesomeofthecakesforus,andI

thoughtwe’dgetsometobacco.HerrBraunsaystheherdsmenalwaysappreciateit,because,ofcourse,theycan’tgetitupthere.’

‘Oh,thatremindsme,HerrMaraniisgoingtoaskhismothertomakesomecakesforus,’saidJo.‘Giselasaysshemakesgorgeouscakes-alhoneyandnuts!Thekindthatmeltinyourmouth.Oh,and,Madge,Inearlyforgot!HetoldmetotelyouthatFrauvonEschenauiscomingtoseeyou.HethinksshewantsWandaandMarietobeboarders.Won’titbetoppingifshedoes?’

‘No,realy?’saidMadgewithquickinterest.‘Areyousure,Joey?’

‘Wel,that’swhathesaid,’repliedJo.‘Isay,aren’twegrowing?’

Madgelaughed.‘Weareindeed!Ifwegetanymoreboarders,IshalhavetotakeanotherChâletforustolivein,orhaveschoolin,orsomething.Hereweare!Now,Joey,remember!NotawordofwhatIhavetoldyoutoanyoneelse.’

‘Rathernot!Isay,Madge!Youareasportalright!’

‘Pooh!Nonsense!Icouldn’tturnherout!NowrunalongandstripyourbedwhileIgoandseeaboutbreakfast.’

Joeytrottedoff,andMadgeturnedintothedining-room,wherebasketspiledhighwithbrownrolsandglassdishesfulofamberhoneygavecolourtotheclothlesstable.Thebig,hand-madecupsandplates,withtheircheerfuldecorationofunknownflowerspaintedinvividcolours,whichstoodateachplacehadcomefromTiernKirche.Thetablelookedun-Englishintheextreme,butverypleasantandinviting.PresentlyMariecameinbearingahugeearthenwarejuginwhichsteameddeliciouscoffeesuchasonerarelygetsinEngland.Shefiledthecupsbythesimplemethodofdippingamugintotheboilingliquidandpouringitscontentsintoeachcup,whileMadgearrangedplatesofthesugaroblongs,whichwerethejoyofJoey,atconvenientintervalsdownthelongtable.Hertaskcompleted,Mariecarriedthejugbacktothekitchen,andthenrangthebelwhichbroughtthemal,freshandsummeryintheirwhitefrocks,tothetable.

BreakfastonSundaywasalwaysagaymeal,forruleswerethenrelaxed,andeveryonechatteredinhernativelanguage.Mademoisele,Simone,andJoeywerecarryingonananimatedconversationinFrench,whileGrizelandMargiaStevensarguedamiablyinEnglishabouttheprobableendingofsomebookthey

werebothreading,andMissMaynardandJulietweredescribingtotheothersthewalktheyhadtakenonthepreviousday.Juliet,itistrue,hadlittletosay,butMadgenotedthankfulythatshelookedmorenaturalthanshehaddonelastnight.Onthewhole,theeldergirlfeltgladthatshehadtakenherlittlesisterintoherconfidence.Itwouldmakethingseasier,forshehatedhavinganysecretsfromJo.

Besides,ifanyoneshouldbesurprisedwhenthenexttermfoundJuliethelping,Madgefeltcertainthathersisterwouldputastoptothatbyherownattitudeinthematter.

Afterbreakfast,thegirlsfledupstairstomaketheirbeds,andthestaffforegatheredinthelittlesitting-room,whereMadgetoldMissMaynardthatJulietCarrickwastobeakindofstudent-teachernextterm,asherpeoplehadlostmoney,andhadleftherattheChâletSchoolforthepresent.

MissMaynardwasinterested,butshowednocuriosity.Shewasanicebutunimaginativegirl,andshewasquiteaccustomedtostudent-teachers,andthoughtnothingofthearrangement.WhenMissBettanysuggestedthatperhapsshemightliketogoandwriteherletters,shewentoffcheerfuly,puttingJulietandheraffairscompletelyoutofhermind.

MadgeturnedtoMademoiselewithasighofrelief.

‘Thankgoodness!Iwasn’tsurewhethershewouldwanttoaskquestions,anditwouldhavebeenawkwardifshehad.I’vetoldJoaboutit,Elise.

IfIhadn’t,shemighthaveimaginedthingsasbeingworsethantheyare.Andit’squitesafewithher;shewon’ttalk.’

‘No,thatistrue,’agreedMademoisele.‘HaveyouseenJulietteyet?’

‘No;I’mgoingtoseeherpresentlyandtelherwhatI’vedecided.NowImusthuntupmybook’Sheturnedtothebookshelvesasshespoke,huntingforTheLittleFlowersofSt.Francis,whichshewasreadingtothegirls.Mademoiselewatchedherwithasympatheticsmile.

‘YouareverytenderofJuliette’sfeelings,chérie.Icanbuttrustthatshewilrepayalyourkindnesstoher!Shehasnotprovedanattractivememberoftheschoolsofar.Haveyouforgottentheaffairofthecinemaproprietors?’

Madgeshookherhead.‘No,Ihaven’tforgotten.ButI’msureJulietwildoherbestnow,poorchild.Ah,hereitis!Afteral,Elise,I’mnotsosurethatIblameherasmuchasIdid.Shehasledsuchanimpossiblesortoflife,youknow.’

Therewasamoment’ssilence,thenMademoiseleturnedtothedoorwithalittlenod.‘Perhapsyouareright;weshalsee!Youarenotwantingmethismorning?ThenIwilaskHerrBrauntorowmeacrosstoBuchauforHighMass.’

‘Yes,do,’repliedherfriendabsently.‘Elise,whyarethosechildrensoexcited?Lookatthem!’

Mademoiselelookedoutoftheopenwindow,tobeholdMargia,Amy,andSimoneracingacrossthegrasswitheagerfaces.Atthesamemomentmusicwaswaftedtothemonthewarmsummerair.

‘Aband!Aband!’criedMargia,whohadshotaheadoftheothers.‘Oh,Madame,aband-alviolinsandflutesandthings!’

‘Wel,butwhygetexcitedaboutthat?‘askedMadge.‘We’vehadbandsherebefore-therewasonelastSunday.’

‘Oh,butnotlikethis!Big,verydarkmen,withflashingeyes!’

‘Theywearhankiesroundtheirheads,’putinAmy,whohadcomeup,panting,togetherwithSimone.

‘Verybrighthankies-alblue,andred,andyelow,andgreen!Andhugesilverringsintheirears!’

‘TheTzigane!’exclaimedMadge,hereyesbrightening.‘Why,whatfun!Iwonderediftherewouldbeanyofthemroundherethisyear.They’regipsies,children,andtheirmusicisoftenverywonderful.Wemustgoandlistentothemthisafternoon.Iwonderwheretheywilbeplaying?’

‘Gipsies?ThepeoplewhomakegipsytuneslikeinLiszt’sHungarianRhapsodies?’queriedMargia,whowasintenselymusical,andmeanttobeapianistesomeday.

‘Yes,justexactlythosetunes.You’llovethem,Margia.Theyaren’tabitlikeothermusic,butsomethingwildanduntamedlikethegipsiesthemselves.Idohopethey’veagoodband!Ifso,weshalhaveatreatthisafternoon.’

Atthispointtheotherscametojointhem,readyforthereading,andastheymadetheirwayslowlythroughtheflower-sprinkledgrasstotheshadeofthepines,Madgetoldthemhow,,inHungary,thegipsybandswentaboutplayingatthedifferentinnsinthevilages,spendingtwooreventhreenightsinthesameplace,butneverlonger.Shetoldthem,too,oftheoldsuperstitionthatthegipsieswerecursedwithwanderingbecauseoneoftheirracehadoncedeniedrestandsheltertoourLord.Thegirlsweredelighted,andseeingthis,sherepeatedtheoldlegendoftheattempttostealthenailswhichpiercedChrist’shands.‘Itwasagipsywhodidit-ortriedtodoit,’shesaid.‘Partly,hewantedtheiron;butpartly,also,hehadpityonChrist.Forthatpitysothegipsiessay,thievingisnotcountedbyGodasasininthem,andtheythinknothingofit.Theyareastrangepeople.Theyaretobefoundinmostpartsoftheworld,andtheRomanytongueispracticalythesamethewholeworldover.AgipsyfromIndiawouldtalkwithagipsyfromourNewForest,andeachwouldbeabletounderstandwhattheothersaid.Atruegipsycanneverbehappywithinfourwals.Itismiserytothemtobeimprisonedinanyway.Theyareveryrevengeful,too,andneverforgetawrong.Butthen,itissaid,theyneverforgetakindnesseither.’

Bythistimetheyhadreachedtheirfavouritespot,sotheysettleddown,and,puttingtheTziganeoutofhermindforthetimebeing,Madgereadaloudtothemaboutthegentle‘Brothertoalthings.’

Whenthereadingwasovershegotup,closedthebook,andstroledaway,leavingthegirlstochattereagerlyaboutthevisitors.Everynowandthenburstsofmusic,sometimesgayandswinging,sometimessadandwistful,butalwayswithapeculiarhauntingwildnessinit,cameacrossthemeadowtothemastheysattalkingtogether,orwanderedaboutamongthedarkpinetreesattheedgeoftheforest.Joey,whohadreadTheRomanyRyeandLavengro,toldthemalsheknew,andthefascinatingsubjecthadstilnotbeenexhaustedwhenthe‘tinkle-tinkle’ofMarie’sbelsummonedthembacktodinner.Whenthemealwasover,theywerewildlyanxioustogototheKronPrinzKarlatonce,butMadgeinsistedonanhour’srestfirst.

‘Andnotalking,’sheadded.‘Runalong,alofyou,atonce.’

Whentheyhadgone,sheturnedtotheothertwomistresseswithasmile.

‘Don’ttheythinkmeunkind!’shesaidgaily.

‘It’sextraordinary,though,’repliedMissMaynard.‘Gipsiesseemtohaveafascinationfornearlyeveryone.Asyouknow,weliveneartheNewForest,andwhenIwasalittlechildwewerealwaysmeetingthemorcomingontheirencampments.Iusedtoknowalittleoftheirlanguage,forwealwaysmadefriendswiththem,mybrothersandI.Itissoprettytohearassomeofthemsayit;itrunsalonglikeapurlingbrook.’

‘Iwonderyourpeopleweren’tafraidyouwouldbestolen!’saidherheadmistress.

‘Oh,no!Nothingwouldhavebeenmoreunlikely.Besides,thegipsiesalknewus,andmyfatherwasalwaysverygoodtothem.’

‘Isee.Wel,Idon’tknowwhatyoutwopeoplearegoingtodo,butI’mgoingtowriteletters.Bereadyinaboutthree-quartersofanhour,ifyouwanttocome.’

AndMadgeturnedtoherdesk,whiletheothertwo,takingthehint,vanishedtotheirownroomstilitwastimetowalktotheKronPrinzKarltoheartheTziganemusic.

Lefttoherself,MadgesatdownandscribbledalonglettertoDick,telinghimthefulstoryoftheCarricksandthedecisionshehadmadeaboutJuliet.Thehourwasjustendedasshesignedit,soshegotupandwentouttothemeadowtosummonhergirls.

Theyhadgone,protestingthattheycouldn’tsettledowntoanything;therefore,greatwasheramusementtofindthat,withoutexception,theywerefastasleep,theirbooksandjigsawpuzzleslyingunheededbesidethem,flappingherhands,shecried,‘Wakeup,sleepyheads!Don’tyouwanttocometoheartheTziganemusic?’

Theyalsprangup,andsurroundedheratonce.

‘Arewegoingnow?’

‘Oh,topping!’

‘Shalwerunandchange?’

‘Wel,youcan’tgoinyourschool-frocks,’returnedtheirheadmistress,‘soyouhadbetterhurryupandchangeintoyourwhiteonesagain.’

Theycolectedtheirpossessionsingreathaste,andtoreofftogetintothewhitefrockstheyhaddiscardedbeforelyingdown.Presentlytheywerealready,andsetoffalongthelake-shoreroad,veryfreshandcoolwiththeirbighats.Mariefolowedthembehind,forMissBettanyhaddecidedthattheyshouldhavetheirteaattheKronPrinzKarl,sohadgivenheraholiday.

GoodHerrBraun,theproprietorofthehotel,metthemwithabeamingface,andescortedthemtothreeofthetableswiththeirhugescarletumbrelasnearesttheTzigane.Howtheyalenjoyedthatafternoon-evenJuliet,andSimone,whowassufferingfrompangsofjealousybecauseJoeyandGrizelhadforegatheredatanothertable!Manyoftheirfriendswerethere-HerrMarani,whobroughtoverFrauvonEschenauforachatwithMadge;theMensches,whohadatablenearby;MonsieurandMadameMercierwithSuzanneandYvette;andmanyothers.

AsGrizelsaidafterwards,itwassounlikeEngland.TherewerethegailydressedTziganeplayingasthoughtheyweremusic-possessed;themerrycosmopolitancrowdseatedattheumbrela-shadedtables;thevividbluelake-watersbeforethem;and,surroundingal,thegreatmountains,beautifulinthebrightJulysunshine.

Theystayedacoupleofhours,andthenwanderedbackfortheirquiettalk,whichwasneveromitted.

Astheyweregoingtobedthatnight,Grizelspokewhatwasinthemindsofalofthem.

‘IthinkthishasbeenabeautifulSunday,’shesaid.‘Ifthingswerealwayslikethisitwouldn’tbehalfsohardtokeeprules.’

‘Is’poseitwouldn’trealydoifthingswerejolyalways,’saidJo.‘It’sbecausethey’reunjolysometimesthatwefindotherthingstopping,Ithink.

Itwouldbeawfulydulifthingswerealwaysthesame.’

‘Yes,butsomeexcitementsarehorrid,andwecoulddowithoutthemeasily,’repliedGrizel.

Inwhichshespokemoretrulythanshethenrealised.

Chapter16.

TheMondscheinspitze.

Itmighthavebeenexpectedthat,afterthedelightfulSundaydescribedintheforegoingchapter,thingswouldtakeacontraryturn,andthattherewouldbedirefulhappenings.ButforonceFateprovedkind,andtheweekprogressedquietly,suchsmaleventsasSuzanneMercierpouringinkoverherself,andGrizelandJoeyhavingwhatnearlyamountedtoastand-upfightoverSimoneLecoutier,notcountingatal.ThemorningoftheHead’sbirthdaydawnedinakindofpandemonium,however.MargiaStevenshad,thenightbefore,hitontheoriginalideaofserenadingMissBettanyunderherwindow.Theideaappealedgreatlytothemal,and,afteragooddealofargumentandsquabbling,theyhaddecidedon‘WhoisSylvia?’

‘Ofcourse,thenameiswrong,’saidMargia,‘butshe’lknowwhoit’smeantfor.’

‘Is’posehersecondnameisn’t“Sylvia,”isit,Joey?’askedGrizel.

‘Wel,if“Sylvia”beganwithan“H”-whichitdoesn’t!-itmightbe,’returnedJoeysarcasticaly.ShehadhadwordsoverthesongwithGrizel,sinceherfancyhadbeen‘GoldenSlumbers’-asuggestiononwhichGrizelpouredscorn,andshewasfeelingruffled.

‘Ifyou’restilfeelingmadaboutthatidioticold“GoldenSlumbers,”I’dsayso!’advisedGrizel,smartingunderthesnub.‘Ifweintendedserenadingheratmidnightitwouldbealright,butwhowantsgoldenslumberstokisstheireyesathalf-pastsixinthemorningwhenthey’vegottogetupinhalfanhour?It’ssimplystupid!’

‘Stupidyourself!’retortedJoey,andmarchedoff,folowedbySimone,theever-faithful.However,thequarrelwasmadeupbeforebedtime,andsixo’clockthenextmorningsawthelongdormitoryinthethroesofgettingup.Frombehindtheyelowcurtainwhichdividedoffthecubiclescamesubduedgigglesand

whisperedremarks.

‘Joey,isitfine?What’sitlikeoverthemountains?’

‘Glorious,’returnedJoey,whohadstrippedherbedandwasnowsittingonit,waitingforherturntogotothebathroom.‘It’sgoingtobearippingday.’

‘Bequiet!’hissedJuliet.‘You’lwakenMissMaynardifyoushriekso.’

‘She’sprob’lyawakealready,’returnedJoey,notawhitdisturbed.‘Thankgoodness!Here’sGrizelatlast!

Ithoughtyou’ddrownedyourself!’

‘Rot!I’veonlybeensixminutes!’protestedGrizel.‘Buckupyourself!MargiaandSimonehavetocomeafteryou.’

‘Whataboutmybath?‘askedalittlevoicefromtheothercorneroftheroomwhereAmyStevensslept.

It’salcoldstil,isn’tit?’

‘Oh,bother!Iquiteforgotyouhadn’ttohavecoldbaths!’Grizelpausedintheactofputtingononeofherstockings.‘Juliet,whatshalwedo?’

‘Mariewilbeup.ShalIgodownandaskherforakettlefulofhotwater?I’mjustready,’suggestedJuliet.

‘Wilyou?That’dbetoppingofyou.Yes,dogo!’urgedGrizel.‘Hulo,Joey,oldthing!Youcan’thavehadmuchofabath!Youhaven’tbeenaminute!’

‘Have,though!Tootleon,Margia!You’renext,aren’tyou?’

MargiaandJulietvanishedtogether,andpresentlyJulietcamebackwithabigjugofwarmwatersuppliedbygood-naturedMarie.

‘Comealong,Amy,’shesaidcheerfuly.‘I’ltubyouthismorning.Wecan’twaittilMademoiselecomes.’

‘Oh,thankyou,Juliet,’repliedAmyshyly;whileGrizelstoppedintheactofbrushingouthercurlymoptogapeopen-mouthedathercurtains.

WhenhadJulieteverofferedtohelpanyonelikethatbefore?

Amyherselfwasverystartled.ShehadneverlikedJuliet,butwastooshytorefusetheoldergirl’shelp,sosubmittedinsilencetobeingbathedwithmuchvigourandgoodwil,ifwithsomeclumsiness.Juliet’swholeheartedrubbingwiththetowelbroughtaninvoluntary‘Ow!’fromher,butwhentheSenior,conscience-stricken,asked,‘DidIhurtyou?’sherepliedhastily,‘No,oh,no,Juliet!Andit’sverykindofyoutobathme.Thankyousomuch.’

‘Calmeifyouwantanythingtiedorbuttoned,’saidJuliet,asshereturnedtoherowncubicle.‘Margiawilhavetodressherself,andI’mpracticalyready,soIcanhelpyoueasily.’

Grizelrestrainedanexclamationofsurpriseintime.Shestrippedherbedinanawestrucksilencewhichlasteduntiltheywerealreadytoleavetheroom.ThenJoeyrousedher.‘Aren’tyoufeelingwel?’shedemandedbluntly.

‘Yes,quitewel!Why?’queriedGrizelsomewhatincautiously.

‘You’resosilent!You’vescarcelyspokenatal!’grinnedJo.‘Ithoughtsomethingmustbethematter!’

‘Soitis,Joey!JulietdidpracticalyeverythingforAmy!Didyouever?’

‘Wel,that’snothingtobewonderedat!’returnedJoeysmartly.‘She’stheoldestofus,andsomeonehadtohelpAmyorshe’dneverhavebeenready!Youknowwhataperfectbabysheis.’

‘Oh,yes,ofcourse!’saidGrizeluncertainly.‘Iexpectyou’reright,Joey!’

‘CourseIam!Nowcomeon,anddon’tstandpow-wowinganymore!’

Theyalslippeddownthestairsandoutintotheglorioussunlight,colectinginagaylittlegroupunderMissBettany’swide-openwindows.

‘Let’sstartwith“GoodKingWenceslas,”‘giggledJoey.

‘Yes;IfeelratherlikeChristmascarolstoo,’agreedGrizel.

‘Stopragging,youtwo!We’rewaitingforyou!Thisisthenote.’AndMargia

sang‘Loo!’inaverytruelittletreble.‘Now!One,two!’

Theyalstartedoff,andMadge,whohadbeensleepingthesleepofthejustlyweary,wasrousedbythenotesof‘WhoisSylvia?’sungfortissimobythewholeband.

Shequicklyguessedthemeaningoftheserenade,andsatupinbedwithachuckle.Astheyfinished,shegotintoherkimono,andranacrosstothewindow.

‘Hulo,everybody!’shecaled.‘Whatajolyawakening!’

‘It’stowishyoumanyhappyreturns,MissBettany,’caledupGrizel.‘ItwasMargia’sidea,realy.Didyoulikeit?’

‘Yes;itwasdelightful.Thankyoualverymuch!NowI’mgoingtodress.’ShewithdrewherheadjustasatapatthedoorheraldedJoey’sadvent.

‘Hulo!Manyhappyreturnsofyourbirthday,’shesaid.‘I’vebroughtyouthis.’Shepresentedherparcel,andMadgeopeneditwithdelight.

‘ApictureoftheTiernSee!Joey!Yougem!It’sjustwhatI’vewanted,’shecried.‘Youcouldn’thavegivenmeanythingbetter!’

‘Gladyoulikeit,’returnedJo,assheturnedhercheekforhersister’skiss.‘HerrMaranihelpedmetochooseitlastSaturday.Isay,canIhelpyoutodress?I’lstripyourbed;shalI?’

Shesuitedtheactiontotheword,andpresentlyMadgesauntereddownstairs,readyfortheday,inherpalegreenfrockandsensibleknittedstockings.Mariewasscurryingroundgettingbreakfastready.ShestoppedtoofferhergoodwishestogetherwithabouquetofAlpenroses,whichshehadgatheredtheeveningbefore.

‘FürMadame,’shesaidshyly.

‘Oh,Marie!Howgoodofyou!AndIloveAlpenrosessomuch!’

Marienoddedandsmiledassherepliedinherownlanguage,‘Madameissogood!IhopeitwilbeapleasantdayforMadame’sfeast-day.’

Thenshewentonwithhertask,whileMadgeperformedherusuallittleduties.Breakfastwasahilariousmeal,folowedbyagayrushtoputinbedmakingandpractice.Nineo’clockbroughtaltheboarders,flower-ladenandbeaming.GiselaandBettecarriedthebasketcontainingthepreciouschinabetweenthem,andMariahadanother,fulofGrossmutter’sdeliciouscakes.

‘Hurryup!Hurryup!’exclaimedJoey,dancingwithimpatience.‘I’vegotthetrayfromMarie,andMademoiseleiskeepingMadametalkinginthedining-roomtilwe’reready!Hereyouare!Nowbuckup!’

Inthebigschoolroomtheyarrangedthedaintycoffee-serviceonthebigblacktrayJoeyhadproduced.

Thentheyformedupintheirusuallines,andAmywassenttoringthebel.Shecamescamperingback,proclaiminginastagewhisper,‘She’scoming!’

Thesoundoflight,rapidfootstepsfolowed,andthenMissBettanycameinandtookherplaceonthedais.

Asshedidso,achorusofbirthdaygreetingsinGerman,French,andEnglishcamefromtheeighteengirlsassembledbelowher.Astheyspoke,theyalraisedtheirbouquets-theday-girlshadbroughtflowersfortheboarders-andthebeautyoftheflowers,thegoodwilandaffectioninthegirlishfacesbeforeher,broughtalittlethriltotheyoungheadmistress,andtouchedhercharmingfacewithrathermorecolourthanusual.

ThenGiselaandGertrudcameforward,carryingbetweenthemthetraywithitsdaintyburdenofchina.

TheHeadGirllookedratherflushedandnervouswithherresponsibilities,butsherosetotheoccasionbravely,andsaidinherclear,carryingvoice,‘Madame,bepleasedtoacceptfromusalthissosmaltokenofourfeelingsforyouonthisyourfeast-day.’

‘Thankyou,girls,’saidMadge,alittleshyly.‘Itisverygoodofyouindeed,andIcannottelyouhowmuchIappreciateyourkindnesstome.Ifanythingcouldhavemadeitahappierbirthdayforme-thefirstbirthdayIhavespentintheTyrol-yourthoughtcould.’

Thencamethebusinessofpresentingthebouquets,andsoonthetableonthe

daiswasheapedwithlilies,roses,marguerites,gentians,singledahlias,Alpenroses,andpeonies,untilthatendoftheroomwasglowingwiththeircolourandbeauty.When,finaly,littleGiovannaRincinihadtrottedupwithherarmfulofliliesanddahlias,Giselacaledforthreecheersfor‘OurdearMadame!’whichweregivenheartily,andthentheseriousbusinessofthedaywasover.

‘Inhalfanhourweshalstart,’saidMadge,smilingatthemoverthegreatheapofflowers.‘First,Imustplacetheseinwaterandputtheminacoolplace.Thenwemustcolectupalourpossessions,andthenwecansetoff!Joey,pleasegoandfetchmesomebigbowls;andGrizelandJuliet,Iwantsomewater.Takethemintothedining-room;thatisthecoolestplace,Ithink.MissMaynard,ifyouwillookaftertheyoungergirls,Mademoiselewilseetothefood,andthePrefectswilhelpmetoarrangetheflowers.’

Theyalflewofftodoherbidding,andbyteno’clockalongstringofgirlswastobeseensettingoffupthepathwhichledtotheLauterbachValey,throughwhichtheywouldhavetowalkinordertoreachthemountain-paththatleduptheMondscheinspitze.Thevisitorswhomtheymetlookedatthemwithinterest.

AlhadheardthestoryoftheEnglishschoolwhichwasprosperingsofinelyintheChâletatthelakeside.

Thefresh,daintyuniform,sodifferentfromtheuniformofmostforeignschools,attractednoticetoo,andsodidthehappyfacesofthewholeparty.

Aslongastheykepttothebeatentrack-thatis,untiltheyreachedthewhitewoodenrailingsthatfencedoffBriesaufromtheLauterbachValey-theywalkedin‘croc,’butassoonasthegatehadswungbehindthem,theybrokefile,andwanderedhappilyalonginlittlegroups,chatteringgailyamongthemselves.

