"The cool sea breezes will be so refreshing," continued the governess--"I am picturing the whole scene. I am going to be, of course, very particular with regard to Josie and Nina; but you, Fanchon, who are so tall for your age, can come out with me in the evening and listen to the band and--and--partake of any sort of fun that is going on." "Can I really?" said Fanchon, her eyes sparkling, and, for a minute, she forgot that she was really the judge and Brenda the criminal. "Of course you can, dear; I mean you to have a good time." "But can't we settle that afterwards?" said Fanchon. "The other thing has to be arranged first, hasn't it?" "What other thing, my dear?" "Oh, Brenda--you know--don't pretend that you forget. I gave you a fright--a big fright--this morning, and you--you cried. What are you going to do about the money? you have it--you know, and it isn't yours, it's ours." "I have it, of course," said Brenda, "I have not denied it. I told you that I thought of spending it at Marshlands; there'll be sure to be nice shops there, and we can see the things that'll be suitable. You don't suppose, you poor children, that you can manage with only those pink muslin dresses--that would never, never do--I had no such thought, I assure you." "But," persisted Fanchon, "you said this morning that you had spent all the money on us, and that we owed you for the gloves. Oh, how knowing you are, Brenda, but you have overstepped the mark this time, and poor papa, if he knew--" Brenda lowered her eyes. She had very thick and very curling jet-black lashes, and they looked sweet as they rested against her blooming cheeks. Fanchon could not help noticing them and, further, she could not help observing the gentle smile that played round her lips. "Now, listen," said Brenda. "I want to confide in you. You can believe in me or not--just as you please. I cannot possibly force your belief, nor can I force you to do anything but what you wish. I am, to a certain extent, in your power, and in the power of the other two girls. You can tell your father, and he will dismiss me, and--I shall be ruined--" "Oh, I don't suppose papa will be so very hard with you. He's quite fond of you, you know," said Fanchon. "He would be terribly severe," said Brenda. "He is a dear good man, but he would be terrible, fearful, if you told him--you three--what you have found out. I tell you, Fanchon, why he would be so fearful. Because I have done what I have done entirely for the sake of deceiving him." "Oh dear! dear! Then you are even more wicked than I thought," said Fanchon.