Page:An American Girl in India.djvu/132

 'That's just what I can't do, miss,' Ermyntrude replied mysteriously.

I raised myself on my elbow and looked at her. 'My dear, good Ermyntrude,' I said, 'what's wrong?' Ermyntrude turned and looked at me reproachfully. 'Haven't I told you, miss, that there are three women and three children in that carriage?'

I was puzzled.

'But I don't see how that prevents your going to bed.' Ermyntrude dropped her eyes and positively blushed.

'It ought not to be allowed, miss, indeed it didn't. Three children, miss, and the eldest a boy of seven!'

I found out afterwards that Ermyntrude had sat up stiff and erect all night in the corner of the carriage on account of that boy of seven. There's nothing like privacy, I admit, but when you can't get it I believe in being just as comfortable as you can without it.

To my great joy the train started with no sign of Mrs. and Miss Cardew. Whether they had not turned up, or whether they had been beguiled by that nice-looking guard into another carriage, I was left to wonder. I settled down comfortably for the night with a sigh of perfect content.

I must have fallen very sound asleep straight away, for I remember nothing more until I woke