Gisela,Gertrud,Bette,andBernhildaattachedthemselvestoMissBettany,andweresooneagerlycomparingthedifferencesofCornishpicnicsandTyroleanones.MissMaynardandMademoiselewerediscussingParis,whichtheformerknewverywel,sinceshehadbeenatschoolthere.Thelittleones,needlesstostate,chasedbutterfliesandgatheredflowers;whileJoey,Grizel,andSimone,foronceincompleteaccord,stroledalongamiablytalkingabouttheirclimb.PresentlytheycamewithinsightoftheTiernjoch,eveninthisdayofglorioussunshinedarkandgloomy,withahintofmenaceinitstoweringcrags.Grizelstoppedandtiltedbackherhead,lookingatitwithadeterminedgleaminher

eyes.

‘I’lgouptheresomeday,’shesaidaloud.

Joeyfolowedhereyes.‘TheTiernjoch?Oh,Grizel,Iwishyouwouldn’t!’

‘Don’tbesily!It’sonlyalittleclimb!‘Tisn’tevenasiftherewereanyglaciertocross!’retortedGrizel.

‘Why,there’snosnoworanything!’

‘It’ssuchacruel-lookingmountain!’saidJowithalittleshiver.‘Itlooksasifitdidn’tcarehowmanypeoplewerekiledonit!’

‘Joey!Tosh!That’sonlyyoursilyimaginings!’beganGrizel.Thenthesuddenwhitenessofherfriend’sfacemadehersorryshehadmentionedit,sosheadded,‘Anyway,I’mnotgoingto-day-orthisweekeither,sokeepyourhairon!’

‘Ithinkyouareunkind,Grizel!’brokeinSimoneunexpectedly.‘Alwaysyoutease,teaseJoey!AndshehatestheTiernjoch!’

‘Tisn’tyourbusiness!‘Grizelwasbeginningheatedly,whenJoeystoppedher.

‘Oh,shutupquarreling,youtwo!An’ifyoumentionthatbeastlyTiernjochagain,GrizelCochrane,I’lgoaway,an’youcanwalkwithsomeoneelse!Sothere!’Andshemarchedahead,leavingGrizelandSimonetofolowmeeklyafterher.

Luckily,atthatmoment,loudscreamsfromAmyStevensdistractedeveryone’sattentiontoher,asshecameflyingdowntheslope,yelingatthefulpitchofherlungs,‘Ooh!Ooh!Asnake!Asnake!’

‘What!’exclaimedMadge.Shestartedforward,catchingupthefrightenedchild.‘Amy!Areyouhurt?

Stopcrying,dear,andtelme!’

‘No,sheisn’t!’Margiasuppliedtheinformationdisgustedly.‘Shesawalittlegreenysnakecurledupasleepbythatstone,andsoshehowled!Itnevercamenearher!’

‘ThankHeaven!’Madgesetthechildonherfeetagainwithasighofrelief.TherewereveryfewsnakesfoundroundtheTiernSee,and,sofarassheknew,theonlyvenomousoneswerevipers,whichwereevenmorerarelyseenthantheharmlessgreenvariety;butAmy’sshriekshadscaredherforthemoment.‘There’snothingtocryabout,Amy,’sheadded.‘Ifyouscreamwhenyouonlyseeasnake,youaren’taverypluckyperson,areyou?Nowdryyoureyesandstopcrying.And,girls,don’tgointothelonggrass,please.’

‘Itwilbealright,Madame,’saidGiselaseriously.‘Snakespreferthesun,andthatgrassisintheshadow,andiscold.’

‘Nevertheless,Ishalfeelsaferifyoukeepmoretothepath,’returnedherheadmistressdecidedly.‘Frieda,I’msureyou’vecarriedthatbasketlongenough.GiveittoJoey.AndGrizel,takeJuliet’sforawhile.’

Theywentonagain,MadgekeepingarathernervouseyeontheJuniors.However,theysoonhadtoleavethetrack,andstrikeacrossthevaleytogettothemountain-path.

‘Dowecrosshere?’demandedMissBettany,eyeingwhatlookedlikethestonybedofadried-upriversomewhatdoubtfuly.‘Isn’tthereabridge?’

‘Onlyalogfurtherdown,’saidBernhilda.‘Yousee,Madame,whenthestormsofautumncome,thisisatorrent,andalreadythreebridgeshavebeensweptaway.Thewatercomessuddenly,andthereisnothingtobreakitsstrength.Itiseasytoreach,though.See;downhere.’Andshepointedtosomerough,naturalstepswhichleddowntothestonybed.

Alreadymorethanhalfthegirlswerestrugglingacross,theunfortunatebearersofbasketsutteringwildshrieksasthestonesslippedundertheirfeet,andtheymorethanoncenearlywentheadlong.Atlengththeywerealsafelyattheotherside,andoncemoreonthebeatenpathwhichledthroughgrassandwildflowerstothefootofthemountain,wheretheyalpausedforarest.

‘Ouf!Isn’tithot!’pantedMargia,asshemoppedhercrimsonface.

‘I’mjustcomfortable,’saidJoeywithanexasperatinglysuperiorair,‘butI’mawfulyhungry!What’sthetime,anyone?’

‘Itishalfaftereleven,’saidGisela,glancingatherprettylittlewatch.

‘Youmustbeslow,Gisela,’laughedJuliet,showinghers.‘Imakeittenpasttwelve.’

‘SodoI.’saidMadge,‘andminewasrightthismorning.MissMaynard,whatdoesyourssay?’

‘Nearlyquarterpast,’repliedMissMaynard,‘butImaybealittlefast.’

‘Wel,anyhow,it’stimeforlunch,’saidJoey.‘Dolet’shaveithere!’

‘Oh,yes!‘agreedseveralvoicesatonce.‘Iamhungry!’

Madgelaughedandgaveway.‘Verywel.I’mratherhungrymyself;anditwouldcertainlylightenthebaskets!’

Accordinglytheyalsatdown,andinaveryfewminutesthebasketswereconsiderablylighterthantheyhadbeen.

‘It’sfunnyhowmuchhungrieroneisoutofdoorsthanin,’saidGrizelpresently,asshetackledhersixthsandwich.

‘Itis!’agreedJoey.‘ButI’mnotsohungryasIwas,’sheaddedpensively.

‘Afterhavingonlyfivesandwichesandsixbiscuitsandtwoapples!’jeeredGrizel.‘Theremustbesomethingupwithyou,Joey,oldthing!’

‘Youcan’ttalk!’saidJoeycontentedly.‘You’vehadjustasmuch.Isay,’sheaddedinratherchangedtones,‘where’sthelemonade?’

‘Bettehasit,’saidGisela.

‘Ihaven’t,’repliedBette.‘Ithoughtyouhadit!’

‘No;Iwascarryingtheapples.Iwascertainyouhadit!’

‘Oh,no!Ineverhadit!’

Madgebegantogurglewithlaughter.Itwasonlytooplainwhathadoccurredtothatlemonade.

‘Sittinginthepassageathome,’shechoked.

‘Oh!AndI’mdyingofthirst!’

‘AndI!’‘AndI!’roseonalsides.‘Whatarewetodo?’

‘WaituntilwereachtheAlpe.Wecangetplentyofmilkfromtheherdsmen,’saidMissBettanysomewhatunfeelingly.‘I’msorry,butit’syourownfaults.’

‘Then,’saidJo,scramblingtoherfeet,‘there’sonlyonethingtobedone-getuptotheAlpeassoonaswecan.Comeon!’

Therewascommonsenseinherstatement,sowithloudgroansthegirlsrepackedthebasketsandsetoff.

TheclimbuptheMondscheinspitzeisremarkablyeasy.Thereisawel-definedpath,whichwindsinandoutamongthedarkpinetrees,everynowandthencomingoutintonarrow-verynarrow-grassyledges.

Presently,however,itleftthewoods,andtheyclimbedupthebarelimestonefaceofthemountainbeneaththeglareoftheJulysun.Tuftsofgrass,withwildscabiousandwhitemarguerites,punctuatedtheway,andgorgeousbutterflies,brownandorangeandscarletandyelow,flutteredroundthem,solittleafraid,thatoftentheysettledonhatorfrock,andlittleAmyStevenscriedoutindelightwhenonebalanceditselfonheroutstretchedfingers,restingthereforamomentbeforeitflutteredoff.

Madgewasthankfulforthedistractionthedaintycreaturesaffordedthegirls;otherwise,theJuniorsatanyratewouldhavefoundthepathmoredifficultthantheydid.Asitwas,shewasverythankfulwhenatriumphantcryfromJoey,Simone,andFriedaMensch,whohadracedon,announcedthattheyhadreachedtheAlpe.

‘Isn’titagorgeousview?’demandedJo,whentheywerealstandingontheshort,sweetgrass.‘Justlook!’

Theylooked.Attheirfeetlaythevaleytheyhadcrossedthatmorning,coolandgreen,withtheemptyriver-bedstretchinglikeawhiteribbondownitslength.InthedistancetheycouldseeBriesau,lyinglikeatoyvilagesomegiantchildhadsetout;andbeyondit,blue-blue-blue,theTiernSee,aliving-sapphire,gleamed

beneaththesun.

‘Oh,wonderful!’breathedMadgesoftly.

Theydidnotgazelong,however;theywerealtoothirsty.Withoneaccord,presently,theyturned,andmadefortheherdsmen’shut-andmilk.

Chapter17.

OnTheAlpe.

AlthoughbothJoeyandGrizelhadbeenuptheBärenbadAlpemanytimessincetheirarrivalatBriesau,andhadpartaken,intheChâlet,ofwhippedcream,wildstrawberries,andbread-and-butter,theyhadneverbeeninsideaherdsman’shut,andgreatwastheirinterestinit.ThesameappliedtoSimoneandthetwolittleStevens,buttheywereyoungerandlesscuriousaboutthewaytheherdsmenlivedthantheothertwo.

Onlyonemanwastherewhentheyreachedtheplace-atal,lankyyoungfelow,inweather-stainedgreenbreechesandraggedshirt,openatthethroat.His-blackhairwasroughandlong,andhisfaceburntbrownwiththeweather.HeworethelittlegreenTyrolesehatwithitscock-feather,andwassittingcontentedlysmokingalongchina-bowledpipe,suchasmostmensmokeintheTyrol.Onseeingthemcoming,herosetohisfeetwithasmileofwelcomeandahoarse-voiced‘Grüss’Gott!’

‘Grüss’Gott!’repliedMadgebriskly.‘Canyouselussomemilkandcheese?’

‘Yes,graciouslady.Wilthegraciousladyandtheyoungladiescomein?’

OnlytheEnglishgirlsavailedthemselvesofthisoffer,sothattheymightlookroundatthelittlebareroom,withitshugewelinonecorner,whereawoodfirewasburningalthoughthedaywassohot.Abroadshelfranroundtheroom,welabovetheirheads,andonthisstoodenormousearthenwarepansforthemilkandbigcream-colouredcheeses.Theonewindowwasabouttwofeetsquare,andsethighupinthewal;alongwoodenbenchstoodatoneside,andnexttoitahugecheesepress;adooropenedintoanotherroombeyond,wheretrussesofhayweretobeseen.Theatmosphereoftheplacewasindescribable-amixtureofcheese,garlic,tobacco,andburningwood.Thevisitorssoonleftthehutforthe

sweeteratmosphereoftheAlpe,wheretheothersweregravelytakingitinturntodrinkoutofanenormousbowl,fulofrich,creamymilk,whiletheirhoststoodnearby,stilsmoking,andgazingvacantlyacrosstothemightypeaksontheothersideofthelake.

WhenMissBettanypresentlybroughtbacktheemptybowl,togetherwiththetobaccoshehadbrought,andsomeKrönernotestopayforthemilk,hesmiledagain,andansweredherquestionsinhiscuriouslyhoarsetones.

Yes,heandfourotherswerethereforthesummer.TheyhadcomeupearlyinMay,andwouldstaytheretiltheendofSeptemberiftheweatherwasgood.Thenthecattlemustbebroughtdowntothevaleybeforetheautumnstormsbegan.

‘Butaren’tyoueverlonely?’queriedJoey,whohadaccompaniedhersistertothehut.‘Don’tyoueverwanttogodowntoBriesau?’

Heturnedindifferentdarkeyesonher.‘No,gnädigeFräulein.Therearethecowsandthemountains.Wearefive,andIhavemypipe.’

‘Whatdothecowsdointhewinter?’askedMadge,afineinstinctpreventingherfromaskingwhathedid,thoughshefeltcuriousaboutit.

‘Theyliveintheshedsinthewinter,’hereplied,‘andIgotomyhomeinScholastika.Theydonotneedusinthewinter,sowealgotoourhomes,andpraytoderlieberGottandtheblessedSaintsforanearlyspring.Lastwinteritdidnotcome,andsomeofuswenthungryforatime.’

‘Howdreadful!’saidJoeywithwholeheartedsympathy.‘Ihopeit’sagoodautumn.’

‘ItwilbeasderlieberGottwils,’hereplied,withthecuriousfatalismofhisrace.

‘Isitveryterribleuphereinthewinter?‘askedMadge.

‘Idonotknow.Ihaveneverbeen,’hereplied.

Seeingthathisinterestintheconversationseemedtobedying,Madgemadearrangementsformilkandcheeseforthetea,andthenwentbacktoherflock,Shefoundthemallyingaboutinexhaustedattitudes,andpromptlyproposedthattheyshouldhavearestbeforeexploringtheAlpeanyfurther.

‘Itwilbeeasiergoingdownthancomingup,’shesaid.‘Weclimbedinthenoon-dayheat,butbythenitwilbecool,soweshalgotwiceasquickly.Liedown,everyone,forhalfanhourorso,andthenweshalalbefresh,andreadyforanything.’

‘Goodscheme!’saidJoeyapprovingly.‘I’mawfulysleepy-Is’poseit’stheheat.Hai-yah!’Sheendedwithayawn.

‘It’sbeingupsoearly,too,’saidJuliet.

‘Yes,thattoo,’agreedherheadmistress.‘Halfanhour,orevenanhour’ssleepwon’tdoanyofyouanyharm.I’vegotabookinmypocket,soI’lreadandkeepaneyeonthetime.’

Theypromptlycurledupinvariousattitudes,MademoiseleandMissMaynardamongthem.Atfirstthereweresundrymurmurs,butbydegreestheyaldroppedoff,andMadgewassoontheonlyoneawake.Sheglancedatherwatchwithasmile.

‘Aquarterpastthree,’shethought.‘I’lletthemsleepforanotherhalf-hour,andthenwemusthavetea.’

Sheturnedbacktoherbook.Itwasterriblyhot-almostoppressivelyso,althoughthesunwasnotshiningsobriliantlyasithaddoneearlierintheday.TheGermanprintlookedalfunnyandjumbledup;thepagewasn’tthereanymore.Madgewasasleep.

Thelonelyherdcamepastthemlateron,onhiswaytothespringwhichbubbledupoutoftheearthattheothersideoftheAlpe.Helookedatthemcuriously,butitwasnobusinessofhis,soheleftthem.

Meanwhile,thesunlightfadedaway,hiddenbythehugeblackcloudsthatbegantomarshalthemselvesinterrifyingsquadronsinthenorthwest.

EventhefaintbreezewhichhadstirredtheAlpineflowersintheshortgrasshad

diedaway.Therewasawaitingstilness,brokenonlybytheoccasionalcryofawildbird,frightenedatwhatitfeltwascoming.

Joeywasthefirsttofeelit.Shewokeupwithasensationthatsomethingwaswrong.Thenextminutesheknewwhatitwas.Theelectricityintheairwastinglingthroughandthroughher.Shesprangtoherfeetwithalittlecry,gazingwildlyroundher.Thesunshinewasgone;thewholeplacewaswrappedingloom.Attheothersideofthevaleythemountainsrearedghastlywhiteheadsagainsttheblacknessofthesky,andeverynowandthenthelightningflashedacrosstheawfulinkiness,seemingtoripitopenforamoment.Therewasnothunderyet,whichmadeitalthemoreterrifying.ForamomentJoeynearlylostherhead.Dashingtohersister’sside,sheshookhervigorously.

‘Madge!Madge!Wakeup!Wakeup!Madge!I’mfrightened!’InamomentMadgesatupandregardedtheawesomescenewithhorrorinhereyes.Thenextinstantshewasonherfeet.

‘Thunder!WhatafoolIwasnottothinkofit!Joey,beaman!Youmust!Wemustgetdownatonce!

Girls!Wakeup!’

Theywokeupatherurgentcries,andSimoneandAmypromptlyburstintotears.TheTyroleansweretooaccustomedtotheterriblethunderstormswhichcomeupwithsuchterrifyingsuddennesstobescared,althoughtheeldergirlslookedserious.Theyknewwhatthunderfromthenorthwestmeant.

Meanwhile,thethreeeldersweretakingrapidcounsel,whileJulietandGiselatriedtoconsolethetwoweepers.Joeywaswatchinghersister’sfaceanxiously,andGrizelwastooexcitedtofeelafraid.

Then,evenasMissBettanyturnedtobidthegirlshurrytothemountain-path,therewasavividglare,thatseemedtorendtheverycloudsasunder,folowedbyaterrificcrash,whichscaredwhatfewwitsSimonehadleftcompletelyfromher.SheclungtoMademoisele,screaminghystericaly,andMadgerealisedthatiftheyweretogetherdownthepathataltheywouldhavetocarryher.

Asuddenshoutcomingoutofthegloomwhichhaddescendedsorapidlymadeherturn,andtherewastheherdsmanrunningtowardsthem,beckoningtothemashedidso.Inaflashsherealisedthathemeantthemtocometothehut.The

nextmomentthedarknessdescendedcompletely,andoverheadthelightningflickeredandthethundercrashedalmostincessantly.Therewasnoquestionofgoingdownyet.EvenifSimonehadkeptherheaditwouldhavebeenimpossible.Thepathwaseasyenoughindaylight,butthereweregreattreerootssprawlingacrossitatintervals,aswelasoccasionalboulderswhichhadworkedlooseandroledintoit.Anyattempttodescenditnowwasmorethanlikelytoendinsprainedankles,ifnothingworse.Shemadeaswiftdecision.Evenasthepantingherdreachedthem,shespoke.

‘Come!Wemustgotothehut!Itistheonlythingtodo,andwecanstaytheretilitisover–’

Therestofhersentencewasdrownedinamightypealofthunder.Thegirls,luckily,weretrainedtoaninstantobedience.Gisela,Bette,andBernhildahadalreadycolectedthebasketstogether,andnowtheyalturnedandfolowedtheman,whohadpickedupSimonewithasmuchceremonyasifshewereabundleofhay,andwasnowleadingthemacrossthelittleplateautothehut.

Itwasrealyquiteashortdistance,buttoMadgeitseemednever-ending,thatstrangewalk-halfwalk,halfrun-inalmostpitchyblackness,lightenedonlybythefearfulglareofthelightning,whilealroundthemthethunderroaredfrighteningly.LittleAmyStevenswasbetweenherandMissMaynard,whiletheeldergirlslookedaftertheotherJuniors,andMademoiselehurriedgaspinglyafterthem,withanarmroundMargiaStevens.Atlasttheyreachedthehut,andoh,whatahavenofrefugeitseemedtothem,withthecheerfulglowofthewoodfirelesseningthegloomalittle!

Oncetheywerealsafelyinside,theherdshutthedoorandsetSimonedownonthebench.Shehadstoppedscreamingnow,butlittleheart-rendingmoanscamefromherlipseverynowandthen.LeavingAmytoMissMaynard’scare,Madgewentovertoher.

‘Simone,’shesaidsternly,‘youmuststopcryingatonce-atonce!Doyouhear?’

‘I-Ihavesuchfear!’sobbedSimoneinherownlanguage.

‘Sohavetheothers,’repliedherheadmistress,‘butyouaretheonlyonewhoisbehavinglikeababy.

Come!YoumuststopatonceorIshalslapyou!’

Shenearlyburstoutlaughingwhenshefinished,for,assheglancedup,shehadhappenedtocatchsightofJoey’sface,witheyesandmouthroundO’sofwonder.However,herdramaticspeechhaditseffectonSimone,whogradualybegantorecoverherself-control,andpresentlywasabletositupanddrinkthemilkGiselabroughther.

Meanwhile,theherdsmanhaddrawntheyoungheadmistressaside.

‘Thegraciousladymuststayhereto-night,’hesaid.‘Thereishay,andwecangivebreadandmilkandcheese.Togodownthepathwouldbedangerouswhilethestormrages.’

‘Butsurelyitcannotgoonlong?’saidMadgeinstartledtones.‘Itistooheavytolast.’

‘Itisfromthenorthwest,’hereplied.‘Itwillastmanyhoursyet-four,orperhapsfive;andthenitwilbenight.’

‘Goodheavens!Howawful!’Shestoodsilentforafewmoments,goingoverthestateofaffairsinhermind.ThensheturnedtotheSeniors.

‘Gisela!Bette!Isthistrue?Arewestorm-stayedhereforthenight?’

‘Iamafraidso,’repliedGisela.‘Whenastormcomesfromthenorthwestitdoesnotdiequickly.’

‘Buthowappaling!Whatwilyourparentsthink?’

‘Theywilknowwetookrefugehere,’saidBette.‘EveryoneatTiernSeeknowsofthehut,andtheywilknowthatweshouldstayhere.Thesestormscomesoquickly;oftenthereisnotimetodoanything.Don’tworry,Madame.Theywilbesureweshalbehere,andquitesafe.’

‘IwishIcouldthinkso!’murmuredherheadmistress.‘Wel,Isupposethereisnothingelseforit.’

‘Doyoumeanwe’regoingtostayherealnight?’gaspedGrizel,whohadbeenstandingnear.‘Howsimplythriling!’

‘I’mgladyouthinkso!’returnedMadgedryly.‘I’dbethankfultoknowwewerealsafeinourbeds.’

‘It’sanadventure,though,’saidJoey,whohadquiterecoveredherself-control,althoughherjauntyairwasratheroverdone.Shedidnotlikethunderstorms,andthisonewasrealyalarming.‘It’lbesomethingtotelDickwhenwewritenext.’

Madgelaughedratherruefuly,andmovedaway.Shefelttired,foritwasnojoketalkingagainstthethunder.Youhadtoshriektomakeyourselfheard,andeventhenitsometimesmeantrepeatingwhatyousaid.

Theherdsman,havinggivenhisopinion,wasnowbusilyengagedincarryingingreatarmfulsoffresh,sweethayfromalittleshedwhichstoodnearby.Therainhadnotyetcome,andhehadevidentlymadeuphismindtoprepareforthenightbeforeitdid.

Grizelsprangforward.‘Letmehelp!’shesaidinherprettybrokenGerman.‘Yes,do!I’dlikeit!’

‘Oh,sowouldI!’exclaimedMargia.‘I’lcometoo!’

Themanmadenoattempttostopthem,sotheyfolowedhimout;andverysoononeendoftheroomwasthicklylitteredwiththehay,whichtheeldergirlsshookupandcoveredwiththeirraincoats.Whenthatwasdone,heshutthedooroncemore,castacoupleoflogsonthefire,andthensatdownonthebenchandlightedhispipe.Hehaddonealhecould,andnowhewaspreparedtositandsmokecontentedlyuntilhewassleepy,whenhewouldgotobedinthenextroom.

Alittlesilencefelonthemal,whichwassuddenlybrokenbya‘swish-swish!’andtherainhadcome.

Suchrain!Joey,openingthedoortosee,hadtoshutitagaininahurryortheywouldhavebeenfloodedout.

‘GraciousPeter!’sheremarked,asshecamebacktotheothers.‘It’sliketheFlood!ThisisMountArarat,Ishouldn’twonder!’

‘Tosh!’retortedGrizel.‘MountArarathassnowonit-Ithink!’

Shefinishedratherdoubtfuly.

‘Wel,thishasinwinter,’arguedJoamiably.‘Anyhow,it’ssomerain!’

‘NotunliketherainyseasoninIndia,’laughedMadge-thethunderhaddiedawayforthemoment.‘DoyourememberhowItoldyouaboutthetimewhenwewerefloodedouttheyearbeforewecamehome?’

‘Rather!Teltheothersnow!’saidJoey.‘It’slikeastoryinabook!’

‘Itwiltaketoolong,’repliedhersister.‘Askmeaboutitsometimewhenthereisn’tathunderstormgoingon.Justlistentoit!’asafreshrumbleforcedhertoshriekthelastwords.

‘Itoftendoesthat,’saidGisela.‘Ittravelsroundandroundthelaketilitdiesaway.Itwilcomebackagainandagainbeforeitisoverto-night.’

‘Howdreadful!’shudderedSimone.

‘Icalitjolythriling!’laughedGrizel.‘I’veneverbeeninsuchastorminmylifebefore!’

‘Wherearewegoingtosleep?’askedAmywithinterest.‘Andoh,MissBettany,whatisthatfunnythingonthewal?’

Shepointedasshespoketoazitherwhichwashungupbyaloopofsoiledribbons.Theherdsman,seeingherpointtoit,gotupfromhisseatand,takingitdown,producedalittletwistofwireattachedtoasilverringwhichhefittedonhisthumb,andthenranitacrossthestring,producingashowerofsilverysounds.

‘Azither!’criedMissMaynard.‘AndInevernoticedit!’

‘GnädigesFräuleinplaysthezither?’queriedtheman,holdingittoher.

‘Yes;butyouplayfirst,’shesaid,smilingathim.

Hebowedsomewhatclumsily,andthenplayedthemasimplelittleair,whosenotesrippledthroughthehutlikebird-notes.Whenhehadfinished,hehandedittoMissMaynard,andsheplayedasongwhich,shetoldthem,shehadlearnt

fromtheNewForestgipsies.Everynowandthenthethunderroaredabovethetinklingmusic,andmadethenervouspeoplestart.Thefirstawfulgloomwaswearingoff,butthelightningflasheswereasvividasever,andtherainstilpoureddownceaselessly.

Presentlytheherdproducedahugepot,whichheslungonahookhungoverthefirebyanironchain.Intothishepouredapanfulofmilk,and,whenitwasheated,heinvitedthemtodipbigearthenwaremugs,whichhehadbroughtfromtheinnerroom,intoit,anddrink.Itprovedverygoodifitdidhaveasmokyflavour.Certainly,drunkinthatroomasanaccompanimenttoblackbreadandmilk-cheese,ithadatastealitsown.

