Page:The Confessions of a Well-Meaning Woman.djvu/138

 Mrs. Surdan was naturally pleased. For them, at least, it is a great match.

“I little thought that it would end like this, when you asked me to take charge of Hilda for three months,” I said.

And that reminded me that what they called “Hilda’s pocket-money” was lying almost untouched at the bank in Arthur’s name. There had been no ball, hardly anything. . . But I could not get Mrs. Surdan to say what should be done with it. . . “I’m sure you didn’t,” she answered.

“So, if it’s a failure, don’t blame me,” I said. “And, if it’s a success, don’t thank me.” “I shall always thank you for your kindness to Hilda,” she said, “especially when she was ill.”

“That was nothing,” I said. “Hilda’s parents don’t think so.” And then she did a difficult thing very gracefully. We must have the girl’s room properly disinfected, she told me; I assured her that Arthur had already received an estimate for redecorating the whole house. Thanks to them, we were now in a position. . . Hilda’s room, she insisted, must be her province. I have told you that in the old committee days she positively imposed her will on the rest of us; so now. She would not leave the house until she