I

lie. No would be a lie. Any statement would be a lie. All statements are lies. I like the Pernes better than I like you. I like all of you better than the Pernes. I hate you. I hate the Pernes. I, of course you must know it, hate everybody . I adore the Pernes so much that I can’t go and see them. But you come and see us. Yes; but you insist. Then you like us only as well as you like the Pernes; you like all sorts of people as well perhaps better than you like us. I have nothing to do with anyone. You shall not group me anywhere. I am everywhere. Let the day go on. Don’t sit there worrying me to death.⁠ ⁠… —They always send you their love and say you are to go and see them⁠—Oh yes, I must go; some time⁠—⁠They are wonderfully fond of their girls.⁠ ⁠… It’s one of the greatest pleasures of their lives keeping up with the old girls⁠—Fatigue was returning upon Miriam; her face flushed and her hands were large and cold. She drew them down on to her unowned knees. A mild yes would bring the sitting to an end.⁠—But you see I’m not an old girl she said impatiently. No one spoke. Florrie’s mind was darkly moving towards the things of the day. Perhaps Mrs. Philps and Florrie had been thinking of them for some minutes.⁠—You know it does make a difference she pursued, obsequiously collecting attention⁠—when people are your employers. You can never feel the same⁠—Everyone hovered⁠—and Mrs. Philps smiled in triumphant curiosity.⁠—I shouldn’t have thought it made any difference to you Miriam said Florrie flushing heavily.⁠—I think I know what Miriam means said Grace gently radiating⁠—I always feel a pupil with them much as I like them⁠—Grace, d’you know you’re my pupil said Miriam leaping out into laughter.⁠—I can see Grace⁠—she drove on carrying them all with her, ignoring the swift eyes upon the dim things settling heavily down upon her heart⁠— gazing out of the window in the little room where I was supposed to be holding a German class⁠—Yes I know Miriam darling, but now you know me you know I could never be any good at languages⁠—⁠You’re my pupil⁠—⁠It seems absurd to think of you as a teacher now we know you chuckled Florrie.⁠—Aren’t you glad it’s over, Miriam?⁠⸺⁠I loved the teaching. I’ve never left off longing to go back