Whentheyhadfinishedit,therewassilenceforalittle.Thecloseatmosphereandthewarmthweredoingtheirwork.Itwasbarelyseveno’clock,butmostoftheJuniorswerealreadynoddingsleepily,andpresentlyAmyturnedtoMissBettanywitharequestforbed.‘PleasemayIgotobed?

I’msosleepy!’shepleaded.

‘Ithinkmostofyouwouldbebetterinbed,’saidtheyoungheadmistress.‘Comealong,youpeople!Youcanslipoffyourfrocksandliedowninthehay,andthenwe’lcoveryouup.’

‘Inthehay?’Amywasn’tsurewhethertolaughorcry.

Luckily,MariaMaranisettleditforher.‘Itistopping!’shesaidcheerfuly.

‘Justlikecampingout!’addedGrizelapprovingly.‘Oh,thisissomethinglikeanadventure!’

Theherdsman,seeingthatbedseemedtobetheorderoftheday,gotup,littwolanterns,hangingoneonanailnearthedoor,and,takingtheother,slouchedintotheinnerroomwithamuttered‘GuteNacht!’

‘Andthat’sthat!’observedJoey,wrigglingoutofherfrock.‘Isay,supposingtheotherscomeback,whatashocktheywilgetiftheywalkinandseeuslyinground!’

‘Ihadn’tthoughtofthat!’Madgelookeddisturbed.

‘Idonotthinktheywilcome,’saidGiselaconsolingly.‘See,thedoorisbarred.Ithinkthereisanotherhutattheotherside,andtheywilspendthenightthere.’

‘Doyou?Shuntalong,Grizel!You’vegotthreetimesyourshareofthehay-Imeanbed!Righto,Simone!

Youcancomenextme-ifyoucankeepyourarmstoyourself,thatis!’

ThusJoey,assheslippedoffhershoesandcurledherselfup.Shesuddenlysatupagaintoask,‘Isay,doesanyonesnore?’

‘Notunlessit’syourself!’retortedGrizelpromptly.

‘Girls!Girls!Bequiet!’putinMadge,laughing.‘Yourealymustsettledownandgettosleep!Weshalhavetobeupatsix,togetdownbeforeBriesauisawaketoseewhatscarecrowsweare!’

Joeylaydown,andpresentlytheywerealsettled.Madgeputoutthelanternandlaydowninherownplace.Ittookheralittletimetodropoff,thougheveryoneelsequicklyfelasleep-orsoitseemed.Butjustasshewasgettingdrowsy,alowvoicesaid,‘Madge!’

‘Wel?’sheaskedsleepily.

‘We’lhaveaholidayto-morrowafterthissha’n'twe?’

Madgesatup,fulyawake.

‘JoeyBettany,liedownatonceandgotosleep,anddon’tletmehearyouagaintilthemorning!’shesaidseverely.

Therewasarustleinthehayandalittlechuckle.Thensilence.

Chapter18.

TheChâletMagazine.

Oh,itwaspriceless!’Grizelgavealittlechuckle.‘Therewewere,algrubbyanduntidy,andourhairfulofhayseed,andalthatwalktotake!

You’dhavescreamedifyouhadseenus!’

Shelaughedagainatthememory,andWandavonEschenaujoinedher.Arrangementshadbeenmadeforthenextterm,andWandaandMarieweretojointheChâletSchoolasboarders.Inthemeantime,theyweretobewiththegirlsasmuchaspossible,partlywithaviewtolearningEnglish,sothattheyshouldbeabletofolowthelessonseasily.Wandaalreadyspokefairlywel,butMariemadefunnymistakesattimes.SheandJoeyandSimoneweresittinginthegrasssomelittledistanceaway,revelinginthewarmthofthesun,whileWandaandGrizelwereperchedontherailingswhichcutoffthepathtoGeisalm.Fartheralong,Julietwaslyingonthebankreading,whileMargia,Amy,andthetwolittleMerciersweremakingwreathsofthebigwhitemargueriteswhichgreweverywhere.

ItwasaSaturdaymorning;practicewasfinished,andtheboarderswerefreetoamusethemselves.GrizelwastelingWandaaboutthebirthdayexpeditionwithitsunexpectedending.TheyoungViennese,wholedtheshelteredlifeofmostgirlsofherclass,wasdeeplythriled,forGrizeltoldthetalewel.

‘ItmusthavebeenfulofterrorupthereontheAlpe,’shesaidinherslow,carefulEnglish.‘Thestormwasterrible,evenhere!’‘Itwasghastly,’

agreedGrizel.‘SimoneshriekedlikemadandAmycried,andI’msureIdon’twonder!Itmustbeawfulifyouareafraidofthunder!I’mnot!Butthen,I’mnotafraidofanythingmuch!’

‘Youmustbeverycourageous,’repliedWandasimply.

Grizelcolouredtotherootsofherhair.Shehadnotmeanttoboast,butshehadtoadmitthatherlastspeechsoundeduncommonlylikeboasting.

‘Sorry!I’mafraidthatwasswank,’shesaid.

‘Swank?Wasistdenn“swank”?’queriedWanda.

‘Oh,bucking-er-boasting,’returnedGrizelhastily.‘Er-Iwouldn’tuseitifIwereyou,Wanda.Itisn’tgoodEnglish-notproper,youknow.’

‘Whatyoucal“slang.”Isee,’repliedtheothergirl.‘Butgoon,Grizel.Didyoumeetwithanybody?’

‘Onlycowherds,’saidGrizel.‘Oh,butitwaslovely,soearlyinthemorning!Everythinglookedsonewandwel-washedaftertherain!-exceptus,ofcourse!Idon’tknowabouttheothers,butalusboardershadahotbathandwashedourhair.Wehadto,togetthehayseedout!Thenwealwenttobedandtosleep.Ineverknewbedcouldbesonicebefore,’sheaddedmeditatively.‘Sleepingonhayisfunalright,butyoudon’tgetmuchsleep!Firstofal,abeetlewalkedacrossJoey’sface,andsheyeledandhungontomyhair-supposeitwasthehandiestthingtherewastohangonto!Then,whenwehadgotoverthatexcitement,Amybegantocrybecausethehayseedhadgonedownherneckandwasticklingher.

Then,justbeforedawn,anowlofsortsstartedtoscreech,andsodidsomeofthelittleones!’

‘Buthowcouldyouenjoysuchhappenings?‘askedWanda,wide-eyed.

‘Oh,Idon’tknow!Youdo,youknow!It’ssomethingfresh-Is’posethat’sit.’

‘Perhaps,’saidWandadoubtfuly.‘ButIshouldnotlikeit.’

‘Oh,youwilwhenyou’vebeenwithusawhile,’saidGrizelconfidently.‘Only,ofcourse,therewon’tbeanymountainexpeditionsnextterm.’

‘No,notwiththesnowhere,’agreedtheyoungAustrian.‘Howshalweamuseourselvesthen,myGrizel?’

‘Oh,Idon’tknow!Dancingandgames,Isuppose.P’r'apsweshalgetupaplay.Justtheusualthingsonedoesdointhewinter.I’mtiredoftheseoldrailingsnow-they’resojolyhard!Let’swalkalongtotheotherend.Giselamaybecoming.SheoftendoesonSaturdays,andsodoBernhildaandFriedaMensch.It

makesitjolierforJulietandme.Mostoftheothersareratherbabies,yousee.Coming,Juliet?’

Julietraisedherhead.‘Whereto?Oh,theothergate?No,thanks,Grizel.Iwanttogetonwithmybook;andanyway,it’stoohottomove.’

‘Lazyoldobject!’laughedGrizel.‘Alright!Comeon,Wanda!Let’sleavehertoit!’

Theywentoff,laughingandtalkinggaily,whileJuliet,uncurlingherselffromthelittleheapinwhichshehadbeenlying,gazedafterthemthoughtfuly.

Shewasnotjealous,althoughGrizelhadverylittletosaytohernowadays.InGrizel’seyes,Juliethadbecomesuddenlyandtiresomely‘good’;Wandawasfresh,andtheEnglishgirlwasrathergiventorunningafterfreshthings.Onething,thoughtJuliet,asshesathuggingherkneesinabrownstudy,GrizelcouldcometonoharmwithWanda,whohadbeentrainedonthemostconventionallines,andwasoftenhorrifiedathernewfriend’stomboyishways.Itwasratherarelieftotheeldergirltoknowthis,forshecouldnotforgetGrizel’sdeclarationofafortnightorsoagothatshewouldbeoffuptheTiernjochthefirstchanceshegot,andshedidn’tcarewhosaidwhat!City-bredWandawasmostunlikelytoattemptsuchanexpedition.

TheBärenbadAlpewasasmuchasshecouldmanage,thoughMarieandWolframwerereadyforanything,andKurt,theelderboy,wentonclimbingandhuntingexpeditionswithhisfathereveryday.

SatisfiedthatGrizelwassafeatpresent,Julietreturnedtoherbook,andwassoonlosttotheworld.

Meanwhile,theyoungerchildrenhadgrowntiredoftheirwreaths,andweremakingtheirwayslowlytowardstheboat-landingtowatchthesteamercomein.Astheywent,Marieraisedatunefullittlevoicein

‘RösleinaufderHeider,’inwhichtheothersjoined,fortheyalknewit.Astheystroledalong,theysawacoupleofbigboyscomeracingdownthepathtowardsthem,folowedbyalittlegirlofaboutnine.

Instinctivelythechildrenmovedtooneside,andthetwoladstorepastthemwithoutgivingthemaglance.

Thelittlegirlturnedandlookedatthem,however,withalookoffriendlycuriosity,beforeshegalopedaftertheothers.

‘Wonderwhotheyare?’commentedJoinGerman,whichlanguageshenowspokeasfluentlyasshedidEnglish.‘Theylookedratherjoly,didn’tthey?’

‘IthinktheyareEnglish,’saidSimonegravely.

‘DasMädchenwasnot,’correctedMarie.‘Shehadn’ttheEnglishview.’

‘Appearance,youmean,’observedMargia.

“Amy,comeback!You’lfalin.’

‘Itwouldn’tmatterifIdid-’ceptforhavingtochange,’repliedAmy.

‘Wel,thatwouldbebotherenough,’saidMargia,asshehauledherlittlesisterbackintosafety.

‘Itwouldn’tbeyoursanyhow!’snappedAmy.

Margiareleasedherlittlesisterinsheeramazement.ItwasthefirsttimethatAmyhadeverattemptedtohaveanopinionapartfromher,andshegaspedwithwonder.

Joeylaughedatherstartledface.‘Margia,ifyouopenyourmouthlikethatthemosquitoeswildashintotheirdoom.“Bealwayskindtoanimals,whereveryoumaybe.”Ifamosquitoisananimal!’

‘Oh,don’ttalkrubbish!’burstoutMargia.‘Amy,youmustbeil!’

‘No,I’mnot!‘returnedAmypettishly.‘ButI’mnotgoingtobepuledabout.’

‘Oh,saynomore,Margia!’interposedSimone.‘ItisbutthatAmygrowsup.’

‘Wel-but–’Ifhergentlelittlesisterhadslappedherintheface,Margiacouldnothavebeenmoresurprised.

‘Nevermindnow,’saidJoeytactfuly.‘Iwanttotalkaboutmyidea-atleast,it’s

Gisela’srealy,’sheaddedtruthfuly;‘butdon’tyouthinkitwouldbetoppingtohaveaschoolmag.?’

‘Gorgeous!’saidSimone,whohadpickedupthisexpressionfromJo.

‘Itwouldbeliketheschooltales,’saidMariethoughtfuly.‘Butweplayno-nomatchesofthecricketandthetenniswit’ozzerschools.’

‘”Other,”‘correctedJoey.‘Norwedo,butwedootherthings.There’stheMondscheinspitzeforone.Thatwouldbeatoppingthingforamag.!’

‘AndyourdayatInnsbrückandFrauBerlin,’addedMargia;foraltheschoolknewofthatepisodebythistime.

‘Yes;andthedaywewentboatingandthestormcameon.Andwedoplaycricketandtenniswithourselves,’saidJothoughtfuly.

‘ThenletusaskGisela,shalwenot?‘suggestedMarie.

‘An’-an’I’lwriteapoemforyou,’proposedAmycheerfuly.

Theyalstoppedstilwithoneaccordandstaredather.Sheblushedcrimson,butstoodherground.

Joeywasthefirsttospeak.‘Isay!’shesaid,andwhistledloudly.

‘Amy!’criedMargia.‘Whatdoyoumean?Youknowyoucan’twritepoetry.’

‘Ican,then!’retortedAmy.‘Iwritedsomelastnight!’

‘Let’sseeit,then!’

‘Can’t!It’sinmycubeyundermypilow!’

‘Whatisitabout?’demandedMarie.

‘Ariver.TheonebesidetheKronPrinzKarl.’

‘That’snotariver;it’snotbigenough,’declaredMargia.

‘Wel,I’vecaleditalittleriver,’returnedAmydefiantly.

‘Oh,Amy,doletusseeit!’pleadedSimone.‘Ithinkyouareawfuleeclevaire!Icouldnotdoit.I!No,truly!’

‘Itelyouit’sinmycubey,’saidAmy,neverthelesssofteningbeforeSimone’scompliments.‘I’lgetitwhenIgotowashmyhandsforMittagessen.’

‘There’sGisela,withWandaandGrizel,’putinJoey.‘Let’sscootandaskher.’

ButAmyhadcaughtatherarm.‘Joey,don’tletGrizelknow!’

‘Whyevernot?’demandedJoeyinsurprise.

‘She’llaughifyoudo!Don’ttelher,Joey!Notyet,anyhow!’

‘GrizelCochranesha’n'tlaughatyou!’saidMargiadeterminedly.‘Whyshouldshe?’

ButalAmycouldbegottosaywas,‘Shewil!Iknowshewil!’

‘Oh,alright,then!ButwecanaskGiselaaboutthemag.,’saidJoey.‘Comeon,everybody!Gisela!Gi-se-la!’

Gisela,whohadbeenchatteringgailywithWandaandGrizel,liftedherhead.

‘Yes!Icome!’shecaledback,andsetoffatarun,heedlessofGrizel’simpatient‘Oh,don’tbotherwiththekidsjustnow,Gisela!’

‘Whatisit?’askedthebiggirl,asshereachedtheJuniors.‘Isthereanythingwrong?’

‘No,nothing.Only,doyourememberwhatweweretalkingaboutthedaywedecidedtogetmysister’sbirthdaypresent?Gisela,let’shaveaschoolmag.!’

‘Yes;andyoubeeditor,’addedMargia.

Giselalookedthoughtful,andatthismomentWandaandGrizelcameupwiththem.

‘Wel!What’stheworry?’demandedGrizel.‘Anyonedeadyet?’

Joeyturnedonherlikeaflash.‘Grizel!Ihatethathorridsneerywayoftalking

you’vegotlately!You’realwaysmakingfunofus!It’shorridofyou!’

‘Keepyourhairon!’saidGrizeleasily.‘Noneedtogethotaboutnothing!’

‘I’mnot!’retortedJoey.‘Andanyhow,’asanunholymemorycametoher,‘anyhow,Ididn’tasktohavemyhairrinsedinholywater!’

‘Joey!Whatdoyoumean?’criedWanda,astounded.

‘AskGrizel!Sheknows!’saidJoeywithsomewhatmaliciousdelight.

Grizel,crimsonandfurious,glaredathertormentor.‘Youlittlepig,Joey!’

‘Wel,youdid-didn’tyou?’ThenJoey’smalicevanishedinachuckle.‘Isay!Doyouremembertheman’sfacewhenheheardyou?Oh,wasn’titfunny?’

‘Itwasonlyamistake,’saidGrizelwithanunwilinglaugh.

‘Butwhatwasit?’askedGisela,bewildered.Pleasetelus,Grizel.’

‘Oh,itwasonlythatImixedupheissesandheiliges,’explainedGrizel.‘Jo’sahorrortodragituplikethat!Whataboutthetimeyouthrewflowersataguide?’

‘Thatwasyearsago,’returnedJo,notonewhitabashed.‘HelookedaboutashorrifiedasHerrAlphendidwhenyouaskedforarinseofholywater.’

‘ButIstildonotunderstand,’saidGisela.‘Letussitdown,andyouwiltelus.’

SotheysatdownbesideAmy’s‘littleriver,’andbetweenthem,JoeyandGrizelexplainedwhattheymeant.GiselaandWandarockedwithlaughteratthestories,especialytheholy-waterone.

‘Butitmusthavebeenveryfunny!’laughedGisela.

‘Oh,itwas!’Joeychuckledecstaticaly.‘Ifyou’dseentheman’sface!’

‘Oh,wel,letitalonenow,andlet’sgetontothemagazine,’suggestedGrizel.

‘ItisanEnglishinstitution,’observedWanda.‘Ihavereadofitinmystory-

books.Papahasgivenmeseveral,youknow,ashewishedMarieandIshouldknowsomethingaboutlifeintheEnglishschools.’

‘Butyoucan’talwaysgobystories,’saidJoey.‘Someofthemareawfultosh-likethatDeniseoftheFourthoneyoushowedme,Gisela.’

‘ThereisoneaboutagirlwhowasaGuide,’beganGiseladoubtfuly,‘butIdidnotquiteunderstandit.Itisnotthekindofguideweknowhere.’

‘GirlGuides,wasit?’askedJoeywithinterest.‘Ialwayswantedtobeone,butmysisterwouldneverletme,becauseinEnglandIcaughtcoldovereverything.I’mheapsbetternow,though.’

‘ItwasaGirlGuide,’saidWanda.‘Hernamewasthesameasyours,Gisela,buttheycaledher“Gily.”Ilikedthebookverygood.’

‘Youshouldsay“verymuch,”‘Grizelcorrectedher.‘Wel,wecan’tdoanythingabouttheGuidesjustnow,thoughit’sjolywelworththinkingabout.Let’sgetontothemagazine.Andthisafternoon,Ivoteweplaycricket.Wandaiskeentolearn;aren’tyou,oldthing?’

‘Ishouldloveit,’saidWanda,‘butitsoundstomeapainfulgame.’

TheEnglishgirlswentoffintofitsoflaughteroverthis;andevenGiselasmiled.ButSimonenoddedsympatheticaly.ShehadbeenbadlybruisedonlythreedaysbeforebyabalflungincarelesslybyBettewhenfielding,andshemuchpreferredtennis.Joeyplayedcricket,however,soSimonemusttoo.

‘Itisatopholegame,’saidGrizel.‘You’lsoonlearnit.Now,aboutthemagazine.’

‘IhaveneverseenanEnglishschoolmagazine,’beganGisela,‘butIhavereadofthem.Wemusthaveforeditoronewhocanwritethe-the-editorial,andalsoarrange.Thenwemusthavearticlesuponourgamesandthehappeningsofthisterm.Thereshouldbestoriesandpoetry,andaletterfromourHead.Thereareonlyeighteenofus,butIthinkwemightdoit.ItisanEnglishcustom,asWandasays,andweareanEnglishschool,andIshouldliketodoit.BetteandGertrudandBernhildawishittoo.Whatdoyouthink,Joey?

WouldMadamealowit?’

‘Rather!‘saidJoeyenthusiasticaly.‘She’dbeawfulykeen,Iknow.’

‘Thenwhatdoyousay?Shalweseewhatwecandoaboutit?’

‘Yes,let’s!’

‘It’sarippingscheme,Gisela!’

‘Butwe-we,too,Gisela!Weshalbemembersoftheschoolsoon.Maywenotwriteforit?’

‘Wel,I-I-I’lletyouhavesomepoetry!’ThislastwasAmy,ofcourse.TheSeniorslookedatherwithmuchthesamesurpriseastheothershaddone.

‘Poetry,Amy?Why,youdon’tevenknowwhatpoetryis,doyou?’teasedGrizel.

‘Yes,Ido!It’slinesthatrhyme!Sothere,GrizelCochrane!’flashedAmy,herfairlittlefaceburningwithamixtureofshynessandindignation.

‘Ohmyhat!Thereisacat!Onthemat!’mockedGrizel.‘Yourpoetryanythinglikethat,Amy?’

‘It’sajolysightbetterthananythingyoucoulddo,anyway!’declaredMargia,comingvaliantlytoAmy’sassistance.Shemightsitonherlittlesisterforherowngood,butshewasn’tgoingtohaveGrizelCochranedoingitifshecouldhelpit.

Grizeltiltedbackherprettyheadandlaughedaggravatingly.ButJoeynowtookupthecudgels.

‘You’rehorridjustnow,Grizel!Idon’tknowwhat’sthematterwithyou!’shesaidwithmorevehemencethanpoliteness.

‘Don’tgetexcited,babies–’

‘Grizel!’

Atthesoundoftheirheadmistress’svoicetheyalturnedround.

‘Whatisthematterwithyou,girls?’askedMissBettany,astheyfacedher.

Giselarushedintothebreach.‘Madame,itwasjustalittleargument.Andpleasemaywehaveamagazinefortheschool?’

‘Aschoolmagazine?’Shelookedatthemwithtwinklingeyes.‘Yes,ifyouwilpromisenottoquarreloverit,andnottoleavealtheworktooneperson,Ithinkyoumay.’

AndsowastheideaofTheChâletianbook.

Chapter19

SomePranks

Onlythreeweekstiltheendofterm!Nothingmuchcanhappeninthreeweeks!’ThusMadgeBettany,asshesatinherbedroom,talkingthingsoverwithMademoiseleLaPâttre.‘Ourfirstterm,’shewentondreamily.‘Wel,ithasn’tbeenabitwhatIthoughtitwould.Foronething,Ineverexpectedweshouldgetsuchalargeschooltogethersoquickly.EightortenwasthemostIhadhopedfor.Butherewearewitheighteen,andatleastsevenmorefornextterm!Itisn’tbad,isit?’

Mademoiselenoddedherheadslowly.‘Ithasgonewel,machérie,’shesaidgravely.

‘ThegirlsaresokeenonbeingrealyEnglish,’wentontheyoungheadmistress.‘EventheJuniorsareinfectedwiththedesire.TheotherdayIheardSuzanneMercierandBertaHameldiscussingsomeprankorother,andSuzanneaskedveryseriously,“Areyousureit’sEnglish?”Bertawasn’tcertain,sotheywentofftodiscussitwithJoey.’

‘Hasitoccurredyet?’askedMademoiselewithasmile.

‘Ihaven’theardanything,soIdon’tsupposeithas.’

‘Iwonderwhatitis?’ruminatedtheelderwoman.‘Theythinkofthingssoextraordinary,theselittleones.

IamsureSimonewouldneverhavethoughtofcuttingoffherhairayearago.’

‘It’sfarbetterforher,’saidMadgedecidedly.‘Sherealyhadtoomuch.She’smuchbetterineveryway,Ithink;andshe’slosingthattragiclooksheusedtohave,andshedoesthings-wel-offherownbat!’

‘Mydear!’Mademoiselewasgenuinelyhorrifiedattheslang,butMadgeonlylaughed.

‘Awful,isn’tit?’shesaidgaily.‘Mercifulynoneofthegirlsheardme.Do

remember,Elise,thatI’venotbeenaHeadforthreemonthsyet!Youmustalowmealittleslangjustveryoccasionaly.’

Mademoiselejoinedinherlaughter,whichwascutshortbyapiercingshriek.

‘Mercy!’gaspedMadge.‘Whatonearthhashappened?’

Shefledtothedoor,toreitopen,andrandownthestairs,tomeetascaredandhorrifiedBetteandBernhilda,whobothexclaimed,‘Oh,Madame!Comequickly!Comeatonce!’

‘Whatisit?Anaccident?’shegaspedwithwhiteningface.

‘No-no!Itismuchworse!Itiswitchcraft!’wailedBette.

‘Witchcraft!Nonsense!Thereisnosuchthingaswitchcraft!’shesaidsharply,neverthelessfolowingthemalongthenarrowpassagetothelittleboarded-offcompartmentwherethe‘splasheries’were.Arrivedthere,shegaspedatwhatshesaw.Then,realisingwhathadhappened,sheburstintolaughter.Eachofthetwobasinswasfultothebrimofsparkling,sizzlingbubbles!Evenastheylooked,thefoamingbegantosubside,andinanotherminuteortwothebowlsheldonlyordinarywater-orwhatlookedlikeordinarywater.

‘Oh,Madame,whatisit?’sobbedBetteinGerman.‘Ididnothing!Ionlypouredinthewater,andBernhildaalso,anditfoamedupatonce!Oh,isitwitchcraft?’

Asuddengurgleoutsidethewindow,folowedbya‘Hush!’drewtheHead’sattentionforasecond,butshetooknofurthernotice.

‘Oh,Bette!Yousilychild!’shesaidratherimpatiently.‘Ofcourseitisn’t!Haven’tItoldyouthereisnosuchthingaswitchcraft?Althathashappenedisthatthoseyoungmonkeyshavepowderedthebowlswithsherbetorsaltsorsomefizzystuff!Ofcourseitbubbledupwhenyoupouredthewaterin!Butthat’salitis!’

Hadshebeenabletoseethroughthebusheswhichgrewagainstthesideofthehouse,shewouldhaveseenfourfacesgrowratherblankatheromniscience.

‘Isay!’murmuredJoey.‘Iforgottheywouldprobablyfetchmysister,andit’satrickmybrothertoldusof.Hediditathisschool.’

‘Wilshebeangry?’askedBerta,atrifleapprehensively.

Joeyconsidered,herheadononeside.‘Shouldn’tthinkso,’shesaidfinaly.‘There’snothingwronginit-it’sonlyalark,anditdoesn’thurtanyone.Thatidiot,Bette!Fancybelievinginwitchcraftatherage!’

‘Butlotsofthemdo,’arguedSimone,withsomewhatincautiousloudness.‘Youremember,Joey,youtoldusofthelittleboywhomadethe

“horns”atyou!’

‘Shutup,idiot!’hissedJoey.‘D’youwantthemtocomeandcatchus?Comealong!We’dbetterclearoutnow!’Andtheypromptlyvacatedtheirpositionanddecampedtotheferry-landing.

Meanwhile,MadgewasbusysoothingtheinjuredfeelingsoftheSeniors.Bettewasfuriouslyangryathavingbeensotakenin,andevenBernhildathegentlewasinclinedtobeindignant.

