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Poor Esther was heartbroken as she realised it all. Something must be done, she determined. She must do something to undo some of the mischief. She could not let things go on like this; it was too dreadful. They turned to her full of inquiries. Where did Mademoiselle Leperier live? What did she look like? Who lived with her? etc. etc. Esther set her lips tight. They should get no more out of her.
Miss Charlotte insisted on continuing to teach them all at any rate, she said, until they were obliged to go away to school. Mademoiselle Leperier, who actually went to call on Mrs. Carroll, declared her health and spirits were so much improved by the new interest the children had provided her with that she begged to be allowed to give them all lessons in French, and singing, too.
"I should love to see the little cottage, and have tea in that dear little room," said Angela, after Esther had described her sudden discovery of the little brown house and the flower-filled garden. "Mademoiselle Leperier!" cried Miss Ashe quite excitedly. "Why, child, I remember her quite well; at least her name and fame, and the tragedy of her lover's death.
She was bound on a secret expedition to Mademoiselle Leperier, carrying with her all she could compass as suitable offerings to an invalid a new-laid egg and a bunch of her own fresh parsley. She had not mentioned her plan to Miss Charlotte not because she was afraid of being stopped, but because she wanted to give of her very own, and not make demands on Cousin Charlotte.
"It was by accident she came to know Mademoiselle Leperier, and Mademoiselle asked her to go again, or she wouldn't have gone, for Esther knew she did not want to have strange visitors she told her so. She said she didn't want any one to know she was living here, for she was not strong enough to have visitors, or to go anywhere.
"Let me inform you that we all knew of Mademoiselle Leperier before you were born, and Mr. Somerset knew her personally " Mr. Somerset stepped forward, colouring a little. "I I am afraid I can hardly claim that much," he said hastily. "She was so great and so sought after, and and so exclusive, it was difficult to get to know her unless," with a smirk "one were a celebrity too."
"Oh, I I don't think I had better come in, thank you. I didn't mean to do that. I have to go all the way home, and it will take me rather a long time. I I only brought a fresh egg that Angela's hen laid this morning, and some parsley out of my own garden for for Miss Leperier, and perhaps if she didn't like it she might give it to your wife. I am sorry I had nothing nicer."
"I was going myself," she said coldly, "by and by; but I sha'n't now, of course. I don't suppose Mademoiselle Leperier wants the whole Carroll family continually going to her house. It was not right for you, either, to go all that way alone; it was not safe." "I had Guard with me," said the crestfallen Poppy. "I didn't know you wouldn't like it, Essie. I thought you you would be glad."
By the fire stood two comfortable easy-chairs, and a little square table, on which was spread a white cloth and dainty tea-things, bread-and-butter, and tempting little cakes. To Esther it all seemed perfect, as perfect a picture as Mademoiselle Leperier herself in her soft grey gown, with her white hair, bright eyes, and pale face.
"They saved her," he added significantly; "but she was injured, she was lame always from that day, and her eyes were injured. She may be blind, some day if she lives. He was killed before her eyes." "Oh, poor M'amzelle Leperier," groaned Esther, her heart aching with the tragedy of the terrible story. "I wonder it did not kill her." "It nearly did," said Anne significantly. "And her singing?"
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