There came a knock at the door. Hermione said, "Come in;" and Augusta intruded her face. "It seems a great pity you should be here," she said. "I thought I'd tell you." "Come in, Miss Moore; make yourself at home," said Hermione. "Thank you so much," said Augusta, "but I couldn't come in." "And why not?" asked Hermione. "Because he is talking--he is lecturing downstairs. We are all listening.--I thought it would be such a frightful deprivation for you, Dumps, not to hear him. I rushed upstairs; he was blowing his nose--I think he has a cold. I must go back at once. Do come down, if you don't want to miss it. It's about the time of Herodotus; it's most fascinating--fascinating!" She banged the door after her and rushed away. "Is that poor girl mad?" said Hermione slowly. "I think so," I answered. "She has conceived a violent worshipping attachment to father. She thinks he is the soul of genius." "Well, he is, you know. You, as his daughter, can really hold a most distinguished position; and now that you have got such a step-mother as Miss Donnithorne, and you yourself are to be sent to--oh, I forgot, that subject is taboo. Well, never mind; when you come out you will have quite a good time, Dumps, I can tell you. Your step-mother means to do the right thing both by you and the boys. You will have a splendid time, so just do cheer up and be thankful for the blessings which Providence has showered upon your head." PART TWO, CHAPTER FIVE. A QUIET TALK. Christmas Day came to an end, and the very next morning, when I was alone with my step-mother, I asked her what Hermione meant by her words. "Oh, she has told you?" said Mrs Grant. She was sitting by the fire in the little drawing-room; the stuffed birds and the stuffed animals surrounded us, but the room was never close, and it had the faint, delicious smell of cedar-wood which had fascinated me so much on the occasion of my first visit. "Sit down, Dumps," she said, holding out her hand to take one of mine. "But please tell me," I said. "Well, yes, it has been arranged. Your father would like it, and so would I. You go on the 21st of January. It is a very nice school, just beyond the Champs Elysees. You will be well taught, and I think the change will do you good." "You suggested it, didn't you?" I said. "Yes, naturally." "Why naturally? I am his child." "My dear, you know his character; he is so absorbed in those marvellous things which occupy his great brain that he hasn't time--" "Oh, I know," I said bitterly; "he never had any time, this wonderful father of ours, to attend to us, his children." "Dear, he has given you into my care, and, believe me, I love you." "I believe you do," I said in a gentle voice. "Some day, Rachel, I am sure you will love me." I was silent. "Tell me about the school," I said.