"May I come and see it?" asked Chris eagerly, scenting a mystery.

He hesitated.

"I'll come all by myself," she assured him.

"_Mais la gouvernante_--"

"As if I should bring her! No, no! I'll come alone--with Cinders."

"_Mais, mademoiselle_--"

"If you say that again I shall be cross," announced Chris.

"But--pardon me, mademoiselle--the governess, might she not object?"

"Absurd!" said Chris. "I am not a French girl, and I won't behave like
one."

He laughed at that, plainly because he could not help it. "Mademoiselle
pleases herself!" he observed.

"Of course I do," returned Chris vigorously. "I always have. I may come
then?"

"But certainly."

"When?"

"When you will, mademoiselle."