‘Itisanimpertinence,’shesaidinhersoft,carefulEnglish.‘Isitnot,Madame?’

Madgenodded.‘Oh,yes!ButitisthekindofthingthatoftenhappenswithJuniors,andIadviseyoutotakenonoticethistime.Iftheydoitagain,ofcourse,thePrefectsshouldtakeitup.It’snotbadmischief.

Youpeoplemustlearntodistinguishbetweenbadmischiefandnonsenselikethis.’

Withthissheleftthem,togoandrelatetheoccurrencetotheircompeers,whilesheherselfchuckledoveritwithMademoiseleandMissMaynard,whohadjustcomein.

‘It’shealthymischiefanyhow,’shesaid,‘soIsha’n'tinterfere.There’sMittagessen.’

AtMittagessenthefourJuniorskeptgigglingtogether,andmanywerethemeaningglancesshotatBette,whoheldherheadveryhigh,andwasremarkablychilyinherbehaviourtothem.Bernhildahadcooleddown,andwasabletolaughattheaffair,butBettewashalfItalian,andherindignationstilranhot.Giselaandtheothershadenjoyedthejoke,evenwhiletheyadmittedthatitwas

‘animpertinence,’and,astheHeadGirlsaid,itwasbetterthanthedefianceofGrizelandJulietofthepreviousweek.

Fortherestoftheday,however,shekeptasharplook-outonthem;buttheirconductwasmostexemplary,andthedaygirlswentoff,satisfiedthatitwasonlyasuddenspurtandtherewouldbenomoreofit.

TherewerethreebedtimesduringtheweekattheChâlet.AmyandMargiaStevens,andthetwolittleMerciers,whowereboarderstiltheendofterm,astheirparentshadbeenobligedtogotoParisowingtothesuddenilnessofMadameMercier’smother,wentatseven,JoeyandSimoneateight,andJulietandGrizelatnine.OnSaturdaysandSundaystheyalwentatthesametime-half-pasteightonSaturdaysandeightonSundays.Whenseveno’clockcamethatevening,thefourJuniorstrottedoffquitehappily.MissMaynardwentuptobrushhairathalf-pastseven,andseethattheywerealsafelyinbed.Shefoundthem,assheafterwardssaid,‘rathergigglesome,’butasthestoryofthepowderedbasins-theyhadusedsherbet,asMadgehadsurmised-hadgoneroundtheschoolbythattime,shesetitdowntothat.Ateighto’clockpunctualyJoeyandSimonesaidgood-nightandretiredintheirturn.ItwasMademoisele’sdutytogouphalfanhourlatertoseethat.theywerealright.JulietandGrizelwereconsideredoldenoughtoberesponsibleforthemselves.

Whenhalf-pasteightcame,Mademoiselewasinthemiddleofwritingaletter,soMissMaynardgood-naturedlyofferedtorunupforher.TheFrenchwomanacceptedtheoffer,andthemathematicsmistressascendedthestairslightly.Sheexpectedtofindthetwoinbed,readytobidher

‘good-night,’soshewasconsiderablystartledtofindJoeyinherdressing-gown,grimlyunpickingthetopofherpyjamalegs,whileSimonewaswrestlingwithasleeveofhernightdress.

‘Girls!’exclaimedthemistress.‘Whatisthemeaningofthis?’

‘Alournightgarmentsaresewnup,’saidSimonemournfuly.

‘Somejoke!’remarkedJoey.‘Look,MissMaynard!Stitchedtopandbottomoflegsandsleeves,andthetopofmytrouserstoo!’

MissMaynard’seyestwinkled,andshebitherlips.‘H’m!Sothebiterswerebitten,’shesaidsoftly.‘Wel,Iwilgiveyoufiveminuteslonger.Bequick!’

SheknewbetterthantolookthroughtheothercurtainstoseeiftheJuniorswereasleep.Certainlittlerustlesandsnortsmadeitquiteevidentthattheywerenot.Shetooknonoticeofthesuspicioussounds,butsimplywaitedbythewindowuntiltheothertwoweresafelyinbed,andthenwithdrew,remarkingthatshehopedtheywouldal-withanemphasisonthe‘al’-getofftosleepquickly.

‘Pigs!’remarkedJoey,assoonasshewasweloutoftheway.‘Littlehorrors!’

Fourseparategigglesansweredher,butnoonespoke.Shegaveasnortandturnedover,buryingherselfbeneaththesheets.Simonehaddonethesame.

‘An’theworstofitisthatitcompletelyputthelidonourstunt!’shegroanednextmorningwhensheandSimonehadfinishedtelingtheotherfourwhattheythoughtofthem.‘We’dintendedraggingtheSeniorcubicles,butIthoughtwe’dbettergetreadyforbedfirst,andthenwefoundwhatyou’ddone!An’Mayniecameupbeforewewerehalfready.’

‘Wel,whydidn’tyoutelus?’demandedMargia.‘Thenwe’dhavehelped,andleftyoutilto-night!’

‘Wel!Ofalthecoolcheek!’gaspedJoey.‘Margia,you’rethelimit!’

‘It’syourownfault!’retortedMargia.‘Yousaidwehadn’thadanyragsyet,anditwouldbeapitytofinishthetermwithout.’

‘Yes;butInevermeantyoutoragus!An’thatremindsme.Isthepianodone?’

‘Uh-huh!Amydiditwhenshehadfinishedherpractice.’

‘Goodenoughsky!Noonesawyou,didthey,Amy?’

LittleAmyshookherheadtilalhercurlsdanced.‘Noone!Itwilbefun!’

‘Wel,it’sGrizel’spracticefirst!Won’tshebemad?’

‘Hoppingmad,’agreedMargia.‘There’sthebel!Comeon!’

Theconspiratorsscurriedintolessons,andonlysavedthemselvesfromcompletedisgracebythemostvaliantefforts.Amy,hermindwanderingtothelatestjoke,whenaskedtoexplainwhatadeltawas,saiddreamily,‘It’sanother

nameforthekeyboardofthepiano-thewhitekeys!’

MissBettanydroppedtheblackboardchalkinhersurprise.‘Amy!’

‘Ibegyourpardon,Madame,’shefaltered.‘I-I–’Shestopped,unabletogoon.

‘Isee,’saidMadgedryly.‘Wilyoukindlypayattentiontothelesson?Whatisadelta?’

Amymanagedtostumblethroughafairlyaccurateifsomewhatlengthyexplanation.‘It’salthestuffbroughtdownbytheriverandleftinaheapatthebottom-Imeantheend-inafunnyshape,sortofthree-cornered,youknow.’

JoeyandSimone,doingalgebra,cameofflittlebetter.Joey’ssimpleequationswereahopelessmuddle,whileSimone’shadneitherbeginningnorending.

Frieda,Anita,andSophiestaredattheminamazement,whileMissMaynardscoldedthemsharplyforcarelessnessandinattention.

Muchtheycared,however!Theywereonlylongingfortwoo’clockandthebeginningofpractice-time.

Theyhadnotdaredtomeddlewiththemusic-roompiano,forthiswasoneofthedaysonwhichHerrAnserlcameupfromSpärtztogivemusiclessons.Hewasamagnificentteacher,andamusiciantohisfinger-tips,buthewasterriblyshort-tempered,andanyprankswouldhavesenthimstormingofftoMissBettany.Hispupilsalregardedhislessonswithamixtureofterrorandamusement.HetoldGrizelthatshehadthefingersofamachine,andthesoulofonetoo,whichoffendedherdreadfuly,butshedarednotshowit.Joeyheravedatforherlackofasenseoftime,whileJuliet’sstumblingperformancesbroughtGermanphrasesandepithetsrumblingfromhisveryboots.Ontheotherhand,hehadoncetoldMargiaStevensthatifsheworkedhardandthoroughlyforthenextsixyears,shemightmakeaperformerwhowouldnotdisgracehim.Margiawastheonlyoneoftheyoungergirlstogotohim,theothersbeingtakenbyMademoisele.

Simonelearnttheviolin,andsodidGiselaMaraniandGertrudSteinbrücke,sotheythreewentdowntoSpärtzononeafternoonintheweekfortheirlesson.

AfterMittagessen,theywerealowedtodoastheylikeduntiltwoo’clock,when

preparationandpracticeweretheorderoftheafternoon.TheschoolroompianostoodintheSeniorclassroom,andwhiletheJuniorsdidprep,underMissMaynard,theSeniorshadanEnglishliteraturelessonwithMissBettany,andGrizelpractisedunderMademoisele’seye,sothatsheshouldworkasaccuratelyaspossible.Thepartitionbetweenthepreparation-roomandtheSeniorroomwasoflightmatchboardingonly;thewindowswerewideopen,anditwaspossibletoheareverythingthatwentoninthenextroom.TheJuniorslistenedeagerly.TheyheardGrizelsettleherselfdownandtouchthenotestentativelybeforeshebegan.ThenJoeystoodup.

‘Please,MissMaynard,mayItakemyFrenchtoMademoisele?’shesaid.‘Idon’tquiteunderstandhercorrections.’

‘Yes,Joey,ifyoumust,’saidMissMaynard,glancingupfromherwork.

Joeyescaped,andhastenedintotheotherroom.ItwasnopartoftheirplantoletMademoiselefindoutwhattheyhaddone.Shewouldprobablybeangry,andreportthemtotheHead,andtheydidnotwantthat.

‘Ehbien,Joey,whatisit?’askedMademoisele,asshemadeherappearance.

‘It’sthisexercise,Mademoisele,’repliedJoeymeekly.‘Idon’tquiteseewhereI’vegonewrong.ShouldIhaveusedthesubjunctivemood?’

Unsuspectingly,Mademoiseletookthebookfromherandlookeditover.

‘Yes,mychild,itishere,’shesaid.‘Ifyouuse“est-ceque,”youmustfolowitwiththesubjonctif,whichyouhavenotdone.Grizel!What,then,areyoudoing?’

Shemightwelask!Grizelwassupposedtobepractisingmodulatoryexercises,buteventheywerenoexcuseforthehideousnoiseshewasproducing.

‘I-it’sthekeys,Mademoisele,’saidGrizel.‘Theyaresoslippery.’

‘Slippery?Bah!Itisyourownabominablecarelessness!Beginagain,andwithmorecare,Iprayyou!’

Hunchinghershouldersandcompressingherlips,Grizelstartedagain,withmuchthesameresults.Foronce,itwasacoolday,andchilyfingerscombinedwithslipperykeysprovedtoomuchforher.Suddenlyitdawnedonhertolookatherfinger-tips.Theywerepowderedwithwhite!

Inaflashsherealisedwhathadhappened:theJuniorshadcoveredthekeyswithFrenchchalk!Nearlychokingwithanger,Grizeltookoutherhandkerchiefanddustedthekeyboardasunobtrusivelyasshecould.Furiousthoughshewas,shecouldnotgivethemawaytoMademoisele,whowasbusyinstructinganextraordinarilystupidJo.

AsforJoherself,itwasalshecoulddotokeepastraightface.ShewasunabletoseeGrizel’sexpression,butabackcanbeveryexpressiveattimes,andGrizel’slookedasifshehadswalowedapokerwhole.

When,presently,shehadapparentlylistenedtoalMademoisele’sexplanations,andwasdismissed,theMiddlegirlliteralyfledoutoftheroom,and,colapsingatthefootofthestairs,rockedbackwardsandforwardswithlaughter.Thesoundoffootstepsoverheadmadeherpulherselftogetherwithamightyeffort,andgettingup,shewentbacktotheprep.-room,where,foraltheamountofworkshedid,shemightjustaswelnothavebeen.

NeverhadtheafternoonseemedsolongtotheJuniors.WhenatlengthMissMaynardsaid,‘Fiveminutestofour!Packupyourbooksandgetreadyfortea!’theyalsighedaudiblywithrelief,muchtoherastonishment.ShehadbarelytakenherdeparturebeforearighteouslyindignantGrizeldashedin.

‘Where’sJoeyBettany?’shecried.‘Jo,youlittlehorror,howdaredyoumessupthekeyslikethat?’

‘Ididn’t!’

‘Shedidn’t!’‘Itwasn’tJo!’exclaimedseveralvoicesatonce.

‘Butsheknewalaboutit!Iknowthat!’

‘JolywelIdid!ButIdidn’tdoit,’returnedJostoutly.

‘Thenwhodid?Ineverheardofsuchnerveinmylife!Whodidit?’

‘Me,’saidasmalvoice,andGrizelturnedtostareincredulouslyatthebabyoftheschool.

‘Amy!You!’

Amyraisedangelicblueeyestothestartledfaceaboveher.‘Yes.Itwasajoke!’

‘Wel!I-I’m-I’mjiggered!’declaredGrizelflatly.

Shewentslowlyoutoftheroomtoherownquarters,wherealthecoaxingandteasingoftheotherSeniorscouldnotgetoutofherwhatwaswrongwithher,anditwasonlyafterGiselaandBettehadheardfromthedelightedJuniorswhathadoccurredthattheyunderstood.ThentheywerealmostasstartledasGrizelherself.Amywasthelastpersontheywouldhavesuspectedofsuchatrick.Margia,Joey,Maria,evenSuzannemighthavedoneit.ButAmy!TheSeniorswerecompletelyflabbergasted.

AsforAmyherself,shewasinhighgleeoverit,andcutcaperstosuchanextentthatshecaleddownuponherselfasharpreprimandfromMissMaynard,whocoachedthemfortennis,andwho,ofcourse,hadnoideawhyAmyStevenswasbehavingwithsuchsuddenwildness.

Ontheirwayhomeaftertennisintheevening,GiselasummedupthestateofaffairsratherneatlytoBette.

‘Amyisbecomingaschoolgirlandceasingtobeababy,’shesaid.‘Butonedoesn’texpectitsosuddenly.’

‘No,’agreedBette-theyweretalkingintheirownlanguage-‘butIthinkyouareright.’

‘IknowIam,’saidtheHeadGirlwithfinality.

Chapter20.

AndStillMore!

TheJuniors,havingbeguntoplaypranks-al,itmustbeadmitted,offairlyharmlesscharacter-foundittoopleasantapastimetogiveup.ThenightaftertheaffairoftheFrench-chalkedpiano-keys,Juliet,ongoingtobed,barelysuppressedawildyelwhensheenteredhercubicle,forthere,sittingupinherbed,wasafigurethatlookedcuriouslylifelikeinthehalflight.Acloserinspectioninformedherthatthecreaturewasmadeofherownpilow,deckedinherownpyjamajacket,withaboudoircap,hastilymanufacturedoutoftwohandkerchiefs,stuckontop,whilebeneaththisanamiablysmilingfacedrawnincolouredchalksonasheetofwhitepapermadethethingnaturalenoughtohavescaredherbadlyforthemoment.

Graspingtheridiculousobject,shemarchedintothecubiclewhereJoeyBettany,whohadcaughttheextraordinarysoundshehadmade,waschokingherlaughterwiththesheet.

‘Joey!’saidJulietindignantly,‘didyoudothis?’

‘I-I–’Joeywasincapableofutteringmoreatthemoment.Thesightoftheweirdobjectcompletelyupsether.

Droppingit,Juliettookherbytheshouldersandshookher.‘Joey!Stopgiggling,andtelmeifyouweresostupid!’

‘Wel,stopshakingmethen!’retortedJoey,aswelasshecouldforlackofbreath.

‘Youdeservemorethanshaking,youlittlehorror!’declaredJuliet,releasingherasshespoke.

‘Ifanyonehearsyou,there’lbearow,’saidJoeycalmly.‘It’s“lights-out”forme,andyou’renotsupposedtotalktomenow.’

Julietwasrenderedspeechlessbyhervirtuousair,butshesoonrecoveredherself.

‘Wel,uponmyword!’shesaid.‘Forcoolcheck,thatbeatseverything!ItwouldserveyourightifItookthisthingtoMadame!’

‘Youwon’t,though,’returnedJoeywithconfidence.Shewasleaningbackagainstherpilow,smilingupattheoldergirlasshespoke.

Julietsuddenlylaughedbackather.‘No;you’requiteright-Iwon’t!Butbecareful,mychild!I’lhavemyr-r-revenge,sodon’tforget!’

‘Iwon’t,’repliedJocheerfuly.‘What!Mustyougo?Sosorry!Good-night!’

Sheturnedoveronhersideandsnuggleddown,andJuliet,withratheragrimsmile,lefther.Althetimeshewaspreparingforbedshewasturningideasoverinhermind.Justasshewaskneelingdowntosayherprayers,asmotheredshriekfromGrizelbroughthertoherfeetwithabound.

‘Grizel!Whatonearth’sthematter?Areyouhurt?Oh–’

‘Thoselittlebeasts!‘splutteredGrizel,asshedrewhercurtainback.‘Lookatthat!Twobrushesinmybed!‘Sheheldthemoutasshespoke.

‘Littlehorrors!‘laughedJuliet.‘Ihadaneffigyinmine!’

‘Theymusthavegonemad!’declaredGrizel.‘It’salJoey,ofcourse!Shethinksofthethings,evenifshedoesn’tdothem.’

‘Shedoesnot!’saidathirdvoiceindignantly.‘‘Twasmedidthat!’

‘Girls!Whatareyouthinkingof?Juliet!Grizel!Whyareyounotinbed?’

Theyaljumped,astheoutercurtainspartedtoshowMissBettany.

‘Whyareyounotinbed?’sherepeated.‘AndwhyhaveyoudrawnbackthecurtainsbetweenyourcubicleandJuliet’s,Grizel?Youknowitisagainsttherules?’

Silenceansweredher.Onhearinghervoice,Grizelhaddroppedthebrushes,soshedidnotseethem.Asnooneseemedtohaveananswerready,shebadethetwoSeniorshurryintobed.

‘Iwilseeyouinthemorning,’shesaidcoldly.‘Iamverydisappointedinbothofyou.Ithoughtyoucouldbetrustedtokeeprules!’

Withthisshelefttheroom,whiletwounhappypeoplestaredateachother.ThenGrizeldrewthecurtainagainandretiredtoherbed,aftershehadpushedthebrushesunderneathit.Julietfolowedsuit,andadeadlysilencefiledtheroom.Itcontinuednextmorning,and,whenGrizelmetSimoneonthestairs,shedrewtooneside.SimoneliftedherdarkeyestotheSenior’sfacewiththeglimmerofasmile,butGrizeltiltedherheadandstalkeddownstairswithanoffendeddignity,thatwasrathermarredbyhermissingthelaststepandstaggeringsomewhatignominiouslyacrossthehal.

‘Grizelisfurious!’reportedSimonetotheothers.‘Shewouldnotregardme.’

‘Ifyoumean“lookat,”I’dsayso,’murmuredJoey.‘Whenareyougoingtomysistertosayit’syourfault?’

Simone’seyesfel,andshebegantoplaynervouslywiththeendofhergirdle.‘I-Idon’tknow,’shestammered.

‘Whynot?Ishouldgoafterbreakfastan’getitover.’

‘Ye-yes!’

Joeyturnedandlookedatherincredulously.‘Yousurelydon’tmeanyou’regoin’tofunkit?’shedemanded.

‘N-no!No!OfcourseIwilgo!Wil-wilMadamebeveryangry?’

‘Couldn’tsay!Shouldn’tthinkso,’wasthelaconicresponse.

‘Oh,Joey,donotbeangrywithme!’pleadedSimone,halfcrying.‘Iwilgocertainly,andsayitwasmyfault.’

‘Righto!’saidJoey.‘Comeontobreakfast-there’sthebel!’

SimonewouldhavemadeonlyapoorbreakfasthadJoeynotkeptawatchfuleyeonher.Asitwas,shewaspersuadedtoeatherusualmeal.

AndthenJoeywentwithherasfarasthestudydoor.

‘Buckup,oldthing!’shesaidcheerfuly.‘Shecan’teatyou,an’I’lwaitforyouhere.’

Thusadjured,Simonewentinaftertappingatthedoor.MissBettanylookedupinsurprisewhenshesawher;shehadbeenexpectingGrizelandJuliet.

‘Wel,Simone,’shesaid,’whatisit,dear?’

‘Please,Madame,Iamcometosaythatitwasmyfault,’saidSimone.

‘Yourfault?Whatisyourfault?Idon’tunderstand.’

Simonetookholdofherrapidlydepartingcouragewithbothhandsandsaid,‘The-thedisturbancelastnight-Ididit!’

‘Youdidit?Butithadnothingtodowithyou!’

‘Yes,Madame.IhadputtwobrushesinGrizel’sbed.’

ForamomentMadge’slipstwitched.Simone’sexpressionwassoserious.Thenshepuledherselftogether.‘Thatwasverysily,’shesaidgravely.

‘Yes,Madame.Iknowitwas,’agreedSimone.‘Butyouwilforgivethem,sincethefaultistome?’

‘”Thefaultismine,”‘correctedherheadmistress.‘IwilseeGrizelandJuliet,Simone.Andpleasedon’tdosuchasilythingagain.Runaway,now.’

Greatlyrelieved,Simonetrottedoff,aftermakingherlittleregulationcurtsy,andaminuteorsolaterGrizelandJulietpresentedthemselves,inwardlyquakingalittle.Theymetwithanagreeablesurprise.

‘Simonehasbeentome,’saidMissBettanysoberly,‘andshetelsmethatitwasherfaultthattherewasadisturbanceinthedormitorylastnight,sowewilsaynomoreaboutit.Butrememberthatforthefutureevenbrushesinyourbedwilnotbeacceptedasanexcuseforbreakingrules.Youmaygonow.’

Theybobbedtheircurtsiesandwent.Outside,theyturnedandlookedateach

other.

‘JolygoodforSimone,’saidGrizel.‘Ididn’tthinkshehaditinher.’

‘Joeywouldmakeher,’respondedJuliet.‘Butitwaspluckyforher.’

‘Rather!Joey’sasportingkidalround;she’sawfulygoodfortheothers.’

‘Yes;shejustseesthestraightthingtodo,anddoesit.Hulo!There’sWanda!Let’strotoutandtalktoher!’

Thenextjokewasaharmlessone,thatnobodymindedexcepttheperpetrators,butwhichhadfar-reachingconsequences.TwodaysafterSimone’sconfession,JoeyandGrizelcameuptoGiselaandsolemnlyinformedherthatonthefifteenthofJuly,whichwasStSwithin’sDay,itwasthecustominalgoodEnglishschoolstosipacupofwater,whichwaspassedround,andwishasonedidso.

‘Butfirstyoumusttakeittoanyforeignmistressintheschool,’saidGrizelimpressively,meaning,ofcourse,thatthewatershouldbeofferedtoMademoisele.

Asthetwopracticaljokershadalreadyplayedtricksofasimilarnatureonher,Giselalookedatthemsharply.Neitherhadtheghostofasmileonherface,andJoey’sexpressionwassuper-angelic-abadsign,whichhersisterwouldhaverecognisedatonce.Gisela,however,wasnotsoexperienced,andshewascompletelytakenin.

‘Thefifteenth-thatistomorrow,’shesaidseriously.‘Iwilremember!’

‘Whatalark!Didn’tthinkshe’dbehadsoeasily!’chuckledJoey.

‘NeitherdidI,’repliedGrizel.‘Sha’n'twecrowoverthemtomorrow!’

Unfortunately,GiselahadmisinterpretedonepartofGrizel’sspeech.Inhereyes,ofcourse,althreemistresseswereforeigners,andbothJoeyandGrizelwerethunderstruckwhen,justbeforeprayers,theHeadGirladvancedtothelittledaiswherethestaffwas,andofferingthecupofwater,murmuredinherprettyEnglish,‘Thecupofwaterforawish,asisthecustominalEnglishschoolsonStSwithin’sDay.’

Therewasamoment’ssilence.MissBettanylookedpuzzled,MissMaynardchokedaudibly,andMademoiseleworeanoutragedexpression.

Thentheheadmistress,withonerapidglanceroundtheroom,tookintheaffairatonce.Quietlysheacceptedthecup,anddrankfromit.

‘Thankyou,Gisela,’shesaid,asshereturnedit.‘Andnowwewilhaveprayers.’

TheensuingeventswerelostonJoeyandGrizel,whowerealmostpetrifiedwithhorror.Theyweremorehorrifiedwhen,aftershehadgivenoutthenoticesfortheday,MissBettanyadded,‘IshouldliketoseeJosephineandGrizelinmystudynow,beforelessons.’Thenshedismissedtheschoolandwenttoherownroom.

Theculpritspresentlyappeared.Shewaitedtiltheyhadshutthedoor.

‘Now,’shesaid,’IwanttoknowwhatGiselameant.’

‘It-itwasonlyalark,’mumbledJoeyatlast.

‘PleasespeakcorrectEnglish,Josephine.Repeatyoursentence.’

‘It-itwasonlyajoke,’repeatedhersmalsisterratherfaintly.

MissBettany’seyebrowswentupatthestatement.

‘Ajoke?I’mafraidyoursenseoffunistooelementaltoappealtome.Iseenothinghumorousinasilytricklikethat.Whosuggestedit?’

Joeywentscarlet;Grizelhungherheadandsaidnothing.Truthtotel,shewasratherscared.Shehadneverencounteredherheadmistressinthismood.

‘Whosuggestedit?’repeatedMissBettany,inavoicethatintimatedthatshemeanttoknowsoonerorlater.

‘Itwasme,’saidGrizelatlast,assulkilyasshedared.

‘Indeed?Yourgrammarseemstostandinasmuchneedofcorrectionasyourideaofhumour.Wel,IamgoingtosendforGisela,andyouwilbothapologisetoherbeforemeforyoursilyimpertinencetowardsher.’Sherangherlittlebel

asshespoke,andpresentlyMarieappearedandwasdispatchedforGisela.

Thetwosinners,meanwhile,werelefttotheirownthoughts,asMissBettanyoccupiedherselfwithherletters.PresentlyGiselaappeared,wearingaratherstartledexpression.‘Youhavesentforme,Madame?’

shesaid.

‘Yes,Gisela.JosephineandGrizelwishtoexpresstheirregretforbeingimpertinentenoughtoplayasilytrickonyouaboutStSwithin’sDayobservances.’

Gisela’sfaceclearedatthat.‘Butitisalright,’shesaid.‘IknewwhenIhadofferedyouthewaterthatitwasa-atake-in!’

