Page:Arminell, a social romance (1896).djvu/224

216 that she knew the real facts as to the relationship in which she stood to the tutor.

"Papa," said Arminell, "Giles Inglett Saltren strikes me as standing towards us much in the same relation as do those apocryphal books the names of which my lady was teaching the children on Sunday. He is not canonical, of questionable origin, and to be passed over."

"I do not understand you, Armie."

"I am sorry, papa, that I do not see my way to express my meaning unenigmatically."

"Armie, I have been talking to mamma about your paying a visit to Aunt Hermione. You really ought to see the Academy this year, and, as mamma and I do not intend to go to town, it will be an opportunity for you."

"Aunt Hermione!"—Arminell stood still. "I don't want to go to her. Why should I go? I do not like her, and she detests me."

"My dear, I wish it."

"What? That I should see the Academy? I can take a day ticket, run up, race through Burlington House, and come home the same evening."

"No, my dear, I wish you to stay a couple of months at least, with Hermione."

"I see—you want to put me off, out of the way of the tutor, so as to have no more talk, no more confidences with him. That is my lady's scheme. It is too late, papa, do you understand me? It is too late."

"What do you mean?"

"What I say. This is locking the door after the horse is stolen. Send me away! It will not alter matters one scrap. As I said before, the precaution have come too late."