"Now leave me to write," she said.
Carmina left her.
The drive ought to have been a pleasant one, with Zo in the carriage.
To Marceline, it was a time of the heartiest enjoyment.

Maria herself condescended to smile, now and then.

There was only one dull person among them.

"Miss Carmina was but poor company," the maid remarked when they got back.
Mrs.Gallilee herself received them in the hall.
"You will never take the children out again without my leave," she said to Carmina.

"The person who is really responsible for what you have done, will mislead you no more." With those words she entered the library, and closed the door.
Maria and Zo, at the sight of their mother, had taken flight.