‘Nevertheless,itwasveryimpertinentofthem,’repliedMissBettany.‘Girls!’

‘I’msorry,’saidJoey.‘Isupposeitwascheek,Gisela,butIdidn’tthinkofit;honestInjun!’

‘Itisalright,’repeatedGisela,bendingandkissingher,muchtoJo’sdiscomfort.

‘Now,Grizel,’saidtheheadmistress.

‘I’msorry,’mumbledGrizel,andsheduckedtoavoidthekiss.

MissBettanywaswiseenoughnottoinsistonanythingmore.AfterdismissingtheHeadGirl,shesaidafewmorewordsonpracticaljoking,andthensentthemtotheirformrooms,whereJo,atanyrate,wassoonimmersedinherhistory.NotsoGrizel.Shewasintenselyproud,andhatedapologisingtoanyone.Besidesthis,herheadmistress’sstricturesonhersenseofhumourhadoffendedherdreadfuly.Shesulkedtilhalf-waythroughthemorning,thenthesuddenmemoryofajokeshehadonceheardofasbeingplayedonamasterathercousin’sschoolcametoher.

‘I’ldothat!’shethought.‘Perhapsthatmaynotseemkiddish!Atanyrateit’lbesomethingtoragmefor!

ThatidiotofaGisela!’

Thejokeinquestionrequiredcarefulpreparation,andGrizelwasratherdoubtfulastowhethershecouldgetthematerialssherequired.

Fortune,however,favouredher.OnthelandingnearthebigdormitorystoodanoldarmoireinwhichMademoiselekeptsuchsimplemedicinesastheywerelikelytoneed.Asaruleitwaskeptlocked,butAmyhadfalendownandbumpedherhead,soMademoiselewenttofetchsomecoldcreamforthelump.Sheleftthecupboardopen,andGrizel,passingatthetime,sawherchance-andtookit.

Afterteathatdayshevanished,andnoneofthemcouldfindher.

‘Nevermind,’saidJoey,whohadquiterecoveredherusualspirits.‘She’sonlysulkingoverthismorning’srow-silyass!Comeontocricket!

She’lturnupwhenshefeelslikeit.Bagsmefirstinnings,everyone!’

Theysettleddowntotheircricketpractice,andnoonenoticedthatshenevercamenearthemtilthebelcaledthemalintosupper.Thenshewasalreadyatthetable,inacleanfrock,lookingalmostaggressivelytidy.

ThefunstartednextmorningwhenMademoiselecametogiveBdivisiontheirGermanlessons.BothGrizelandJocameforthis.Jo’sGermanwasfluentenough,butherwrittencompositionwasweak,soMadgehadordainedthatshemustattendthelessonsofBdivisionaswelasthoseofA.Happy-go-luckyJoacceptedherlotquitecalmly,andrejoicedinthefactthat,atanyrate,shewasmissinghatedgeometry,andmighthavebeenmuchworseoff.

Thefirsthalfofthelessonwasdevotedtothecorrectionofapreviouscomposition;thenMademoiseleturnedtotheblackboard.

‘Wewilnowdosomeoralcomposition,’shesaidinGerman.‘Iwilwritethetitleontheboard,andthenwewilalmakesentences.Wewil,to-day,talkofthemountains.Margia,givemetheGermanfor“themountains.”‘

‘Gebirge,’saidMargiapromptly.

‘Thearticle?’saidMademoisele,waiting,chalkinhand.

‘Oh-”die,”Ithink,’saidMargia,somewhatdoubtfulythistime.

Mademoiselebeamedapprovalonher,andturnedtowriteitup.Invainshestruggledwiththechalk.Notonemarkcouldshemake.

‘Idonotunderstand,’shesaid,lapsingintoherownlanguageinthestressofthemoment.

‘P’r'apsthechalkiswet,’suggestedJoey.‘Ifitis,itdoesn’twrite,Iknow.’

‘Perhapsthatisthereason,’agreedMademoisele,lookingatthechalkdubiously.‘Margia,mychild,gotothestationerycupboardandfetchmeafreshpiece,ifyouplease.Thereisnomoreinthedesk.’

Margiadartedaway,andpresentlyreturnedwithanewstick.Butforaltheimpressionitmade,shemightjustaswelneverhavefetchedit.

‘Butthisisanextraordinaryoccurrence,’Mademoiselewasbeginning,whenthedooropenedandtheheadmistressentered,whitewithanger.

Atthesightofher,sundrypeoplehastilysearchedtheirmemoriesforpastsins,butmostofthemcouldrecalnothingthatwouldmakeMissBettanylooklikethat.Mademoiselewastoofuloftheunusualbehaviourofthechalktonoticeanythingwrong.

‘Madame,’shebeganeagerly,‘thechalkwilnotwrite!’

‘Iknow,’saidherHeadinlowtones.Sheadvancedtotheboardanddrewherhanddownitinonesweep.

Thenshelookedatherpalm.‘AsIthought,’shesaid.‘Whichofyouhasvaselinedaltheblackboards?’

Therewasadeathlysilence,brokensuddenlybyAmyStevens.

‘Please,itwasn’tme!’shewailed,burstingintotears.‘And-andI’ve1-lostmyhanky!’

Noonetookanynoticeofher.Everyonewasstaringwithfascinatedeyesattheheadmistress,whomtheyseemedtobeseeingforthefirsttime.MissBettanysuddenlystruckthedeskwithherhand.Everyonejumped.

‘Whodidit?’shedemanded.‘Isthereacowardintheschool?’

Ontheword,Grizelsprangtoherfeet,headup,eyesblazingdefiance.

‘Ididit!’shesaid,asinsolentlyasshedared.‘I–’

‘Hush!’Therewasthatintheonewordwhichcheckedtherushofspeechtoherlips.‘Yousayyoudidit,GrizelCochrane?’

‘Yes.’

‘Gotoyourroom,’saidMissBettanyquietly,‘andwaittheretilIcometoyou.IamashamedtothinkagirlIhadcountedasaSeniorshouldcausesomuchtroublebyherchildishnessandimpertinence.Goatonce!’

Grizelwent.

Chapter21.

Plans

Judgmenthadgoneforth.Grizelwastobeleftseverelyalonebytherestoftheschool.Noonewastospeaktoher,andshewastospeaktonobody.Shewastositbyherselfinclasses,andhermealswouldbebroughttoherintheschoolroom.Whentheotherswereatgames,shewastogoforawalkwithwhichevermemberofthestaffcouldtakeher.Thiswastolastfortwodays,anditwastheseverestpunishmentthathadeverbeengivenattheChâletSchool.

InvaindidJoeypleadthatthefaultwaslargelyhers,sinceitwasshewhohadsuggestedthatitwouldbeapitytoletthetermgobywithoutsomepracticaljokes.InvaindidMademoisele,whowasfondofthetroublesomechild,appealagainstthesentence.NotevencouldGisela,speakingfortheschool,availanything.MissBettanyhadmadeuphermindthatpunishedGrizelwasgoingtobe,andnothingwouldsaveher.

Intheinterviewshehadhadwiththegirl,Grizelhadprovedherselfdefiantintheextreme.Shepossessedatemperwhich,oncearoused,tooksometimetocooloff.ShehadhatedhavingtoapologisetoGiselathedaybefore,andthetwoaffairstogetherhadrousedaltheworstinher.

Finaly,MissBettanyhadgivenuptryingtomakeherseereason,hadnamedherpunishment,andlefthertoherself,hopingthatalittlesolitudewouldbringhertohersenses.

Bythistimetheboardshadbeencleanedandschoolwasinfulswing;buttherewasanatmosphereentirelystrangetoit.Thegirlsworkedwithawilonmostoccasions,butto-daynobodyattemptedtodream,muchlessplay.Theywerealfartoosubduedbyeventstodoanythingbutwork.

‘Ohdear!’sighedJoeyinthedinner-hour,whentheywerealwanderingaboutdoingnothinginparticular.

‘IwishI’dneverheardoftheword”joke“!’

‘IsMadameveryangry?’askedGisela,slippinganarmthroughhers.

‘She’srathermad,’acknowledgedJoey.‘IthinkGrizelcheekedher.’

ShethrewawistfulglanceatthewindowofthelittleroomwhereGrizelwas,presumably,confined.Then,turningtotheeldergirl,shewenton:

‘Grizel’sgotsuchabeastofatemper.Whenshegetshermonkeyup,shedoesn’tmuchcarewhatshedoes.’

‘”Getshermonkeyup”?’repeatedGiselawithapuzzledfrown.‘Idonotunderstand.’

‘Sorry!That’sslang,I’m‘fraid,’apologisedJoey.‘Loseshertemper,youknow.’

‘YourEnglishslangissometimessoincomprehensible,’complainedtheHeadGirl.

‘Yes,Is’poseitis.Butit’sjolyexpressive.Hulo!Here’sthepostman!Heislateto-day.Grüss’Gott,HerrSneider!’

Thepostmanreturnedhergreetingamiably,handedhertheletters,anddeparted.

‘OnefromDick-that’smybrother-forMadame,’commentedJoey,‘twoforMaynie,andoneforMargiaandAmy.Noneforme.Whataswizz!’

‘ThereisthebelforMittagessen,”saidGisela.‘Come!Letusgoin!’

Theywentin,JoeyleavingtheTyroleaninordertotaketheletterstohersister.Madgewasstandingbythewindow,herlipssetandhereyesthoughtful.

‘Hulo,’shesaid,whenshesawhersmalsister,‘whatisit?Oh,letters!’

‘LetterfromDick,’saidJoey,‘andit’sMittagessennow!’

Madge’sfacerelaxedasshetooktheletters.‘Alright.Youcancomehereafter,andwe’lreadittogether.

Taketheotherstotheirowners,wilyou?’

Mittagessenseemednever-endingtoJoey.Sheboltedherownfood,andwhenSimoneacceptedasecondhelpingofPflaumekuchen,castalookofdeepreproachather.

However,everythingcomestoanendsoonerorlater,andatlasttheyalrose,andgracewassaid.ToMadge,twominuteslater,appearedaflushedandexcitedJoey,whocouldscarcelybeinducedtositdown.

‘Thenyoucanwaittiltea-time,’remarkedhersisterconclusively.

Therecalcitrantsubsidedatthatontoalittlestoolbyhersister’sside,and,plantingherelbowsonthatyounglady’sknee,proclaimedherselfready.

‘Buckupandgeton!Do!’sheurged.‘I’mdyingtohearwhatDicksays.’

Madgelaughed.‘Heregoes,then!‘shesaid,asshesmoothedoutthethinforeignpaper.

‘DearKids,’Dickhadwritten,-‘Thanksawfulyforyourlastletters,thoughittookmealmytimetoreadJoey’s.WhatonearthshewrotewithIsupposesheknows!Someofthewordslookedasthoughagood-sizedblackbeetlehadfalenintotheinkpotandthenstaggeredaboutonthepaper.Theydon’tseemtoteachtheyoungtowritenowadays.’

‘Cheek!’interjectedJoeyswiftly.‘Heneedn’ttalk;hisownfist’sbadenoughforanything!’

‘I’mgladtheschool’sgoingsowel;but,mydearkid,havenothingtodowithCarrick.He’sanawfulybadhat.Theydosaythathewaspracticalykickedoutofhere-hadmadetheplacetoohottoholdhim.Butit’sonlygossipsofar,andtheremaybenofoundationforit.Althesame,achapfromtheHilstoldmethatthey’dsentthatunfortunatekidoftheirstosomeschoolupthere,andthentriedtoclearoutandleaveherontheHead’shands.Luckily,theoldladycontrivedtotrackthem,andtheywereobligedtostumpupwhattheyowedandtakethegirlwiththem.One’sawfulysorryforher.SheseemstohavearottentimefromalIcangather.MrsC.hasaviletemper,theysay,andheisn’tmuchbetter.It’sanawfullifeforagirltogodraggingaboutlikethat!IfCarrickwantsyoutohaveJuliet-isn’tthathername?-asaboarder,don’tyoudoit!IwishtogoodnessyouhadsomeonemorereliabletolookafteryouthanMleLaPâttre.Iknowshe’sajolygoodsort,butwomenaresohelpless!Theyoughttohaveamantolookafterthem.

‘I’mawfulygladtohearthatthepiccaninnyisgoingstrongandgettingfat.Austriaseemstosuither.Thatcinemastuntwasrathercheek,Ithought.I’mthankfulitgotnofurther.Icertainlydon’twantmysistersstuckupineverycinemaforanyidiottosee!

‘There’spreciouslittlenewstotelyou.Wearebusywithsomeexperimentsatpresent.TheGobbler(Dick’ssuperior)hassomewildnotionofgrowingEuropeanfruit-treeshere,sowe’remuckingaboutinafair-sizedclearinggrowinggoodoldplumandapple.This,ofcourse,isinadditiontoourordinarywork.Iblessedhimtheotherday,Icantelyou.Hehaduspruningandplantingthewholeday,andthemercurydoingthehighjumpforalitwasworth.

‘Therainsaregoingwel,andthere’sachorusoffrogsoutsidemybungalowatthemoment.Thisisbeastlyweather.Theoneconsolationis,thatanyhowthesnakesarelyingprettylow.Mybearercaughtawhackertheothernight-akingcobra-sohe’sintroducedamongoosetothehouseholdincasethemateisanywhereround.We’vecaledthelittlelad“Binjamin,”after“Stalky’s”Binjamin.Remember?Wel,there’snothingmoretotelyou,andI’mdeadtired,andjustgoingtoturninwhenI’vefinishedthisscreel.

RememberwhatIsay,andleaveCarrickalone.Salaams.-Dick.’

TherewasalittlesilencewhenMadgehadfinished.ThenJoeybrokeit.

‘Dick’stoolate,’shesaid.‘We’vebeenandgoneanddoneit!PoorJuliet!’

‘PoorJulietindeed!’sighedMadge.‘Oh,JoeyBettany,you’vealottobethankfulfor,letmetelyou!’

‘Iknow,’saidJoeysoberly.’You’reasporttome,Madge!AndDick’sanother!’

‘We’realyou’vegot,’saidMadgebriefly.

‘Somepeoplehaven’tasmuch,’repliedJoey,leaningherheadagainsthersister.‘LookatJuliet!AndthenGrizelhasn’tanyonemuch.Youcan’tsayherfather’suptomuch,canyou?PooroldGrizel!’

Madgeslippedanarmroundherlittlesister.‘You’rerightthere,oldlady.ButGrizelmustcomeintolinewiththerestofyou.You’reuptomonkeytricksaswel,Iknow,butyouhaven’tbeenimpertinenttoo.IknowyouthinkI’mbeingaperfectbeasttoher,butshecan’tbelefttogoonlikethat,canshe?’

Joeyacknowledgedthetruthofthis.‘No;Iseeyourpoint.But,Madge,oldthing,Idothinkshe’ssorrybythistime!Can’tyougoandsee?’

Madgeshookherhead.‘No,Joey!Shewon’tbesorryyet.Nowit’stimeforprep.,andyoumusttoddleoff.Comealongearlytomorrowmorningandwe’lhaveapalaver.It’sonlyafortnighttotheholidaysnow,andthenwe’lhaveagoodtimetogether.’Shegavehersisteralittlesqueezeandthensentherofftoherpreparation.

Lefttoherself,shefacedtheGrizelproblemoncemore.Sheknewthatitwouldtakealottomakethatyoungladysayshewassorry,andyetshehaddeterminedthatapologiseGrizelmustandshould.Thepointwas,howwasshetobebroughttoit?SherecognisedthetruthofJoey’sstatementthatGrizelhadn’t

‘anyonemuch.’InsomewaysshewasmoretobepitiedthanJuliet.Fromalaccounts,thelatterhadbeenaccustomedtolittledifferenttreatmentfromwhatshehadreceived;butGrizelforfiveyearsofherlifehadbeenthespoiltdarlingofhergrandmother,thenextfewyearshadbeenaharddisciplineforawilful,pettedchild;andapparentlytoomuchfreedomfromsuchdisciplinehadgonetoGrizel’shead.Nothingelsecouldexplainherpresentdefiance.

‘Ohdear!’thoughtMissBettany.‘Runningaschoolisn’ttheeasiestthinginthe

world-especialywhentherearetwosuchgirlsasGrizelandJulietinit!IwishIknewwhattodo!’

LaterinthedayshewenttoseeGrizelagain,butfoundherstonilysilentandabsolutelyunrepentant.Theinterviewdidnogood,andsheleftthegirlwithahopelessfeelingthatsomethingwasalwronghere.Grizelherselfwasstiltoomiserablyangrytocarewhathappened.

‘Ihateher-Ihatethemal!’shethoughttoherself.‘I’drunawayifI’danywheretorunto!Oh,IwishIwasdead,Ido!’

Sheleantherforeheadagainsttheedgeofthewindow-frame,staringmiserablyoutatthedarkpinewoodsandtheslopesoftheBärenbadAlpe.Presentlysheshiftedherposition,sothatshecouldlookupthelongvaleytowardstheMondscheinspitze,withtheBärenkopfinthedistance,and,toweringoveral,theTiernjoch,withitssinistershadows.Evenonasummer’sday,whentheotherpeaksgleamedwhiteinthegloryoftheafternoonsun,itlookeddarkandlowering.HermindwentbacktothestoriesHerrMenschhadtoldthemaboutit.How,onewinter,sixtyyearsago,therehadbeenafearfulavalanchedownitsslopes,whichhadpartlyburiedalittlehamletthatstoodatthefootofit,andhow,whenspringhadbroughtthethawandthesnowhadmelted,thehousesweresoburiedinrocksandearththatithadbeenwel-nighimpossibletodigthemout.

Therewereothergruesomestories,too,oftravelerswhohadbeencaughtinthetreacherousmistonitsslopesandhadneverbeenseenagain-orelsehadbeenfound,alittleheapofbrokenbones,atthebottomoftheravinewhichmadeoneofitschiefdangers.Asshestoodlookingdreamilyintothedistance,sheheardfootstepsunderthewindow,andthenWanda’spreciseEnglish.

‘WhereisGrizel,Margia?Ishouldlikewithhertospeak.’

‘Grizel’sinarow,’repliedMargia’svoice.‘Shevaselinedtheblackboards,andwasawfulyrudetoMadameaboutit.Soshe’snottobewithanyofustilshesaysshe’ssorry.’

‘Oh,Iamsosorry!’saidWanda.‘PoorGrizel!Howunhappyshemustfeelathavingbeenrude!Buthowdidshedare?’

‘Goodnessknows!Shedaresanything!She’sgoingtoclimbthatoldTiernjoch

someday,shesays,’

floatedupMargia’sclearnotes.

‘Oh,butIdonotthinkshecanmeanthat!’repliedtheyoungViennese.‘Thatisonlytalking,asJoeysays.’

Theymovedonthen,butthemischiefhadbeendone.Upstairs,indurancevile,theeavesdropperclenchedherhands.Sothatwaswhattheythought,wasit?Thatitwasaltalkonherpart?Wel,shewouldjolywelshowthem!Shewouldshowthemthatveryday!No,thenextday!Shewouldgetupearly,andwhentheycametofindhershewouldbegone!She’dshowthemalwhatshedaredtodoandwhatshedaren’t!She’dmakethemsorrythey’dtreatedherlikethis!

MissMaynardenteredatthatmomenttotelhertogetreadyforawalk,andshehadtochangehershoesandfindherhat.Throughoutthehourandahalf,duringwhichtheywentroundthelowerendofthelaketoBuchau,wheretheycaughtthesteamerbacktoBriesau,sheremainedobstinatelydumb.MissMaynardmadeoneortworemarks,then,findinghereffortsvain,lapsedintothoughtfulnessonherownpart,leavingGrizeltoherself.

Whentheyreturned,theyoungladywastakenbacktoherroom,andMissMaynardbroughtheracoupleofbooksandherembroiderybeforeshewithdrew,closingthedoorquietlybehindher.Therewasnoquestionoflockingherin;thedoorwasmerelyshut.Naughtyasshehadbeen,itneverdawnedonMissBettanytothinkthatthechildwouldabusethetrustreposedinher;andinhernormalframeofmind,Grizelwouldassoonhavethoughtoftryingtoflyasofbetrayingthattrust.Butshewasnotnormalatpresent.Theoneideaof‘showingthem’filedhermindtotheexclusionofeverythingelse,andasshesatwithHenryEsmondopenbeforeher,Grizelwasbusilymakingplansforthemorrow.

Itwouldbeaneasymattertogetaway.Shemustwakeearly-byfouro’clockatlatest.Thatwouldgiveherastartoffourhours,sincenobodywaslikelytocomenearhermuchbeforeeight.BythattimeshehopedtobewelonherwaytothelittleAlpeorAimhalf-wayupthemountain,whereherdsmenattendedtothecattlewhoweregrazedthereinthesummer.Thequestionoffoodwasratheradifficulty,fortheonelittleshoptheplaceboastedwouldnotbeopenatthathour,andGrizelknewthatbreadandcheesewasalshewaslikelytogetfromthe

herdsmen;andthebreadwouldmostlikelybereekingofgarlic,whichshedetested.Finaly,shedecidedthatshemustsavealshecouldfromhersupper.Shehopedtheywouldbringherplenty.

LeavingHenryEsmondonthetable,shestrayedovertothewindow,andstoodwithherheadthrownbackgazingatthegreatgloomymountain.JoeyBettany,passingbeneathwithSimoneonherwaytotennis,glancedupandsawher,thoughshedidnotseeJoey.Hermindwasfulofheradventuretocome-forthatitwouldbeanadventureshefeltsure.

Half-pastsevenbroughtMarieandhersupper.Grizel’sspiritswentupwithaboundasshetookinthebowlofsoup,therolsandbutter,thelargesliceofkuchen,andtheglassofnewmilk.Thesoupandthemilkwoulddoforthesupper,andtherestshemustputawayforthemorning.

Perhapstherewouldbesomeapplesinthekitchen.Thingsweregoingwelforher.

Later,sheheardtheotherscomingbackfromcricketandtennis.Joeywastalking.‘Look!Alpenglück!’

shesaid,herwordscarryingeasilyonthestilair.

‘Bother!‘Julietchimedin.‘Nogamestomorrow,then,andit’sSaturday!’

Sheheardnomore,forjustthentheHeadcameintosay‘good-night,’andseethateverythingsheneededwasthere.

MissBettanyhadmeanttosaysomethingtoher,butthehard,defiantlookGrizelturnedonherforbadeanythingofthekind.Sherealisedthat,inthegirl’spresentmood,discussionwouldbeworsethanuseless.

‘Good-night,Grizel,’shesaidquietly.

‘Good-night,’mumbledGrizel.

Thenthedoorclosedandshewasalone.

Chapter22.

GrizelRunsAway

‘Saturdaymorning!Thankgoodness,nolessons!’AndMargiaheavedasighofrelief.

‘Lazybones!’jeeredJulietfromhercubicle,whereshehadbeenreadingforthelasthalf-hour.

‘Thehols,wilbeheresoonanyhow,’saidJoeyBettany.‘Let’shopeit’sdecenterweatherthanthis!Ahorridgreyday!Idohatethemso!’

‘There’smistonthemountains!’Margiahadclimbedoutofbed,andwascontemplatingtheBärenbad,theBärenkopf,andtheirfelowswithpensiveeyes.‘Can’tseethetopofoldMondy,andtheTiernjochislost!’

‘It’lrainlater,’observedJuliet,shuttingherbookwithasighforherdisturbedpeace.‘Wesha’n'tevengetadecentwalk.’

‘FrauMenschaskedSimoneandGrizelandmetoteato-day,’observedJoeyinrathermuffledtones,sinceshewasburiedbeneathherplumeau.‘Isupposewe’lgo,butit’srottenforGrizel.Iwishshehadn’tcheekedmysister!’

‘ItisquietwithoutGrizel,’observedSimone,whowassittingupinbedhuggingherknees.‘Anditwilbenotnice-Imeanhorreed!’asagroanfromJoeyreachedher-‘tohavetosayGrizelisbeingpunished.’

‘Don’tyouworry!They’lknowalaboutit!’Joeyassuredher.‘IsawFrieda’seyesnearlyjumpingoutofherheadyesterdaywhensheansweredMad-mysister!Where’smydressing-gown?’

Shescrambledoutofbed,wriggledintoherdressing-gownandbedroomslippers,andvanishedinthedirectionofhersister’sroom.

‘It’srottenforJoey,’saidMargia,whohadgonebacktobedagain.‘MadameishersisterandGrizelisherchum.Whichevershesideswith,itlooksmeanfortheother!IdothinkGrizelisanass!’

‘Ithinksoalso,’remarkedSimone,whoseEnglishwasbecomingmuchmorefluent.‘AndGrizelisnotJoey’sonlychum,Margia.’

‘That’sgotnothingtodowithit,’repliedMargia.‘You’resimplysilyaboutJoBettany,Simone!’

‘Sheisgoodtome!’Simonewasmuchmoreself-controledthanshehadbeen,buthervoicesoundedtearfulnow.

Julietnoticedit,andinterposedtactfuly.‘JoBettanyisasplendidkid!Iwishwehadheapsmorelikeher!’

‘SodoI,’saidAmy,joiningintheconversationforthefirsttime.‘ShetelsthemostgorgeouseststoriesIeverheard!’

‘Whoseturnisittogofirsttothebathroomto-day?‘inquiredJuliet,justforestalingMargia’sremarkthat

‘nobodyeversays“gorgeousest”butbabies.’

‘Itisme!’saidSuzanneMercierinhershysoftvoice.

BothSuzanneandYvettehadverylittletosayatanytime,andtheirvoicesweresoseldomheard,that,asGrizelhadonceremarked,theymightjustaswelneverbetheremorethanhalfthetime.Now,Julietnearlyjumped.

‘Ialwaysforgetyoutwoarethere,’shesaid.‘Ifyou’regoing,Suzanne,you’dbettertoddlealong.IcanhearMariecomingwithAmy’swater.’

