Brenda, who hitherto had been the centre of attraction, was cast completely into the shade. Brenda Carlton seldom looked prettier than she did that evening, but nobody noticed her fresh young face with its bright colour, nor the clear blue of her eyes, nor her charming figure, when ugly Mademoiselle was keeping the table in constant roars of laughter. Brenda felt that, if this sort of thing went on, her feeling towards the French governess would become dangerous. The little Simpkinses were, of course, not allowed to sit up to supper, but the Amberleys always partook of that meal, and there was no one more greedy on the present occasion than Nina Amberley, who enjoyed the Frenchwoman's cooking so intensely that she forgot to do anything but eat. At last, however, the viands were disposed of. There was nothing for Jane to remove from the table but the empty plates and dishes. Mademoiselle felt that she was wearing a little secret crown--the crown of a great success, and Mrs Dawson rose majestically from the board. "Children," said Brenda, "you will at once go up to bed, it is exceedingly late." Josie looked cross, Nina defiant. "Les _pauvres enfants_!" exclaimed Mademoiselle. "Why confine them to their _appartement_ on this so hot evening! The air would refresh them--there is no need for this early retirement on these long summer days." "Your opinion, Mrs Simpkins, coincides with mine in that subject," said Brenda, turning hastily to the fat mother of the babies. "Oh, I know, my dear," said Mrs Simpkins, "and I always do hold with my favourite proverb. But it is 'ot to-night, and I fairly gasp. I suppose an extra hour up would not be permitted, Miss Carlton?" "No, no--you must go to bed immediately," said Brenda, turning to her pupils. "Now off you go. Say good-night, Nina; say good-night, Josephine." Very sulkily did the girls obey. They were both of them consumed with rage when they reached their hot attic. "I _hate_ going to bed," said Nina. "It is abominable--it is cruel to send us!" cried Josie. "I want to know," she added, "why Fanchon, who is only a year and six months older than me should go out and have no end of fun and why we should lie stewing in these hot beds!" But though the little girls grumbled, they felt in their own minds that they were no match for Brenda; and when, a short time afterwards, that young lady came into the room, they were both in bed and were even pretending to be asleep. Brenda hastily put on her most becoming picture hat, glanced at the private drawer which contained the bracelet and her money, took Fanchon's hat and gloves from the room, and, telling the others to go to sleep and be quick about it, took her departure. A few minutes later, she and Fanchon had stolen softly from the house, and ten minutes after that, there came a gentle tap at the door of the room where Nina and Josie were lying wide awake and conversing in low tones about their mutual grievances.