The Truant Spirit

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Book: Read The Truant Spirit for Free Online
Authors: Sara Seale
money?”
    “I’d forgotten. Where should I inquire to try to get them back?”
    “Mr. Brockman is doing it for you. In the meantime he thinks we should let this Marthe know where you are. Will you let me have her full name and address, please?”
    “Oh, dear, she will be angry.”
    “Did you not think of that when you ran away, my dear?”
    “Oh, yes, but it seemed worth it then for a—a few days’ freedom.”
    “It is never worth upsetting other people and causing anxiety,” Bunny observed in her best lecture manner. “If she has been left in charge while your aunt is abroad it was hardly kind or thoughtful to think only of yourself, was it?”
    “No, I suppose not, only—”
    “Well, I shouldn’t try to think of excuses now. I will do my best to assure the woman you are in good hands. Please give me her name and address.”
    Sabina did so humbly. She was oppressed with her own iniquity and the trouble she was causing to strangers. Tante, if she knew, would accuse her of ingratitude, but Tante, if she returned with M. Bergerac, as hoped, could this time be placated. It was foolish, she thought with passing surprise at her own temerity, to run away from a future already accepted.
    Bunny observed her dispassionately. The feverish flush which heightened her cheek-bones gave the girl’s face an impression of fragile charm which it had lacked last night, and the rounded forehead was child-like and somehow disarming. In other circumstances, Bunny felt she could have approved, and even been sorry that such an innocent should be sacrificed to the selfish whims of others. She did relax sufficiently to bestow a brief, frosty smile on her guest before leaving her to make the necessary arrangements, but Sabina was not reassured. Bunny did not like her, it was clear, and Mr. Brockman, already regretting his kindly action of yesterday, no doubt, must also be anxious to be rid of any further responsibility. She turned on her side and slipped into a doze until the doctor came.
    When Brock returned at lunch-time, having recovered Sabina’s lost property without much trouble, he was greeted by Bunny in a familiar mood.
    “You must be prepared, my dear boy, to suffer a little further inconvenience on account of your hasty decision yesterday,” she said. “Dr. Northy says the girl is not fit to travel for a day or two and needs rest and quiet and feeding up. He thinks she has been under an emotional strain and hasn’t had enough to eat. He has a weakness for the very young.”
    “So?”
    “So, she must remain here, naturally, until she is stronger. But I’m afraid we shall have this woman, Marthe Dupont, to contend with as well. I thought it best to put a call through and explain, rather than send a mystifying telegram. She was very voluble and French, and, I think, highly suspicious. She insists on coming down on the afternoon train and taking charge herself.”
    “Oh, Lord, Bunny, I’m sorry,” Brock said, frowning impatiently. “As if you hadn’t got enough on your hands as it is,
    but still—the woman’s a trained servant, I gather, perhaps she can relieve you of some of the work.”
    “Perhaps,” said Bunny with a dubious smile. “Though, from what I know of other people’s servants, they are seldom anxious to do their share in a strange house. Still, it cannot be helped. She can at least look after the girl and carry up trays.”
    Brock frowned again.
    “She’s not really ill, is she? After all, this house isn’t a nursing home.”
    “No, no—just run down and suffering from a chill. My only regret is that it interferes with your visit. A year is a long time since your last little holiday, and I think you need the rest. Does your leg trouble you much these days?”
    “The physical discomfort is less irksome than the spiritual,” he replied impatiently, and she gave him a compassionate glance. “Still hankering for the mountains?” she asked. “Well, they tell us that discipline is good for the

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