Shegotupasshespoke,andfishedoutherbedroomslippersandroleduphersleeves,preparatorytogivingAmyherbath.Thatsheshoulddoithadbecomequitearecognisedthingbynow,andtoJulietitwasagreatthingthatshecouldhelpeveninsolittle,assomereturnforherHead’sgoodnesstoher.ShecouldneverhelpcontrastingMissBettany’squietacceptanceofthestateofthingswiththebehaviourofherAnglo-Indianheadmistressundersimilarcircumstances.Thatladyhadbeenmainlyconcernedaboutthelossofherfees.OfJuliet’sfeelingsshehadthoughtnotonejot.JuliethadnotsuddenlybecomeanangelasaresultofherpresentHead’streatmentofher.Shewasaveryhumangirl;butshewasdeeplygrateful,andsinceshewasthoroughinwhatevershedid,shewasmakingvalianteffortstobecomethesamesportingtypeofgirlasthatto

whichherheadmistressbelonged.ThisbathingofAmy,whichhadbeenaself-imposedtask,sometimesboredherverymuch,butMissBettany’sthankshadfiledherwithadeterminationtogoon,and,asaresult,shewaslearningthatadutyundertakenforloveofapersonisn’thalfsotiresomeasonewhichisthrustonone.

AsforAmy,shehadquiteovercomeherfearofJuliet,andchattedgailyastheeldergirlspongedherdownandthenrubbedherdry.

‘Thereyouare!’saidJulietfinaly,asshefinisheddryingbetweenthelittlepinktoes.‘Nowbuckupandgetintoyourclothes!Who’sinthebathroomnow?’shewenton,raisinghervoiceslightly.

‘Simone,’repliedJoey,whohadcomebackfromhersister.‘I’mnext,an’thenyou.Oh,an’MadamesaysgopastGrizel’sdoorquietly,asshewantshertogetagoodsleep‘cossheseemedsotiredlastnight.’

‘Alright,’saidJulietbriefly.‘Strippedyourbed,Joey?Isay,Idon’tthinkwe’dbetterputtheplumeauxoverthebalconyto-day.Itlooksasthoughtherewasgoingtobeasplash!’

‘‘Twon’tcomeyet,’saidJoeytheweather-wise.‘Prob’lynottilthisafternoon.It’sgoingtobeabeastlyday,’sheadded,shakingherpilowvindictively.‘Ijolywelwishitwasover!’

‘Joey,Iamreturned!Youhadbetterbuckup!’saidSimone’svoiceatthisjuncture,andJoeyhad,perforce,toseizehertowelsandhurryoff.

Nobodyseemedinaparticularlyhappymoodthismorning.ThegirlsweresubduedundertheconsciousnessofGrizel’sdisgrace.Thestaffwasworriedforthesamereason.Inthekitchen,MariewasaccusinghersmalbrotherEigen,whocametohelpwithoddjobs,ofhavinghelpedhimselftotheapplesshehadleftinabigdishovernight.

‘SixteenapplesIleave,’shescolded,‘andnowtherearebutten!Wherearetheothers,rascal?Thouhasteatenthem!Thouhaststolen!’

Eigen,astolidpersonofeleven,lookedathissistersolemnly.‘Nein,Marie,’wasalhesaidinanswertoheraccusations.

‘ButIsaythouhast!Whowouldtakethemifthoudidstnot,jungeTaugenichts?’

‘Nein,Marie,’saidEigenserenely.Alheknewwasthathehadn’ttouchedtheapples,whateverhissistermightsay,andhecaredfornothingelse.

Madge,hearingthedisturbanceinthekitchen,wenttodiscoverwhatitwasalabout.

‘Whydostthouscold,Marie?’sheinquiredinfluentGerman.

‘Thisrascal,Madame,hehasstolensixapples-six.’

‘Goodgracious!’observedJo,whohadfolowedhersister.‘He’lbeil!’

‘Nein,Marie,’observedEigen,stilasplacidlyasever.

Marieturnedtohermistresswithoutflunghandsofhelplessness.‘Youhearhim,Madame!Thatisalthathesays!Hewhohasstolen!’

‘Nein,Marie!’wastheparrot-likeresponseoftheaccusedyouth.

‘Wait,Marie,’saidMissBettany,checkingthefloodofexclamationswhichshecouldseetobeonMarie’stongue.‘Heisagoodboy.Ifhesayshedidnottouchtheapples,thenIdonotthinkhedid.Eigen,hastthouseentheapplesofwhichMariespeaks?’

Eigenlookedatherhopefuly.Hehadquitegivenupexpectinganysensefromhissister.Shehadmadeuphermindthathehadtakenthefruit,andnoamountofargumentwouldpersuadeherdifferently.ButdasFräuleinwiththekindeyesandtheprettyhairwasanothermatter.Shehadoftenshownherselftobeveryunderstanding.Sohesaid,‘Nein,gnädigesFräulein.’

‘Verywel!’MissBettanyturnedtoMarie.‘Iamsurehespeaksthetruth,Marie,andoneoftheyoungladiesmayhavefelthungryduringthenightandtakenthem.Iwilinquire,and,meantime,saynomoreaboutit.’

‘Bitte,meinFräulein-’beganMarie,butMissBettany’supraisedhandstoppedher,andsheturnedtogodowntothecelartofetchmoreapples,grumblingunderherbreath;whileheryoungmistressleftthekitchen,folowedbyJo,whowaswonderingrathermiserablyhowthingswouldgothatday.

‘It’sgoingtobesimplyhorrid!’shedecided,assheattackedherrolandhoneywithconsiderablylessappetitethanusual.‘Oh,Iwishitwasover!’

Inquiriesabouttheapplesdidnotsolvethemystery.Noonehadtouchedthem,andJuliet,whowasalightsleeper,andwhohad,inanycase,awakenedearly,waspositivethatnoonehadleftthedormitorytiltherising-belhadrung.‘ExceptJoey,’sheadded.

‘Joeycametoseeme,’saidMissBettany,‘sothat’salright.Wel,I’msurethatifEigensayshehasn’ttouchedthefruit,hehasn’t.IimagineMariedidn’tcountverycarefulywhensheputthemout.That’smorelikelythanthatEigenshouldhavetakenthemwhenhesayshedidn’t.Now,goandmakeyourbedsandthengetreadyforagoodwalk.It’sgoingtorainlateron,soyouwon’tgetgamesthisafternoon,I’mafraid.Jo,youandSimonearegoingtoSeespitztotheMensches,soyou’dbetternotgowiththeothers.Getyourpractisingandmendingdonethismorninginsteadofgoingforthewalk,andchangebeforeMittagessen.

HerrMenschrangmeuplastnighttosayhewasgoingtotakeyoualforamotorrideuptheTiernValey,andwouldbeatthefencegateforyouattwoo’clock,soyoumustbeready.WhathewildoifitrainsIcan’ttelyou!’-thusforestalingthequestiononJoey’slips.‘Nowrunalong,alofyou,andgeton.Pleasegoquietly.’

Shehadsaidgracepreviously,sotheyalgotupandwentupstairsinsubduedmanner.AsshepassedthedoorofGrizel’sprisonwithSimoneclosebesideher,Joeyheavedalittlesigh.

‘Whatisitthen,Joey?‘demandedSimone.

‘Idon’tknow.Ifeelasthoughsomethinghorridwasgoingtohappen,’returnedherfriend.‘Sortofforeteling,youknow!Spookyandawful!‘sheaddedincoherently.

‘Idonotunderstand,’saidSimone,whomightwelbeforgivenfornotunderstanding.

‘Oh,wel,Ican’texplain!’repliedJoimpatiently.‘Comeandmakeyourbed!’

Theywerehalf-waythrough,whenthechinkofchinaonatrayandthesoundofcarefulfootstepstoldthemthatbreakfastwasgoingtoGrizel.

‘It’sawfulyjolytohaveyourbreakfastinbed,’grumbledMargia.‘IwishIhad!Worthbeingnaughtyfor!Isay!What’sthat?’asastartledcryreachedherears.

Beforeanyonecouldanswerher,therecamethesoundofhurryingfeet,andMissBettanyflungopenthedoorofthedormitory.

‘Girls!WhichofyouhasseenGrizelCochranethismorning?’

Astartledsilencefolowedherquestion.FinalyJulietanswered.

‘Idon’tthinkanyofushave,Madame.Isn’tsheinherroom?’

‘No.Thewindowsarewideopenandherclothesaregone!Areyousureyouhaven’tseenher?’

Youcouldhaveheardapindropastheydigestedthisinformation.

‘D’youmeanyouthinkshe’s-runaway?’venturedMargiaatlast.

‘Ofcourseshehasn’t!’explodedJoey.‘She’sbrokenbounds,that’sal!An’Ithinkshe’sabeast!’

‘Hush,Joey!’saidMissBettany.‘Ofcourseshehasn’trunaway,Margia!Foronething,shehasnomoney,andforanother,shehasn’tanywheretorunto.Butit’sverytrying!IdidthinkIcouldtrustyougirls!’

Sheturnedandlefttheroomasshespoke,leavingastartledgroupbehindher.Theydidnotquiteknowwhattothink.UptilthismomenttheyhadfeltagooddealofsympathyforGrizel;andherbriliantideaofvaseliningtheblackboardshadrathercaptivatedthem.Butthiswasquiteanotherthing.Itwasuntrustworthy,and,asMargiasaidlater,‘notcricket.’Withalherwilful-ness,Grizelhadneveryetfailedtoplaythegame,andtheshockofdiscoveringthatshecouldfailratherstunnedthem.PresentlyJulietwentbacktohertaskofbed-making,andtheyalfolowedherexampleinadeathlysilencethatsaidfarmoreabouttheirfeelingsthananyamountofspeechcouldhavedone.

Whentheyhadfinished,JoeyandSimonewenttotheirpractice,whiletheothersgotreadyfortheirwalkwithMissMaynard.Presentlytheysetoff,passingMadgeandMademoiseleontheway,theonegoingovertoBuchautomakeinquiriesastowhetherGrizelhadbeenseenaboutthere,whiletheotherwas

goingdowntoSpärtzbythemountain-pathonthesamequest.

ForsomefortyminutesJoeyworkedawaysteadilyatherscales,hermindanywherebutonwhatshewasdoing.Suddenlyshejumpedup.

‘TheTiernjoch!‘shegasped.‘That’swhereshe’sgone!UptheTiernjoch!Oh,shewaslookingatitlastnight!That’swhatshewasthinkingof!Imustgoandfetchherback!’

WithJotheimpulsive,tothinkwastoact.Shedashedalongtothecloakroom,toremadlyintohermac.

andtammy,dashedintoSimone,whowasstrugglingwithoneofGurlitt’sKinderscenen,andgasped,

‘Simone,Grizel’sgoneuptheTiernjoch!I’mofftofetchherback!YoumuststayandtelMadgewhenshecomes!Good-bye!’

BeforetheastoundedSimonehadtakeninhalfthesenseofwhatshesaid,shehadgone.Thusithappenedthatadistractedandworn-outMadgewasmetsomehourandahalflaterbyatearfulSimone,whosobbedoutthatJoeyhadgoneupthewickedTiernjochtofindGrizel.

Chapter23.

OnTheTiernjoch

TogobackafewhourstothetimewhenGrizelawokeintheearlygreynessofthemorningisnownecessary.Whenshehadgotintobed,shehadbangedherheadonherpilowfourtimes,sayingsolemnly

‘Fouro’clock!’asshedidso.ThisisthebestrecipeIknowforearlywaking,andGrizelknewittoo.Shewokeupjustastheoldgrandfatherclockbelowchimedfourtimes.Foraminuteshelistenedforthebreathingoftheothers,thensheremembered.Shewasbyherselfasapunishment,andshewasgoingtoclimbtheTiernjochthatday.‘Atlast!’shethought,assheclimbedcautiouslyoutofbed,and,stealingacrosstheroomontiptoe,openedthejalousiescarefuly.Luckily,everyhingeinthehousewaskeptweloiled,andtheymadenosoundassheswungthemslowlyback.Thedawnwindblewinchily,and,ifshehadonly

realisedit,bringingwithitaforetasteofthemountainmists.Intheskyastarortwostillingered,butsoontheywouldhavevanished,forthelightwasbrighteningwitheveryminute.Shiveringalittlewithcoldandexcitement,Grizelbegantodressinthehalflight.Shewassoonready,andthen,pickingupherelectrictorch,shestoledownstairsinherstockingedfeettothekitchentoseeifMariehad,bychance,leftanyfoodabout.Shefoundtheapplesonthekitchentableandabstractedsix,droppingfiveofthemintoherknapsackandbeginningontheother.Therewasnothingelse,however,andshedarednotriskopeningthecupboardsincaseanyofthedoorsshouldcreak.Stil,sixapples,tworolsofbread,andasliceofMarie’skuchenwerenotsobad,andshehadafewhundred-Krönernotes,soshewouldbeabletogetcheeseandmilkfromtheherdsmen.Shecreptbackupstairs,tuckedtherestofherprovenderintoherknapsack,andslungitacrosshershoulders.

Thenextthingwastogetout.Itwouldbemadnesstoattempttoopenthedoors.Whatshedecidedonwasalmostasmad.Thewindowoftheroomopenedontothebalconythatranalroundthehouse.Grizelclamberedovertherailings,hungforamomentfromtheledgeofit,andthendropped.Mercifuly,itwasonlytenfeetabovetheground,andshehadlearnedhowtofaleasily,sobeyondabumpedelbowshecametonoharm.

Shepickedherselfupwitharuefulface,andthenproceededtoputonhershoes.Twominuteslatershewasflyingupthepathtowardsthevaleyataratethatwouldhavecausedanexperiencedmountaineertoexclaimwithhorror.

Whenshereachedthefence,thecowsthatwerepasturedinthevaleywerecomingalong,ledbythebigcream-colouredbulwhowaslordoftheherd.Grizelsatonthefence,thefreshmorningairrufflinghercurls,herfaceglowingwithpleasureatthemusicmadebythejinglingbels.Theboywhowasherdingthemlookedcuriouslyather,butmadenocomment.Probablyhethoughtthatshewaswaitingfortherestofaparty.Whentheyhadpassed,Grizelsetoffagain,thistimeatareasonablejog-trotpace,whichsheknewshecouldkeepupforsometime.Bythistimethestarshadfaded,andthelightwasrapidlystreakingthesky.WhenshehadreachedthetinyhamletofLauterbach,thelastremnantsofthedarknesshadgoneanditwasbroaddaylight.

AmanwaschoppingwoodforthefiresoutsideoneChâlet,andhewaswhistlingagaytuneasheworked.

Twoorthreegoats,tetherednearby,bleatedatthesoundofherfootsteps,andababykidcameskippingalongsideofher,itsheadcockedinquiringlyononeside,itsyeloweyesfulofinnocentinquirywhichwonherheartinstantly.

‘Oh,youdarling!’shecried,tryingtocatchhiminherarms.ButMasterBilywasasshyashewascurious.Withaterrified‘Ma-a-a!’hemadeaside-dashawayfromher,andracedforhomeandmother.

Grizelthrewbackherhead,laughinggailyatthesight.Thepeasantlookedather,andgrunted‘Grüss’

Gott!’Sheansweredhim,andthenwenton.Alremembranceofthefactthatshewasindisgraceandhadnobusinesstobetherehadfadedfromhermindinherenjoymentofthemorning.Eventheactualascentofthegreatmountainthathungsothreateninglyovertheupperendofthevaleywasforgotten.

Likeagoodmanyunimaginativepeople,Grizelpossessedthegiftoflivingintheimmediatepresent.

WhereJoeyandMadgewouldhavebeendreamingofthemountainsummitsandthejoyofthehardclimb,shewassimplywildwithdelightinherpresentsurroundings.Assheswungalong,shebegantosingoneofthefolk-songsshehadlearntinherEnglishschool,andthewordsof‘HighGermany‘rangthroughthequietvaley:

‘Oh,Polylove,oh,Poly,theroutisnowbegun,

Andwemustbea-marchingatthebeatingofthedrum.

Go,dressyourselfalinyourbest,andcomealongwithme;

I’ltakeyoutothecruelwarsinHighGermany!’

‘Oh,Harrylove,oh,Harry,youhearkenwhatIsay,

Myfeetarealtootender;Icannotmarchaway.

Besides,mydearestHarry,thoughmanandwifewebe,

HowamIfitforcruelwarsinHighGermany?’

Oh,cursèdarethecruelwarsthatevertheyshouldrise,

AndoutofMerrieEnglandpressmanyaladlikewise,

TheypressedmyHarryfromme,asalmybrothersthree,

AndsentthemtothecruelwarsinHighGermany.

Shefinishedupwithawildnourishofherstick,anddiscoveredherselfatthefootofanarrowpaththatwoundupandupbetweenbushesandrocks.Atinystreamtrickleddownfaraboveher,lookinglikeasilverthreadinthecoldlight.

Grizelstoppedanddebatedwithherself.Shouldsheeatherbreakfastwhereshewas,orshouldshegoontilshereachedtheAlmwhereshewouldbuyhermilk?

‘I’leatanapple,’shedecided,‘thenI’lgoon.Coo!Whatascramble!’

Shesatdownonaconvenientrockandbitfirmlyintoanapple.Thesightofsomeberriesnearathandsentherflyingacrosstoseeiftheywerefittoeat.Theywereblue-berries,butasyettheyweremoregreenthanblue,soshereluctantlyleftthemaloneandreturnedtoherstoneandherapple.

‘Jolyitis,earlyinthemorning!’shethought,assheflungthecoreintonearbybushes.‘Wel,Imustpulupmysocksandgetonwithit!’

Accordingly,sheshoulderedherknapsackoncemore,pickedupherstick,andsetoffgailyupthenarrowpath,whistlingcheerilyasshewent.

Presently,however,thetrackleftthebushes,andtwistedaboutroundbouldersandoverheapsofbrokenstoneswhichshefoundtrickytonegotiate.Shehadbeenright.Itwasascramble!Upandupsheclambered,unheedingofherlegsandshoulders,whichwerebeginningtoachewiththeunaccustomedexercise.

‘TheSonnenscheinspitzewasacircumstancetothis,’shethought,asshetoiledonwards,‘andasfortheMondscheinspitze,itwasababy’scrawl!Ihopeitgetsbetterfartheron!’

Farfromgettingbetter,however,itgotworse,andGrizelwasforcedtostopmorethanoncetorest.‘Oof!

Thisissomeclimb!’shesighed,asshesatdownforthethirdtimetomopherstreamingface.‘Howevertheygetthecowsuphereisbeyondme!’

Asamatteroffact,thecowsreachedtheAlmbyapathwhichcameovertheshoulderofthemountain,andwasmucheasier;butGrizelcouldnotknowthat.Presentlyshesetoffagain,andthistimeshesucceededinreachingtheAlm.Shenearlycametogriefoverthelastfewsteps.TheAlmitselfoverhungthepath,and,inordertogetontoit,shehadtocatchatatreerootandhaulherselfup.Shewasalmosttherewhenherhandslippedandshenearlyfel.Ifshehadgone,itwouldhavemeantafaloftwentyfeetormore,forjustheretherockhadbrokenaway.Luckily,shemanagedtoscrambletosafetysomehow,andreachedtheshort,sweetturf,whereshelaywithbeatingheartforthenextfewminutes.

Presentlyshegottoherfeet.Withalherfaults,Grizelwasnocoward.Aweakercharactermighthavegiveninatthispoint,butshesimplysetherteethandwenton.TheAlmisalongonehere,andtheherdsmen’shutisbuiltinacreviceintherock,soitwasagoodtenminutesbeforeshereachedit.Themenhadlongsincegonetotheirday’swork,andtherewasonlyaladofsixteenorseventeeninthehut.Hestaredather,butmadenocomment.WhensheaskedformilkinherbestGerman,hebroughtittoherinabigearthenwaremug,andstoodwatchingherwhileshedrankit.Neverhadanythingtastedsodelicioustoherasthatdraughtofsweetmilk,richwithyelowcream.Whenshehadfinished,theboytookthemug,sayingincuriouslyhoarse,thicktonessomethingofwhichshecaughtonlythelastwordseinNebelstreif.

Grizeldidnotunderstand,butshewasnotgoingtolethimknowthatifshecouldhelpit;soshelookedasinteligentassheknewhow,noddedherhead,andsaid,‘Oh,ja-ja!’

Againtheboyspoke,thistimesayingsomethingaboutkeineAussicht.This,Grizelknew,meant‘noview,’

sosheshookherheadthistime,saying,‘Nein,nein!keineAussicht1′whichseemedtosatisfyhim,for,withtheusual‘Grüss’Gott!‘heturnedandwentbackintothehut.

Grizellookedafterhimdoubtfulybeforesheturnedandwentonherway.Walkingovertheshort,springygrasswasatreatafterthehard,toilsome

scrambleovertherocksandshale.Shehadgothersecondwind,andwentonjoyously,munchinganappleasshewent.Itstruckherthatitwasgettingrathermisty,butshehadnomeansofknowingthetime,asshewasnotwearingherwatch,andshesupposedittobethemorningmists,whichwouldsoondisappear.Itwasthenabouteleveno’clock,asamatteroffact;andatthefootofthemountainJoeyBettanywaseyeingthepathupwhichherfriendhadcomewithdubiouseyes.TenminutestookGrizeltothefaredgeoftheAlm,andoncemorethepathbegantowindupwards.Itwaseasygoingatfirst,butsoonbecamemoredifficult.Themist-cloudsclosedinroundher,andpresentlyshefoundherselfstrugglingupwards,surroundedbywhitewalsofmountainfog,whichhidthepathfromheranddeadenedalsoundssavethoseofherownfootsteps.Shewaspluckyenough,butthedeadlysilenceandtheeerinessbegantofrightenher.SomeoftheterriblestoriesHerrMenschandHerrMaranitoldthemcamebacktotormenthernow.Shewaswornout,andtheclimbwasbecomingmoreandmoredifficult.Overandoveragainshewasobligedtositdownandrest,andaftereachhaltshefeltherselfbecomingstifferandstiffer.Thensuddenlyherfootstruckaloosenedstoneandsetitroling.

Shehearditgoalittleway,thentherewasanawfulsilence,andatthesamemomentthecloudsliftedjustsufficientlytoshowherthatshewasstandingontheedgeofaprecipice!

Astherealisationofthefactcametoher,Grizelfeltthelastremnantofhercourageoozingaway,andclutchedatitdesperately.Ifshehadfolowedtheinclinationofthemoment,shewouldhaveflungherselfdownonthegroundandscreamed.Luckily,shedidnothingofthekind.More,sheeventriedtotakeasteportwoforward.Then,asthemistscameswirlingbackoncemore,shegaveitup.Sheknewwhereshewas,forHerrMenschhaddescribedtheascenttohermorethanonce.Shehadreachedtheworstbitofal.Here,foronehundredandfiftyyards,thepath,barelythreefeetwideinmostplaces,andevenlessinsome,crawledalongtheedgeofaprecipicewhichwentsheerdowntothevaleybelow.Ontheothersideawalofstarkrockrose,alsosheerly,givingnoholdofanykind.Thiswasthepartwhereanyoneintheleastdegreenervouswasroped,anditwaswheretheworstaccidentsalwaysoccurred.Whatmadethingsworsewasthefactthatshehadnoideahowfaralongshehadcome.

Withapitifulattemptatself-control,shesatdown,slowlyandcarefuly,curlingherselfupagainsttherock-wal.Littleshivers,partlyofcold,partlyofterror,ranupanddownher.Lyingthere,withonlyanarrowshelfofrockbetweenherand

instantdeath,Grizelprayedasshehadneverprayedbefore.Atfirstthewordswouldnotcome.Thengradualytheoldfamiliar‘OurFather’rosetoherlips.Thatcomfortedher.‘OurFather,whichartinheaven,’sheprayedaloud,thesoundofherownvoicehelpingtosteadyher.‘OurFather,oh,sendsomeone!Pleasesendsomeonequickly.OurFather-’

‘Grizel!Grizel!’Thecrycamefaintlythroughthemist.

Shesatup.Joey!ItwasJoey’svoice!‘OurFather,’shesobbed.Then,‘Joey!Joey!’

‘Holdonatick!I’mcoming!Whereareyou?’

Grizelpuledherselftogether.‘Joey!I’montheprecipice!I’mlyingdown!Lookout!’

Almostatonceafigureloomedupoutofthemist,andthenJoey,feelingherwaycarefuly,wasbesideher.Shewassittingdown,pulingherintoherarms,holdinghertightly,saying,‘Grizel!Grizel!’

‘OurFather,’beganGrizelduly.‘Oh,Joey,Hesentyouatlast!’

Thendarknesssweptoverher,and,toJoey’sutterdismay,shefainted.Itwasonlyforafewmoments,however.Shestruggledbacktoconsciousness,andwithconsciousnesscameterror,completeandoverwhelming.Sheclungtotheyoungergirl,shakingfromheadtofoot,whileJoey,withwide,strainingeyestryingtoseethroughthemists,heldhertightly,murmuringwordsofcomforttoher.

‘Grizel!Darling!Don’tcry!It’salright!HonestInjun,itis!There!Don’tcry,Grizel!Joey’shere!Joey’sgotyousafely!It’salright!’Overandoveragainsherepeatedit,tilfinalythemeaningofherwordsreachedGrizel’sbrain,andshebegantopulherselftogether.

‘Joey!’shesaidpresently.‘Oh,Joey!Howdidyouknow?’

‘Wheretocome,d’youmean?Iguessed!Grizel,areyoubetter?Don’tyouthinkifwewentonhandsandkneesyoucouldgetbacktotherocks?Wearen’tawfulyfaralong,Iknow.Twominuteswoulddoit.Can’tyoutry,Grizel?’

ButGrizeldarednot.Theverysuggestionsetherwhimperingpiteously.‘Joey,Idaren’t!Oh,Joey,IknowIshouldslipandfal!Idaren’tmove!

Don’tyoumoveeither,Joey!Ifyoudo,weshalgoover!Don’tmove,Joey!Pleasedon’t!’

‘But,Grizel,oldthing,it’ssoawfulycold,andyou’rewetthrough!Dolet’shaveashotatit!HonestInjun,itwouldn’ttakeaminute!’

ButGrizel’snervewasgone.Shecouldonlyclutchherfriend,cryingpiteously,and,mercifulyforbothofthem,shemadenoattempttomove.

