The telegram was necessarily brief: 'Jocelyn safe with me.

Will not return until Thursday.

Write to explain.' The note was more explanatory.
I apologised profusely to Fraeulein for her pupil's naughtiness, but begged her to say nothing to her mother, as I would communicate myself with Aunt Philippa and let her know what had happened.

Under the circumstances I thought it better to keep Jocelyn with me over Christmas Day, until I heard from Aunt Philippa.

But she might depend on my bringing her back myself.
'It is far too polite,' growled Jill, who had been reading the letter over my shoulder.