Chapter eightAtalanta reached the hall in the Embassy without meeting anyone.
She realised that as it must be about half past five everyone would be resting and she walked quickly up the stairs to the schoolroom.
The children were playing on the floor with their dolls and Miss Dill looked up as Atalanta entered and there was a question in her eyes.
“Can I speak to you for a moment, Miss Dill?” she asked.
The Governess rose and led the way into one of the bedrooms. She closed the door and stood looking at Atalanta, a pathetic figure with her swollen eyes and drooping mouth.
“I am afraid, Miss Dill,” Atalanta said gently, “that I cannot persuade my cousin to marry you.”
“I did not expect you to do so,” Miss Dill replied.
“But I promised to help you,” Atalanta went on, “and I have spok
