Page:Anthony Hope - The Dolly Dialogues.djvu/102

 'You must have beenOh, how awful, Mr. Carter!'

'That is to say, I thought how effective it would be if I drowned myself. Ah, well, it couldn't last!'

'And the governess?'

'She left next morning.'

There was a pause. Miss Phyllis looked sad and thoughtful: I smiled pensively and beat my cane against my leg.

'Have you ever seen her since?' asked Miss Phyllis.

'No.'

'Shouldn't—shouldn't you like to, Mr. Carter?'

'Heaven forbid!' said I.

Suddenly Mrs. Hilary pushed back her chair, and turned round to us.

'Well, I declare,' said she, 'I must be growing stupid. Here have I been writing to the Agency, when I know of the very thing myself! The Polwheedles' governess is just leaving them; she's been there over fifteen years. Lady Polwheedle told me she was a treasure. I wonder if she'd go!'

'Is she what mamma wants?'

'My dear, you'll be most lucky to get her. I'll write at once and ask her to come to lunch to-morrow. I met her there. She's an admirable person.'

Mrs. Hilary wheeled round again. I shook my head at Miss Phyllis.

'Poor children!' said I. 'Manage a bit of fun for them sometimes.'