Hadshedonesoinherpresentstateofmind,thereislittledoubtbutthatbothofthemmusthavegoneovertheedge.Finaly,Joeygaveuphercoaxing,andsettledherselfascomfortablyasshecouldtoawaittherescueshefeltsurewouldcomesoon.Grizel,lyingcloselyagainsther,hadceasedtocry.Nowsheseemeddrowsyanddul.Withasuddenthroboffear,JoeyBettanyfacedanewdanger.Shehadreadofthedeathsleepwhichcontinuedcoldbringson,andsherealisedthatalreadyGrizelwasonlysemi-conscious.Atalcostsshemustrouseher.

‘Grizel!’shesaidimperatively.‘Grizel!Wakeup!Youcan’tgotosleep!’

Grizelmutteredsomethingdrowsily,butmadenomovement.Joeyslappedherfacesmartly,andnearlybroughtdisasteronthembothastheeldergirlstirred.

‘Grizel!Grizel!’

ThefearinhertonesreachedGrizel’sdruggedbrain,andshehalfroused.

‘Yes,Joey!I’mhere!’

‘Butyoumuststayhere!’sobbedpoorJoey.‘Oh,Grizel,don’tgotosleep!’

‘I’mnot;butIamsotired,’murmuredGrizel.

‘Iknow,butoh,youmustn’t!Oh,Ican’tbearit!’

HertearsfelonGrizel’sface,anddidmoretowakeherthananythingelsewouldhavedone.Joeycryingwasawondernottobeunderstood.

‘Don’tcry,Joey!It’salmyfault,andI’msorrynow!Oh,ifwebothdieitwilbemyfault,andMissBettanywilneverforgivemeorlookatmeagain!’

Joeybegantogurglehystericalyatthat.‘Don’tbes-sily!Ifwebothdieweshalbed-What’sthat?’

Shesatwithheadupreared,listeningforthesoundherquickearshadcaught.Itcameagain-thelong,melodiouscalofthemountaineer.

‘Grizel!’shecried.‘We’refound!’‘Then,withalherstrength,shecooeed.

Theyodelcameagain,nearerthistime,and,assheansweredit,Joeynoticedthat,atlonglast,themistswerethinning.Thencamethesoundofcarefulfootsteps,and,finaly,thedearfamiliarfigureofHerrMensch,lookingmorelikeabenevolentgiantthanever.BehindhimcametheslighterformofHerrMarani,andbehindhimagaintwooftheherdsmen,whohadbeenpressedintoservice.ToaskiledmountaineerlikeHerrMenschthenarrowpathpresentednodifficulties.Withonebigstridehehadsteppedacrossthetwogirls,then,turninground,hebentdownandpickedupGrizel,whileHerrMaranihelpedJoeytoherfeet.

Thenextfewminutesweredangerousenough,forJoey’scrampedmuscleswouldnotwork,andshenearlyfel.Luckily,HerrMaranihadherfirmly,andtwentyminuteslatertheywereontheAlm,whereMadgeawaitedthemwithwhitefaceandeyesdarkwiththeagonyshehadundergone.

IfHerrMaraniwouldhavealowedher,shewouldhavecarriedJoeyherselftotheherdsmen’shut,whereapotentdrinkofhotmilk,mixedwithbrandyfromHerrMensch’sflask,wasgiventothembeforetheymadethefinaldescenttothevaley.

Twohourslaterthesunappearedinfulglory,gildingalthepeaksanddrivingawaythelastragsofmistfromthesinistermountainwhichhadsonearlyaddedtwomoretothetolofitsvictims.Madge,sittingbythelittlebedinherownroomwheretheyhadplacedJoey,caughttherays.

‘Youhavecomelate,’shesaid,andturnedbackoncemoretoherwatching.

Chapter24.

Consequences.

Madame!HowisJoey?’Simoneliftedtear-drenchedeyestoMissBettany’sface.ItwasthedayafterGrizel’sgrandescapade,whichhadsonearlyendedinterribledisaster,anditwasadaywhichnoneofthegirlseverforgot.Thesunshonegloriouslythewholetime,asiftomakeupforhisbehaviourofyesterday.

TheTziganebandhadcomeupthelakeagain,andwasmakingmusicoutsidetheKronPrinzKarl.Atthisverymomenttheywereplayingtheairofapopularsong;manyoftheyoungerpeoplewhoknewithadjoinedinthechorus,andthegayvoicesfloateduptotheChâletthroughtheclearsummerair.Butalthismeantnothingtotheschool,forGrizelwasilwithbronchitis,andJoeyBettanyhadnevercomeoutofthesleepintowhichshehadfalenaftertheyhadlaidherinHerrMensch’scar,whichhadbeenawaitingthematthefootofthemountain.

HerrMaranihadgonehotfoottoInnsbrücktofetchthedoctor,andhehadsaidthattheawfulnervestrainthroughwhichtheimaginative,highlystrungchildhadgonemightresultinbrainfever.Thatcouldonlybedecidedwhenshecameoutoftheheavystuporinwhichshelay,andwhichmightlastfortwoorthreedaysyet.Grizel’scasewasfarsimpler.Itwasastraightforwardattackofbronchitis,thenaturalresultofhavingbeenforhoursintheclingingmists.Itwas,ofcourse,madeworsebythefactthatshehadgonealtopieceswhenshefoundherselfinherownbed;butwithcarefulnursing-andtheycouldbesureofthat-shewouldsoonbealrightagain.Joey’scasewasfarmoredoubtful.Thenheleftthem,promisingtoreturnthenextday.FrauMenschhadappearedinthemorningandcarriedoffAmyandMargia,andFrauRincinihadsentBetteovertofetchthelittleMerciers.ShehadofferedtohaveSimoneaswel,butSimonehadbeggedtostay,andJuliethadofferedtolookafterher,sotheyhadgiventhechildherway.

MiddayhadbroughtFrauMaraniwithanoffertonurseGrizel,andMadgeherselfhadneverleftJoeyforaminuteuntilthedoctorhadarrived,andwithoneglanceatherwhitefacehadsternlyorderedherout.

‘Itwilmakethingsworseifyouareil,’hetoldher.‘Goandhavesomefood,andthenalittlewalk.To-nightyoumustsleep,whiletheyounglady-ah,FräuleinMaynard!-watches.Nothingwiloccurforsomehoursyet.’Thenthe

anguishinhereyestouchedhiscompassion,andheadded,‘Shelooksbetter-seemsmorenatural.Nowgoandrest.’

Madgedidashetoldherasfarasgoingoutwasconcerned.Shehadgonetothepinewood,andwaswanderingupanddown,whenSimonehadcaughtsightofher,and,breakingawayfromJuliet,hadrushedacrossthemeadowandcaughtherarmwithhotlittlehands.Now,asshesawthechild’sface,alpuffedandswolenwithcrying,MissBettanyfeltsuddenlythatshehadbeenneglectingherduty.SheslippedanarmroundSimone,whopromptlybegantosniffagain.

‘Theycan’tsayyet,dear.Thedoctorsaysnothingwilhappenforsomehoursyet,buthethinksshelooksmorenatural.Don’tcry,Simone.’

Simonemadeavaliantattempttocheckhertears,andsucceeded.‘IdoloveJoeysomuch!’shesaidquaveringly.‘Oh,Madame,ifthereisonelittlethingIcandoyouwiltelme?’

‘Yes,’saidMadge.‘Icantelyouofonelittlethingnow.Youcanstopcryingandtrytobebrave.Tomorrowtherewilbeschoolasusual.Joeyisfarabovetheschoolrooms,andIknowyouwilalbequiet.

WeshalbreakuponTuesdayorWednesday,insteadofaweeklaterasIhadintended.Iwantyoutobeverybrave,andworkassteadilyasyoucanforthetwodays.IftheothersseeyouandJuliet’-shesmiledattheothergirl,whohadnowcomeupwiththem-‘tryingtogoonasusual,theywiltrytoo,andthatwilmakethingseasierforusal.’

‘Iwiltry,’saidSimoneverysoberly.‘Iwiltryver’hard.’

‘I’ldomylevelbest,’Julietpromised,‘andIwillookafterSimone,Madame.’

‘Thankyou,bothofyou,’saidMadge.‘NowImustgoback,asImaybeneeded.Juliet,takeSimonetowashherfaceandhands,andbothofyouchangeyourfrocks.Good-bye.’

SheturnedandwentbacktotheChâlet,feelingfresherforherlittlerest,andmoreabletocopewiththings.

ShefoundJoeylyingasshehadlefther,withthedoctorsittingbyherside.Helookedupasthegirlentered,butmadenoothermovement.

Madgebentoverthebed,lookingatthedear,funnylittlefacewithaworldofloveinhereyes.Wasitherimagination,ordidJoeyrealylookmorelikeherself.Sheglancedupatthedoctorinquiringly,andhenoddedhishead.

‘Yes,itisrealyso.Ibegintohavehopesofher.Wecannotyetsaydefinitely,butthepulseisstronger,andthetemperaturehasrisennofurther.

Nowgoandchangeyourclothes,andhaveabathandwashyourhair!’

Madgequiteliteralygapedathim,wonderingifshehadheardaright.

‘Yes,Imeanthat,’hesaid,noddinghisheadagain.‘Gotothehotelwiththisnoteandhaveyourhairshampooed.Thereismorethantimeforit,anditisabettertonicthananyIcanmixforyouinmydispensary.’

Sheerastonishmentrenderedherdumbandobedient.ShehadthoughtasshemountedthestairsthatshecouldonlyleavethebedroomagainwhensheknewthatJoeywassafe.Now,clutchinghisnote,shemadeherwaytotheKronPrinzKarl,wheretheTziganewereplayingaplaintive,hauntingwaltz,towhichpeopleweredancingonthegrassattheside.

TheVonEschenausweresittingatoneofthelittletables,andwhenFrauvonEschenausawher,shecamequicklyover,takingherarm.

‘MeinFräulein,wearesogrieved-Mariehascriedherselfsickforgrief!Telus,howisdasMädchen,andifthereisanythingwecando?’

‘Thankyou,’saidMadge.‘Thereisrealynothing.Joeyismuchthesame,andI’vecometogetmyhairshampooed-thedoctorsentme.’

FrauvonEschenaustared.‘Togetyourhairshampooed?’sherepeateddoubtfuly.

‘Yes.IhaveanoteforHerrBraun.’

‘Thencomethisway,andwewilfindhim.DoubtlesshewilbeintheSpeisesaal.’

Thegood-naturedVienneseledherintothebigdining-room,whereHerrBraunwasengagedindirectingthelayingofthetablesfordinner.

Whenhesawthem,hehurriedforward,exclaiming.Madgegavehimthedoctor’snote,andhereaditthroughwithwondermentinhiseyes.Thenhenoddedhisheadwisely.

‘Itiswel,gnädigesFräulein.IfdasFräuleinwilcomethroughhere,itshalbedone.’

Heledherintothehairdressing-room,andfortyminuteslaterMadgewasgoingbacktotheChâletfeelingrefreshedandreadyforanything.

Everythingwasasshehadleftit,savethatJulietandSimonewereinfreshfrocks.ShepeepedintoGrizel’sroom,wheregoodFrauMenschsatknitting,onewatchfuleyeonthebronchitiskettle.Grizelwassleeping,proppedupwithpilowstorelievethebreathing.Shelookedflushed,buttherewasnothingalarming.Theilnesswouldtakeitsnaturalcourse,andthedoctorwasnotalarmedabouther.SomuchFrauMenschtoldtheyoungheadmistress,herbusyfingersneverceasingtheirwork.

‘Hewilstayhereforto-night,’shecontinuedinherlow,murmurousvoicethatmadethegutturalGermansoundsoftandmusical.‘IthinkheexpectsthatlittleJowilcometoherselfbeforethemorning.

Mademoiselehascomein,butsheknowsnothingaboutsick-nursingandwouldbeuseless.FrauMaraniwilcometo-nightandwatchbydasMädchen,forFräuleinMaynardmustsleep,andyouwilbewiththelittlesister.Na,meinLiebling,’asMadgetriedtothankher,‘itisnothing-wearegladtodowhatwecan.

Youandsheareverydeartousal,andweoftheTyroldonotshowingratitude.See!dasMädcheniswaking-sheopenshereyes.’

‘Whatisit,dear?‘saidMadge.‘DoyouwanttoknowaboutJoey?Sheisstilasleep.Thedoctorisstayinghereforawhile.’

‘Wil-she-be-very-il?’Thewordscameslowly.

‘Sheisverytired,’saidMadgeevasively,‘butshehasn’tgotbronchitislikeyou.Nowyoumustrest,younaughtychild.Wewantyoutogetwelagainasquicklyaspossible.Theholidaysareverynear,youknow.’

Shebenttokissthechild,andGrizelrelaxed.

‘I’mglad,’shesaid.‘Itwouldn’thavebeen-fairifJoey-hadtobeil-forme.’

Madgeleftherafterthat,andwentbacktotheothersick-room.Thedoctorlookedatherkeenly,but,beyondagrunt,hesaidnothing.

Throughoutthelongnighthesatthere,watchingthelittlewhitefaceonthepilow,Madgewatchingwithhim.Onceonlyhelefther,togoandseeGrizel,andcamebackwiththenewsthatshewasdecidedlystronger.Atteno’clockFrauMaraniappeared,andFrauMenschwentbacktothehotelatSeespitz.Fiveo’clockinthemorningbroughtMissMaynardtoinsistthatMadgeshouldliedownonthecouchandrestforacoupleofhours,whileshewatchedinherturn.AtseventhedoctorwenttoringuphispartnerinInnsbrückandwarnhimthatheshouldstaywherehewasforthatday.Later,Mariecamewithhotcoffee,rols,andbutter,ofwhichthedoctorinsistedMadgeshouldpartake,andatfivetonineshewentdownstairstoseetoworkfortheday.

Thegirlscamewithgravefaces,andkindmessagesandoffersofhelpfromtheirparents.ThewholelakesideknewofpoorGrizel’sescapade,andagoodmanypeoplehadsincelearnedofthedreadfulpossibleresultforJoey,sothereweremanyinquiries.

AmyStevens’firstcarewastograbJulietanddemandinanawestruckwhisper,‘HowisJoey?Hasshecomeawakeyet?’

‘Notyet,’saidJuliet,wholookedwhiteandheavy-eyed.‘Don’taskMadameanyquestions,Amy,wilyou?She’ssofearfulyworried.’

‘CourseIsha’n't!’returnedAmyindignantly.‘Isay,isn’tthebellate?’

‘Therewon’tbeanybelatalto-day,’explainedJuliet.‘Justgostraightintoprayers.’

‘Juliet,wilyoucomehereoneminute?’saidGisela.‘WewanttoknowaboutJoeyandGrizeltoo.Howaretheyboth?’

Grizelisgettingonfairlywel,’repliedJuliet.‘Joeyhasn’trousedupyet.Theycan’tsaytilshedoeswhatwilhappen.Thedoctorexpectsitwilbeto-day,andheisstaying.Hewashereallastnighttoo.’

‘IlovetheHerrDoktor,’saidGisela.‘HeisagreatfriendofPapa’s,andaverycleverdoctor.ThatiswhyPapabroughthim.’

Prayerswereverysolemnthatmorning,andwhentheywereover,therewasalittlestiramongthegirls.

Madgelookedatthem.

‘Joeyismuchthesame,’shesaid.‘Thereisnochange-yet.’

ShelefttheactualschoolworktoMademoiseleandMissMaynard,flittinginandoutatintervals.

Thewearydayworeon,andstiltherewasnonewsfromtheroomatthetopofthehouse.Thegirlsbehavedlikeangels,asMissMaynardsaidafterwards.Therecouldbenomusiclessons,ofcourse,andMademoiselehadrungupHerrAnserltotelhim.Thenewsbroughthimpost-hastetotheChâlet.Joey’smusicalgiftswerenegligible,butshehadwonhisheartbyherdeepinterestinhisbookonTheLivesofFamousAustrianMusicians,whichshehaddeclaredtobe‘jolydecent!’

HewentawayonlyafterhehadextractedapromisefromMademoiselethatshewouldringhimuptheinstanttherewasanynews,andthenwenthome,whereheproceededtomakehishousekeeper’slifeaburdenbywanderingabouttheroomsandturningupinalsortsofplaceswherehewasnotwanted.

TheonebrightspotduringthedaywasthefactthatGrizel,reassuredbytheirrepeatedstatementsthatJoeywasasleep,andalsobyMadge’sobviousforgiveness,wasimprovingrapidly,temperaturegoingdown,breathingeasier.

Ataboutthreeo’clock,asMadgewaswearilytryingtohelpAmyStevensdisentangleagloriousmuddleofriversandlakesinhermapofAsia,wordcamedownthatthedoctorwouldliketoseeherforamoment.

LiteralyflingingthemapattheastonishedAmy,shefledupthestairstoherbedroom.Thedoctorwasstandingbythebedside,onehandonJoey’swrist.Helookedupashersisterentered.

‘Ah,meinFräulein,Ihavesentforyou,forIthinksheisbeginningtoarouse.Pleasestandjustthere,whereshecanseeyou.’

Madgetookupthepositionhepointedout,andstood,hereyesfixedonJoey’sface.Therewasnodoubtthatshewascomingoutofthestupor.

Herlashesflickeredmorethanonce,herlipswereparted.Theonlyquestionwas,WouldshewakeuptheoldJoey,orwoulditbetothebabblingdeliriumoffever?

Therewasasilenceintheroomthatcouldbefelt.Theonlysoundtobeheardwasthebreathingofthefourpeople-FrauMenschwasbythewindow-andthetickingofthedoctor’swatch.Then,slowly,slowly,thelongblacklasheslifted,andJoeylookedfulathersister.

‘Hulo!’shemurmured.‘I’mawfulytired!Hai-yah!’Shefinishedwithalittleyawn,turnedslightly,snugglingdownintothepilow,andfelasleep.

‘Gottseidankt!’saidthedoctorquietly.‘Shewildonow;thereisnofurtherdanger.Hush,meinKind,’

forMadgehadbeguntocry.‘Itiswelnow!’

‘Iknow,’sobbedMadge.‘Butoh,HerrDoktor,therelief!’

HesignedtoFrauMensch,wholedherdowntothestudy,andlethercryawaythelastoftheawfulweightthathadbeenhangingoverher.

When,finaly,thetearswerealdried,shefoundadaintymealofsoup,rol,andgrapesawaitingher,andwhenshehadfinished,FrauMenschsuggestedbed.

‘Imusttelthegirlsfirst,’saidMadge.‘Iwilmakemyselftidy,andgoandtelthem.’

TenminuteslaterMissBettany,wholookedlikeherselfoncemore,enteredtheroomwheretheywerealanxiouslyawaitinghernews.Shelookedatthem,butnowordswouldcometoherlips.ItwasBernhildathequietwhohelpedherout.

‘Ah,Madame,’shesaid,‘thereisnoneedtosayanything.Joeywilgetwel.’

Madgefoundhervoice.‘Yes,’shesaid.‘Sheissleepingnow,andalissafeoncemore.’

AndtherewererejoicingsintheChâletSchoolthatafternoon.

Chapter25.

FrauBerlinAgain.

Oh,Isay!Isn’tthisperfectlygoloptious!’

‘Joey!Whatanappalingexpression!Whereonearthdidyougetit?’

‘What?“Goloptious”?IheardthoseschoolboysweranintoatTiernSeeuseit.’

‘Wel,Iwishyouwouldn’t.It’salverywelforschoolboys,butitisn’tprettyforschoolgirls,socutitout!’

Joeycockedherblackheadononesideconsideringly.‘Gettingabitold-maidish,aren’tyou,oldthing?’

shesaid.‘Don’tdoit,MadgieMachree!’

‘Joey,youlittlebrute!Iwon’tbecaledsuchawfulnames!Andyoumightshowalittlemorerespectforyourheadmistress.Yougetworseandworseeveryday!’

‘Poorolddarling!Nevermind!Waittilwegetbacktoschoolagain,andthenyoucanbeascrushingasyoulike.Thisisholiday-time,andthere’snoonetohearusforonce.IthinkitwastoppingoftheMaranistotakeGrizelandJulietawayfortheweekandletusbeonourownforabit.

Andthisrealyisagorgeousplace!Ineverimaginedanythinglikeit!’

MadgenoddedassheglancedupatthegreatpeaksoftheRosengartenGebirgewhichtoweredabovethem.TheirownlimestonecragsintheNorthTyrolweremagnificent,buttheywerenottobecomparedwiththese.Asfarastheycouldsee,loftypinnaclesofrose-huedrockliftedmagnificentheadstothesummerskies.Totheeyesofthetwostandingonthebalconylookingatthem,itseemedasifsomemightysculptorhadbeenatwork,andhadhewnoutofthelivingrockweirdandawfulshapes.Here,anogre’scastlefrowneddownatthem;there,someterriblebeastofprehistoricagescrouched,readytospring;there,again,

thehugeturretsofaking’spalace,builtinthemorningoftheworld,stilkeptwatchandwardovertheflower-strewnvaleybeneathit.Everyhereandthere,cataractsflungthemselvesdownwardsinsilverribbonswhichleapedfromrocktorock,alhurryingtojointheriverwhichdashedpast,makingthunderousmusicasitwent,forthetwopreviousdayshadbeenverywet,andalthespringsandmountainstreamswereflooded.

NeitherMadgenorJohadbeenintheSouthTyrolbefore,thoughbothknewtheNorthTyrolverywel,andwhenFrauMaranihadcomewiththesuggestionthatGrizelandJulietshouldgotoViennawiththemforaweekwhilethetwosistershadalittleholidaytothemselves,ithadbeenJoey’sideathattheyshouldcomehere.

‘Wecan’tgotoofar,’sheargued.‘Foronething,wecan’taffordit.We’veneverseenMeran,orBotzen,orPrimeiro,oranyofthoseotherplaces,andtheMenschessaytheDolomitesarejustgorgeous.It’swarmthere,soit’lsuitusboth,andit’sbeenratherchilyherelately.Solet’sgothere;shalus?’

Madgehadlaughedandagreed.TherewasnothingtokeepthematTiernSee.MissMaynardwasspendingtheholidaywithherfamilyinthehighAlps,andMademoiselehadgonehometoherbelovedParis,takingSimoneandthetwolittleStevenswithher.TheMaranis’kindinvitationhadsettledJulietandGrizel,andso,sevendayspreviously,thetwoBettanyshadleftInnsbrück,enrouteforBotzen,bywayofthemagnificentKunterswegGorge.Botzentheyhadloved,andMeranwasadreamofdelight.TheyhadleftthelittleRomantownonlythatmorningtoestablishthemselvesinthetinyvilageofPaneirimo,intheRosengartenValey;andhere,onthemorrow,theothertwogirlswouldjointhem.Joeynowturnedandslippedanarmthroughhersister’s.‘It’sbeenjolyonourown!Madge,whenshalwebeonourownagain?’

Madgesmileddownintoherseriousface.‘Christmas,’shereplied.‘MissMaynardisgoingtotaketheotherstoMunichforChristmas,andyouandIwilbebyourselves.’

‘Topping!Iloveschoolalright,butit’sratheraboresometimestohavetorememberyou’reHead,andI’vegottobepropertoyou.EventomorrowIshalhavetobecareful!’

‘Whichremindsme,’interruptedMadge,‘ItoldthemattheChâlettoforward

lettershere.Youmightrunandseeifthereareany,Jo.Iforgottoask.’

‘Righto!’AndJoeydashedoff,toreturninaveryfewminuteswavingawholebudget.‘Hereyouare!

Dozensofthem!Atleastthereareten-eightforyouandtwoforme.ThisisfromSimone,andthislookslikeMarievonEschenau.Madge!Youaren’tpayinganyattention!Whatonearth’sthematter?Who’syourletterfrom?Isthereanythingwrong?Whatisit?’

Madgepuledherselftogetherwithaneffortandturnedtoherlittlesister.‘It’sratherdreadfulnewsinoneway,Joey.TherehasbeenaterriblemotoraccidentinRome,andCaptainandMrsCarrickwereinit.’

‘Isay!That’sratherrotten!’Joeylookedserious.‘Aretheyawfulyhurt?’

‘MrsCarrickwaskiledatonce,’saidMadge,‘andCaptainCarrickdiedtwodaysago.HehasleftmeJuliettobringup,astheyhavenorelations.’

‘Isay!PooroldJu!Whatbeastlyluckforher!Andyet,Idon’tknow!’

‘Readyourownletters,Joey,anddon’tsayanythingaboutityet.I’mgoingtoourbedroom,soI’lbetherewhenyouwantme!’AndMadgegatheredupherlettersandvanished.

Joeysatlookingafterher.‘Coo!’Butit’sahorridthingtohavehappened!I’mfranticalysorryforJuliet!’

Shewassilentforaminute,thensheturnedtoherownletters.‘Let’sseewhatSimone’sgottosay!’andshewassoonburiedfathomsdeepinSimone’sepistle.

Meanwhile,MadgeBettanysatintheirbedroomre-readingtheletterwrittenbyadoctorofthehospitalwhereCaptainCarrickhaddied.Afterdescribinggeneralyhisinjuries,thewriterhadcontinued:‘CaptainCarricktoldmethathisdaughterwaswithyou,andthatyouwouldbeherguardian.Hemadeawilbeforehedied,leavingalhepossessed,includingsomeveryvaluablejewelerybelongingtohiswifeandasumofonehundredthousandlire,intrusttoyouforthegirl.Heaskedmetosayhehopedyouhadforgiventhetrickheplayedonyou,andwouldundertakethetrust.Themoney,Igathered,hehadwonatthetablesatMonteCarlo.Hediedthreehoursafterhehadmadethewil.’

Theletterconcludedwitharequesttoknowhowthejewelsandmoneyweretobesent,andasuggestionthatMadgeshouldcometoRometofetchthem,when‘mywifewilbedelightedtowelcomeyoutoourhomeasourguest.’

