red a
definitely sinister personality. If at dusk Michael found a newspaper by
Nurse's arm-chair, he would approach it with beating heart, and before
he went over to read it where close to the window the light of day
lingered, he would brood upon his own daring, as if some Bluebeard's
revenge might follow.

When Michael's mother was at home, he was able to resume the
cheerfulness of the last occasion on which her company had temporarily
relieved his solitude; but always behind the firelit confidences, the
scented good mornings and good nights, the gay shopping walks and all
the joys which belonged to him and her, stood threatening and inevitable
the normal existence with Nurse in which these rosy hours must be
remembered as only hours, fugitive and insecure and rare. Now came Miss
Carthew's brisk and lively presence to make many alterations in the life
of 64 Carlington Road, Kensington.

Michael's introduction to his governess took place in the presence of
his mother and, as he stood watching the two women in conversation, he
was aware of a tight-throated feeling of pleasure. They were both so
tall and slim and beautiful: they were both so straight and clean that
they gave him the glad sensation of blinds pulled up to admit the sun.

"I think we're going to be rather good friends," said Miss Carthew.

Michael could only stare his agreement, but he managed to run before
Miss Carthew in order to open the door politely, when she was going out.
In bed that night he whispered to his mother how much he liked Miss
Carthew and how glad he was that he could leave the Miss Marrows' for
the company of Miss Carthew all day long.

"And all night?" he asked wistfully.

"No, not at present, darling," she answered. "Nanny will still look
after you at night."

"Will she?" Michael questioned somewhat doubtfully.

After Mrs. Fane went away, there was a short interval before the
new-comer assumed her duties. During this time Michael hummed
incessantly and asked Nurse a thousand questions about Miss Carthew.

"Goodness gracious, what a fuss about a governess," commented Nanny.
"Tut-tut. It might be the Queen of England. She'll be here quite soon
enough for everyone, I dare say."

It fell out that Miss Carthew was to arrive on Valentine Day, and
Michael with a delicious breathlessness thought how wonderful it would
be to present her with a Valentine. He did not dare tell Nurse of his
intention; but he hoped that by sending Valent