"For my part, I am getting sleepy," said Miss Price, "and the conversation is not nearly so interesting as I hoped it would have been." She looked regretfully at the empty ice plates and thought of the bill she would have to pay at Jones' on the morrow. "But what did you suppose I would have to talk about?" asked Brenda, putting the last morsel of delicious strawberry ice into her mouth as she spoke. "Oh, I'm sure I can't tell. I had a sort of vision of a delightful time--I thought you'd begin at the very beginning, as they pay in the story books, and tell us of everything--what he said to her, you know, and what she said to him, and how they were all dressed--" "And a good lot about the food," interrupted Mrs Simpkins. "I'm great on nice food myself, and it's delightful to think that a good-natured French body has come to stay here--" "I will make you," interrupted Mademoiselle, "of the _salade_ the most enjoyable with a taste of mayonnaise, that cannot be compounded except by a person born in _la belle France_." "You mustn't let Georgie see it, then," said Mrs Simpkins, "for if he swallows even a morsel of anything Frenchy, he'll be done for!" "I could fancy it myself," said Miss Price. "I am very much obliged indeed to Mademoiselle for thinking of making us a proper French salad." "And so am I, although you oughtn't to trouble yourself," said Mrs Dawson, who began to perceive that Mademoiselle might be exceedingly useful to her. "Well, ladies," said Brenda, rising, "I think I will go to bed. I am a little tired to-night, for we have been out so much. It was sweet of you, Miss Price, to give us those delicious ices. I have never enjoyed anything better. Doubtless, to-morrow, when I am refreshed, I shall have numerous little anecdotes to tell each of you in turn, but not before the children. It is so bad for children, too, to hear their friends gossiped about." "I agree with them sentiments," said Mrs Simpkins. "I wouldn't have Georgie listen to the tell-tales between me and Maria--that's my maid at home--for all the world. Why, he'd have it out to his pa at his next meal for certain." "I'll tell you each in confidence," said Brenda, "and," she added, "I daresay there'll be plenty of fresh news for the future, for I expect to go constantly to Castle Beverley, and my sister is coming to spend the day with me soon." "Not Penelope, my most adored one!" cried Mademoiselle. "Do you say, dear Miss Carlton, that I am to see my sweetest pupil so soon?" "I don't know the exact day," said Brenda, "but you will see her if you happen to stay here." "Stay here?" said Miss Price. "Of course we trust Mademoiselle will stay! It is delightful to have a real Frenchwoman in the house." "I said this place was home," said Mademoiselle, raising her eyes ceilingward.