Whenshehadfinishedre-readingthisstartlingcommunication,Madgesatthinkinghard.Inoneway,thiseventsettledtheJulietdifficulty,butitbynomeanscompletelysolvedit.Shehadnotmuchknowledgeofwhatthelirawasdoingatthemoment,butshedecidedthatthehundredthousandwouldprobablyresolveitselfintoaboutathousandpoundsinEnglishcurrency.‘Andthat,’shethought,‘won’tbeverymuchforher.Ofcoursethere’sthejewelery.’Ponderingovertheproblemseemedtobringhernoneareritssolution,sosheshelvedthematterforthemomentandturnedherattentiontoherotherletters.OnewasfromMrsDene,whohadwrittentomakefinalarrangementsforRosalie,whowascomingtotheChâletSchoolnextterm.AnothercamefromMrsStevens,thankingherforhercareofMargiaandAmy,andenclosingaverywelcomechequeforthenextterm’sfees.Thethirdshetookupwasonveryexpensivepaper,inamostiliteratehand,andborethepostmarkofBradford,whichpuzzledherextremely.

‘Bradford!’shesaidaloud.‘WhoonearthdoIknowinBradford?’

‘Opentheletter,oldthing,thenyou’lfindout!’observedJoey’svoicefromthedoorway.

Madgeliteralyjumped.Joeyhappenedtobewearingplimsols,andherstepshadbeenquitenoiseless.

‘Sorry!’sheobserved,asshedroppeddownbesidehersister.‘Ididn’tmeantostartleyou.I’dfinishedmyletters,soIthoughtI’dcometoseewhatyouweredoing.Isay!IfCaptainCarrickhasleftJuliettoyou,howdoesheimagineyou’regoingtomanageformoney?’

‘There’smoneyforher,’returnedMadge.‘Youneedn’tworry,Joey.ButI’mratherafraidweshalhavetogobacktoTiernSeetomorrow.TheywantmetogotoRometoseeaboutJuliet’saffairs.’

‘Rome?Oh,Madge,takeme!Do!I’veneverseenRomeyet!’

‘Don’tbesily,Joey!Wheredoyouthinkthemoneyiscomingfromforthefares?’

‘Oh,goodness!Ineverthoughtofthat!Jolookedconscience-strickenforamoment.Thensheturnedthesubject.‘Let’sseewhoyourBradfordpalis.’

Madgeopenedtheletterandglancedatthebeginning.‘HonouredandrespectedMadam.’‘Goodheavens!

Whoonearthcanitbefrom?’Sheturnedtotheend,butfoundnoenlightenmentthere.Thesignature,finishedoffwithaflourish,was‘JamesH.

Kettlewel.”

‘JamesH.Kettlewel!Neverheardofhim!’beganJoey.

‘No;andyetit’svaguelyfamiliar.’Madgethoughthardforaminute.‘Joey!I’vegotit!DoyourememberthemanintheParistrainwhogaveusgooseberries?HisnamewasKettlewel,andhetoldushelivedatBradford!’

‘Sohedid!Whatevercanhebewritingabout?Buckupandsee!’

‘Hesaidhe’dtrytogetmesomepupils.It’sprobablythat,’saidhersister.

‘CanIlookover?’

‘Yes,ifyouwantto.OrI’lreaditaloud;shalI?YoureadfarmorequicklythanIdo.’

‘Righto!Fireahead!I’malears!’

‘Ahem!“HonouredandrespectedMadam,”‘beganMadge,‘“Itakemypeninhandtoinscribethispresentepistletoyou.”‘

‘Coo!WhatelegantEnglish!’commentedJoey.

‘Bequiet!Ifyouinterrupt,Iwon’treadittoyouatal!’

‘Sorry!I’lbegood!Dogeton!I’mdyingtoknowwhatit’sabout!’

‘WherewasI?Oh,yes!“ItiswiththegreatestdiffidencethatIventuretoapproachyouonsuchasubject,knowing,asIdo,thedelicacywithwhichitshouldbetreated,especialytoahigh-upladylikeyou-”Whatonearth-Isthemanmad?’

‘Oh,geton!’imploredJoeyimpatiently.‘Don’tbesoaggravating!’

‘Alright!It’smyletter,remember!Let’ssee-”ladylikeyou.Believeme,honouredMadam,Ishouldnothavethe-the-oh-thetemeritytoapproachyouthuswereitnotthatIfeel–”‘Hervoicediedawayashereyeswandereddownthepage.Thenshesuddenlysatboltuprightwithhorror.‘Joey!

It’saveryprivateletter!

‘Is’poseyoumeanit’saproposal!’Joeyinterruptedher.‘Oh,Iknewwhatwascomingaftertheveryfirstsentence!Oh,Isay!’Andshewentoffintofitsoflaughter.

Madgeshookherslightly.‘Joey,behaveyourself!It’snotathingtolaughat!IfI’dknown,I’dneverhavereadittoyou.Ithoughtitwasjustanordinaryletter.Youmustgivemeyourwordofhonournevertomentionittoasoul!’

‘Whatdoyoutakemefor?’Joeywasrighteouslyindignant.‘OfcourseIsha’n't.’

‘Ohdear!Thisisdreadful!’Madgehadturnedoverthepageandwasreadingon.

‘Butofaltheweirdthingstohappen!’Joeygotupandstroledovertothewindow.‘Iscarcelyeverthoughtofhimagain.Hewasawfulysweetandkind,ofcourse;butImustsayitseemsamadthingtodowhenhe’donlyseenyouonce.Why,hecouldn’tknowifyouweregood-tempered,oradecenthousekeeper,or-ortruthful,oranything!’

‘Oh,Joey,bequiet!’exclaimedtheexasperatedMadge.‘You’dtalkthehind-legoffadonkey!Ohdear!

Whydoeseverythingcomeatonce?’

‘It’srottenluck,oldthing!’Joey’steasingmoodhadsuddenlyvanished.‘YouhavehadatimeofitsincewecametoAustria!Let’shopenexttermisquieterthanthishasbeen!Onething,Grizelcan’tgooffclimbingmountains!’

Madgegotup,foldingherletterandputtingitbackintoitsenvelope.

‘Joey,Idon’twantyoutothinkI’malwayssaying“don’t,”butI’drathernottalkaboutthataffairjustyet.

It’stoosoonafter!’

‘Pooroldthing!Youhadtheworstofit,‘cosyouhadaltheawfulwaiting!Itwashardluckonyou!‘

repliedJoey,rubbingherheadagainsthersister’sshoulderratherlikeabigdog.

Madgecastathoughttothosedreadfulhourswhenithadbeendoubtfulwhatwasgoingtohappentothespeaker,andsuddenlyhuggedher.‘Itwasalveryhorrible.Wewon’ttalkaboutitatal,Joey.Let’sseewhattheotherlettersare.’

Therewasnothingexcitinginthem.TwoofthemwerefromtheauntsinEngland,onefromanoldschool-friendofMadge’s,andthelastaskedforaprospectusoftheschool.

‘WhichIhaven’tgotnone!’saiditsheadmistress,relapsingintoschoolgirllanguage.‘We’dbetterdrawoneupsometime;andnow,let’sgoforasaunterbytheriver.’

Theysaliedout,andstroledalongbythebanksoftherushingstream.

‘It’sbeenaweirdaffairalround!’saidJopresently,asshestoodthrowinginpebbles,tryingtomakethemskimthesurfaceofthewater.

‘Whathas?’demandedhersister,turningfromadreamycontemplationofthebastionsandbattlementsofthegreatmountainwal.

‘Why,althis-comingtoAustria,andhavingtheschool,andJuliet,and-andJamesH.Kettlewel’sletter,andeverything!’

‘Yes;butIdon’tseewhyyoucalitaweirdaffair!’Madgewasdeeplyinterested.Jo’simaginationoftenhelpedtothrownewlightonmatters,andshewonderedwhatnewlightwasgoingtobethrownontheChâletSchool.

‘Why,it’sthisway.WecomeouttoTiernSeebecausewe’refranticalypoor.Youdecidetostartaschool,anditgoeslike-likefun.Wedoheapsofthingsinoneterm,andwegrowfromthreetoeighteen.Then,whentheschoolisjustgoinglikeeverything,yougetachancetochuckitifyouwantto,andgetmarried.

We’rejolylucky,Ithink!’

Madgenodded.‘Yes,that’squitetrue.Butoh,ifwe’regoingtohavethesamesortofexcitementseachtermthatwe’vehadthis,Ishalwanttogiveitup!’

‘Stil,theyhaven’tbeenbadexcitements,‘ceptthelast-notrealybad!Madge!Didyouever!There’sFrauBerlin!’

‘FrauBerlin?Where?Joey,don’tpoint!It’sfrightfulyrude!’

‘There!Bythathouse!Wel,Ibegumswizzled!’

‘Joey!’

‘Wel,butdidyouever!Glory!She’scomingalong!Wonderifshe’lknowme?’

Butshepassedthemwithoutalook,whileJoeygazedatherwithwide-openeyes.

‘She’lrecogniseGrizel,’shesaid,whenthetartan-cladladyhadfinalywaddledoutofhearing.‘Oh,Madge,ifshedoes!’

‘I’mnotgoingtoriskanymorefusses,’saidMadgewithdetermination.‘Ifthere’stheslightestchanceofthat,backwegotomorrow.’

‘P’r'apsitwouldbebest.Isay,I’mawfulyhungry!Let’sgobackan’seeifwecangetanythingtoeat.Itmustbenearlydinner-time.’

AsMadgewashungrytoo,sheagreed,andpresentlytheywereenjoyingasubstantialmeal.Justastheyhadreachedthedessertstagethedooropened,andinroledFrauBerlin!

‘Thatsettlesit!’murmuredMissBettany.‘Youmaypackupto-night,forassoonasGrizelandJulietarrivewegobacktoTiernSee.IthinkImustgotoRomeafteral,sothatwilbealright.Itwiljustfitinnicely.’

Assoonastheycould,theylefttheSpeisesaalandretiredtotheirroom.

‘That’sthefinish!’saidJo,asshefinalyroledintobedatabouthalf-pastnine.

‘Therecan’tbeanythingmoreafterthis.’

However,MissJosephineBettanywasnoprophetess,andthemorrowwastobringthemjustonesurprisemore.

Chapter26.

AGrandWind-Up.

‘Whatdoyouthink?Anoldpalofyoursishere,Grizel-averydearfriend!’

Grizel,thusgreetedbyawildlyexcitedJoeyonherarrivalatPaneirimo,lookedathersuspiciously.‘Isitaplant?’shedemanded.

‘Rathernot!It’sanhonestfact!Wemetheryesterday,andshe’sstayinginthehotel.’

‘Whoonearthisit?’

‘Guess!’

‘Can’t!Can’tthinkofasoullikelytobeinAustria!Whoisit,Joey?’

‘Think,Griselda!Thinkofsomeoneyoumetashortwhileago!’

‘ButIhaven’tmetanyoneexceptpeopleyouhavetoo.Whyisitapalofmine?’

Grizelwassothoroughlypuzzledandbewilderedthatshepassedthehatedversionofhername.

‘Someoneyouhadafearfulrowwith,’Joeypromptedher,jumpingtantalisinglyupanddown.

‘Ican’tthink-Joey!Youdon’tmeanFrauBerlin?Oh,itis-itis!’

‘Weldoneyou!Yes,itis.Wel,whatdoyouthinkofit?’

‘Mydear!It’sawful!Hassheseenyouyet?Doessheknow,d’youthink?’

JoeyshookherheadtilitresembledanO-Cedarmop.‘Don’tthinkso!Anyway,we’renotstaying.Madgewon’triskit.Youknow,youwereawfulyrude,Grizel.’

‘Is’poseIwas.Wel,Icouldn’thelpit-shewassuchapig!Butwhatd’youmean

bynotstaying?Wherearewegoing?’

‘Home!Oh,youdon’tknowyet,ofcourse’JoeycastawaryeyeatMadgeandJuliet,whowerewalkingahead.‘Comeondowntotheriver.Wearen’tgoingtiltheafternoontrain,andwe’retospendthenightatInnsbrück.It’sratherawfulinsomeways,but,onthewhole,Ithinkitmightbeworse.MysisterhadaletterfromRomeyesterday,andJuliet’sfatherandmotheraredead.’

Grizelgasped.‘Joey!Oh,howdreadful!PoorJuliet!Whatwilshedo?’

‘Herfather’saskedMadgetolookafterher,andhe’slefthersomemoneytodoitwith,’saidJoey.‘That’sonereasonwhywe’regoinghome.

MadgehastogotoRometogetit.We’regoingbacktoBriesau,andMissMaynardiscomingtolookafterus.Shewascominganyhow,sothat’salright.WhatsortofatimedidyouhaveinVienna?’

‘Tophole!’AndGrizelplungedstraightwayintoanaccountofheradventures.

When,finaly,theyturnedtheirstepstowardsthehotel,theysawMadgecomingtomeetthem.Shewasbyherself,andwaswalkingratherslowly.

‘HaveyoutoldJuliet?’saidJoeyinhushedtonesasshereachedthem.

‘Yes;IwantyoutwotobeverykindtoJuliet.She’sbeenthroughagooddeallately,and,naturaly,sheisverymuchupset.Ineedn’ttelyounottohangroundherordoanythingsilylikethat,butjustbeasniceasyoucantoher.WearegoingbacktoInnsbrückthisafternoon,andthentomorrowweshalgouptoTiernSee,andIshalhavetoleaveyouthere,asImustgotoRometosettleupaffairsforher.MissMaynardwilbewithyou,andIwantyoutogiveheraslittletroubleaspossible.I’msorryIcan’tsendforhertocomehere,but,underthecircumstances,I’mafraidit’sratherimpossible.’

Grizelcolouredfuriously,althoughherheadmistresshadnotattemptedtomakethelastremarkspecialypointed.Sheknewwelenough,however,thatherbehaviourattheAltePostwasmainlythecauseoftheirleavingPaneirimothatafternoon.Shesaidnothing,butfolowedJoeyintothehotelwithunaccustomedmeekness.Madge,herself,hadsaidnothingaboutwhathadoccurredonthatSaturdaywhenGrizelhadfolowedherownwilfulwayandtriedtoclimbtheTiernjoch;butFrauMaranihadhadnoscruples,andshehadtoldthechildvery

plainlyofwhattheyhadfearedforJoeyduringthetwolongdayswhichhadfolowed.Grizelhadhadadreadfulshock,andshewasneveragainsothoughtless,eventhoughtheworstofthesubduednessworeoffafteratime.

‘WhereisJuliet?’askedJoey,astheyreachedthefootofthestairs.

‘Upstairsinourroom,’repliedMadge.‘Yes,gotoher,youtwo.Takethembothoutandshowthemtheplace,Joey.ThereareoneortwooddsandendsofpackingIwanttofinishup,andI’drathernotriskafusswiththatFrauBerlin,asyoucalher.Sokeepoutofthewaytilluncheon.Ourtraingoesatthree,soyouwon’thavemuchtimehere.Makethemostofit.’

UpstairsinthebigairyroomwithitstwinbedstheyfoundJulietstandingatthewindowstaringlistlesslyoutatthemountains.Shewasnotcrying,asJoeyhadhalffeared,butshehadawhite,wornlook,asthoughshehadbeenil,andhereyeswereheavyandweary.

‘Comean’seethemountains,oldJu!’saidJoey,slippingherhandintotheeldergirl’s.‘They’retopping,thoughnotabitlikeoursathome,ofcourse!’

‘Yes,docome!’urgedGrizel.‘Andoh,Juliet,thatawfuloldwoman’shere!’

‘Whichone?’askedJuliet,thoughwithacompletelackofinterestinhervoice.

‘FrauBerlin–theonewhowassuchapigthedaywewenttoInnsbrücktogetMadame’sbirthdaygift.

Don’tyouremember?’

‘Oh,yes,Iremember.Alright,Joey,I’lcome.’

Butthoughsheletthempulherdownstairsandoutintothesunshine,itseemedasthoughshedidn’trealycaremuchwhatshedid.TheshockofhearingwhatMadgehadtoldher,eventhoughthenewshadbeenbrokentoherwithgreatgentleness,haddazedherforthetimebeing.Throughalthechatteroftheothertwoshewasconsciousofjustonethought-‘IfonlyIcouldhavefelttheylovedme!’

However,thefreshairandsunshinedidhergood,andwhen,finaly,MissBettanycametosummonthemtolunch,shelookedbetterthanshehaddone.

NocontretempsoccurredwithFrauBerlin,forshedidnotappear.Nevertheless,MadgefeltverythankfulwhenshefoundherselfsafelyintheInnsbrücktrainwithouthavinghadascene.Julietsettledherselfinacornerwithabook,butshedidnotappeartoreadmuch.Mostofthetimeshewasgazingunseeinglyoutofthewindow.Theothertwohadretiredtothefarendofthecompartment,whichtheyhadtothemselves,andatJoey’sbrightsuggestionembarkedonagameofRoadsideCribbage.Madge,sittingwithoneeyeonthesilentgirloppositeherandtheotherontheWienZeitung,occasionalyheardexclamationsof‘Threegoats-thirty!’‘Waterfal-five!’‘Mule-oh,bustit!Backtothebeginning!’butpaidnoattention.Shewasnotdesperatelyinterestedinherpapereither.Forthemostpart,herthoughtswerewiththecomingterm.Shewouldhavetwenty-sixgirlsthistime,andofthese,twelvewouldbeboarders.Iftheschoolwentongrowing,sheknewthatshemusteitherbuildontothepresentChâlet,orelsetakeanothersomewherenear.

Shewasnotquitecertainwhattodo.HerrMaraniandHerrMenschwereverygoodfriendstoher,butshewishedheartilythatDickwereathandtoadviseher.

Asshewasthinkingofthis,shesuddenlybecameawarethatthetrainwasslackeningspeed,andevenasshelookeduptoseewheretheywere,itbegantorockviolentlybackwardsandforwardswithasickeningmotion.Shehadbarelytimetoleaptoherfeetbefore,withamightycrash,thecarriagegaveafinallurchandcolapsedonitsside.Abovethenoisesheheardthescreamsofthethreegirls,minglingwithshrieksfromtheotherpassengers.Mercifuly,Joeyhadflungherselfonthefloor,draggingGrizelwithher;and,byapositivemiracle,neitherMadgenorJuliethadbeenbadlyhurt,thoughtheformerwas,likeeveryoneelse,slightlystunned,andJuliet,astheyfoundoutafter,wasbadlybruised.Also,beingthoroughlyEnglish,theyhadhadthewindowwideopen,andsohadameansofexit.Thedoor,whenMissBettanytriedit,wasjammed.

‘It’sagoodthingnoneofusarefat,’shesaidwithashakylaugh.‘Comealong,youthree;I’mgoingtopushyouthroughthewindow.Grizelfirst.’

Grizelhadthesensetomakenoprotests;besides,shewasstilratherdazed,soshealowedherheadmistresstopushandtugtilshewasthrough,andthen,asthefreshairbegantoclearherstupefiedbrain,shereacheddownandhelpedtopulJulietup.Joeywasaneasymatter,andshewassoonstandingonaheapof

stones,lookingverywhiteandscared,whilethetwobiggirlsdraggedhersisterout.Theyhadjustpuledherclearwhen,fromthefrontofthetrain,camethedreadedcryof‘Fire!’

‘DasFeuer!DasFeuer!’shriekedafatwoman,whowasbadlyjammedinthewindow-frameofthenextcompartment.

Iftherehadnotbeensuchappalingpossibilitiesathand,Madgecouldhaveburstoutlaughing.Asitwas,sheflungahasty‘Staywhereyouare!

Don’tdaretomove!’attheterrifiedgirlsanddashedtotherescue.

Thescenewasbecomingghastly.Thebigengineandthreeofthelongcarriageslayontheirsidesinanarrowgorge-likeway.Theforemostcarriagewasalreadywrappedinflames,andtheirroaringroseabovethescreamsandcriesofthepeoplestilimprisonedintheothercarriages.

Thethreeremainingontheirwheelshaddisgorgedaltheirpassengers,andalreadymenweretearingalong,workingmadlytosavethoseinsuchdeadlyperil.MadgeBettanycontrivedtotakeinalthesethingsasshemadethatfranticscrambleontothesideofthecarriage,whereaterrifiedfatwoman,withgreyhairstreamingwildlyroundher,wasstrugglingmadlytogetfreeofthewindow-frame,whichheldhergrippedasinavice.

ThroughalthehorrorofittheEnglishgirlcontrivedtokeepherhead.

‘Steady!’shesaid,asshetookthegrippinghands,andthoughthelanguagewasaforeignoneandahatedone,hervoicebroughtself-controltothemaddenedwoman.

‘Icannotgetfree,’shepantedinGerman.‘Fräulein–’

‘Keepstilamoment!Now!Ready!Then,ashardasyoucan!’

CertainlyMadge’sslightformgavenoevidenceofgreatstrength.Shesaidafterwardsthatshewaspossessedatthemoment.Howeverthatmaybe,therewasastruggle,asoundofrendingandtearing,asuddengasp,andthentheotherwomansuddenlyshotoutoverthewheelsandontotheheapofstones,herclothesinshreds,butotherwisesafe.Madgesprangdownbesideher,andthenshefelttheworldturningblack,andshefainted.Whenshecametoherselfshe

waslyingonacoatinafield.Joeywaskneelingbesideher,cryingvehemently,andabigfairmanwhomshedidnotknowwasholdingsomethingtoherlips.Withaneffortshepuledherselftogetherandpusheditaway.

‘No,no,’shesaid.

‘Oh,Madge!’sobbedJoey.‘O-ooh!Ithoughtyou-youw-weredead!’

‘Hush!’saidtheman.‘She’lbealrightinaminute,kiddy.It’sonlywhisky-and-waterI’mgivingyou,Madam.Bettertakealittletobuckyouup!’

‘No;I’malright!’Withaneffortshesatup,pushingthehairoffherface.Joeypromptlyflungherarmsroundher,hugginghertightly.JulietandGrizelseemedtohavevanished.

‘Oh,Madgedarling!Oh,Ihadsuchafright!Oh,Madge!’

‘There!That’ldo,’saidtheirbenefactor.‘You’renothelpingher,kid.Letheraloneforaminuteortwotocomeround.It’squitealright-theotherkidsaresafeenough,and-oh,youpluckygirl!ItwasoneofthebravestthingsI’veeverseen!’

‘Itwasnothing,’returnedMadge,whowasrapidlycomingtoherself.‘Joey!Don’tstrangleme,child!Letmegetup!’

Shecontrivedtogetontoherfeet,butwasgladenoughofthearmthestrangerflungroundherassheswayedforamoment.

‘There!’hesaidratherroughly.‘Comeoverhereandsitdownaminute!Youcan’tdoeverythingatonce!

I’lsendtheotherkidsalong,andyou’lbealrightinaminute.

No,there’snothingyoucando.Everyonegotclearbutthedriver.Hefelonhishead,poorchap!Evenyourfatrescueisrecoveredenoughtofussabouthavingnoskirton–’

‘Yes;andoh,Madge,whodoyouthinkitis?’interruptedJoey,withconsiderablelackofbothmannersandgrammar.‘It’sFrauBerlin!’

‘Oh,goodness!’AndMadgebegantolaughweakly.

‘Isn’titrum?AndweleftPaneirimobecauseofherandGrizel,andthenyousaveherlife!Yes,youdid.

Thecarriagegotonfirejustasyouslithereddown.Ifithadn’tbeenforyou,she’dhavebeenburnttodeath!

Shewasonlybumpedabit,andshewantedtokissyou,onlythatmancameandhikedyouoffintothisfield,andshesuddenlyfoundherclotheswerealtorn,soshewouldn’tfolowus!GrizelandJulietareoverthere.

Theyaren’thurt,andnoramI.Dobuckup,Madge!’

ThusJoey,inabreathless,hurryingtumultofwords.

‘Thatman’stoodtooneside,smiling,astheeldergirlmanagedtotakeitalin.ThenGrizelandJulietappeared,andaltheexcitementbeganoveragain.Atlengthheinterfered.

‘Nowthen,youkids,let’sgoandseewhatwecandoaboutgettingon.Iknowthisplace,andwe’reabouttenmilesfromanywhere,Besides,Miss–?’

‘Bettany,’suppliedMadge.‘ThesearemysisterJoey,andtwoofmypupils-GrizelCochraneandJulietCarrick.’

‘Ah,thankyou,’hereplied.‘Myname’sRussel-JamesRussel,atyourservice.Wel,asIwasgoingtosay,MissBettany,youhadbettergetsomewherewhereyoucanliedownforabit.There’samainroadgoespastheresomewhere,and,withluck,weoughttogetaliftinsomething.Ifyouwiltakemyarm,Ithinkwecangettherealright,andwecan’tdoanythinghere.’

Therewascommonsenseinwhathesaid,sotheysetoff,Madgebeginningtorealisehowveryshakyshestilfelt.Thegirlswereupsettoo,andittookthemsometimetomakethehigh-road.Luckily,justastheyreachedit,apeasantcamepastwithanemptyhay-cart.MrRusselquicklycametoanarrangementwithhim,andacoupleofhourslatertheyweresafelyintheGasthausofatinyvilage,Madgebeginningtorealisethattheheadacheshewasenduringwaswelonitswaytobeatinganythingofthekindshehadeversuffered,whilethethreegirlswerestiffandaching.

Theystayedtherealnight,theirnewfriendgoingontoInnsbrückafterleavinghiscardwithJoeyandgettingtheChâletaddress,sothathecouldwiretoMissMaynardnottoexpectthemforanotherday.Themorningfoundthemalverytiredandwornout,butMadgewantedtogetbacktoTiernSeeandhome,sotheysetoff,andfinalyarrivedattheChâlet,wheretheywererapturouslywelcomedbyananxiousMissMaynard,whohadbeenfeelingveryworried.MrJamesRusselhadbeenbetterthanhisword,forhehadgoneuptoTiernSeeandgivenherafuldescriptionofwhathadoccurred.

‘I’mthankfulyou’vealarrivedsafely,’saidtheyoungmathematicsmistress.‘Icouldn’tfeelsureyouwouldn’thaveanotherawfuladventure.’

‘IthinkI’dratherkeepoutofadventuresforsometimetocome,’laughedMadgerathershakily.‘Teachingandschoolgeneralywilbeenoughformeforthenextthreeorfouryears,Icanassureyou.’

‘Oh,Iexpectwe’lhavesomemoreadventurespresently,’saidJoey.

Andsotheydid.Butthat,asMrKiplingsays,isanotherstory.

TheEnd.