'They have been taught _that_ lesson already.'

'I don't think they are aware of it,' said Merton.

Miss Blossom stared.

'I can't explain, but you must find a way of keeping them out of a
scrape.'

'I think I can manage it,' said Miss Blossom demurely.

'I hope so. And manage, if you please, to see this Miss Limmer and
observe what kind of person she is,' said Merton, with his hand on the
door handle, adding, 'Please ask Dr. Maitland to come here, and do you
keep the children amused for a moment.'

Miss Blossom nodded and left the room; there was laughter in the other
chamber. Presently Maitland joined Merton.

'Look here,' said Merton, 'we must be rapid. These children are being
cruelly ill-treated and deny it. Will you get into talk with the boy,
and ask him if he is fond of his governess, say "Miss Limmer," and notice
what he says and how he says it? Then we must pack them away.'

'All right,' said Maitland.

They returned to the children. Miss Blossom retreated to the inner room.
Bats simplified matters by falling asleep in the client's chair. Maitland
began by talking about schools. Was Tommy going to Eton?