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The Children of Wilton Chase
The Children of Wilton Chase
THIS STORY
IS DEDICATED, WITH AFFECTION,
TO
MARJORY
A CHILD WHO, POSSESSING THE SPIRIT OF LOVE AND SERVICE,
HAS INSPIRED THE IDEA OF THAT OTHER MARJORY
WHO APPEARS IN THESE PAGES
August, 1891.
CHAPTER I.
MARJORIE'S WAY
"I don't care," said Ermengarde. "I won't do it! I won't obey her!"
"What are you saying, Ermie?"
Ermengarde was standing by the dressing-table in her room. She had been talking half to herself; she now turned quickly round, and confronted a plain little girl of between eleven and twelve.
"Is that you, Marjorie? I didn't know you were listening. I had not an idea you were in the room."
"But what did you say, Ermie? Who is the person you won't obey?"
Marjorie had puckered up her brows. Her small, shrewd, sensible face looked full of anxiety.
"Now, look here," said Ermengarde, speaking with passion, "don't you interfere! You are always poking your finger into everyone's pie. Leave mine alone. I don't want you to meddle, nor to help me. I understand my own affairs. What is the matter? Are you going to cry?"
"No, Ermengarde. I don't cry. I think it's babyish."
Marjorie walked to the other end of the large bedroom, tied on a shabby brown hat, and prepared to leave the room. When she reached the door she turned again, and looked at her sister.
"When Basil comes home – " she began.