The Enchanted Castle (Puffin Classics) by E. Nesbit

Author:E. Nesbit [Nesbit, E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
ISBN: 9780141932187
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Published: 2004-05-26T21:00:00+00:00

into the untidy dining-room and saw that the figures had indeed vanished, ‘if we supped and discoursed of your beautiful piece of theatre?’

Gerald explained fully how much his brother and sister would enjoy this. As for him Mademoiselle would see that it was his duty to escort Mabel home, and kind as it was of Mademoiselle to ask her to stay the night, it could not be, on account of the frenzied and anxious affection of Mabel's aunt. And it was useless to suggest that Eliza should see Mabel home, because Eliza was nervous at night unless accompanied by her gentleman friend.

So Mabel was hatted with her own hat and cloaked with a cloak that was not hers; and she and Gerald went out by the front door, amid kind last words and appointments for the morrow.

The moment that front door was shut Gerald caught Mabel by the arm and led her briskly to the corner of the side street which led to the yard. Just round the corner he stopped.

‘Now,’ he said, ‘what I want to know is - are you an idiot or aren't you?’

‘Idiot yourself!’ said Mabel, but mechanically, for she saw that he was in earnest.

‘Because I'm not frightened of the Ugly-Wuglies. They're as harmless as tame rabbits. But an idiot might be frightened, and give the whole show away. If you're an idiot, say so, and I'll go back and tell them you're afraid to walk home, and that I'll go and let your aunt know you're stopping.’

‘I'm not an idiot,’ said Mabel; ‘and,’ she added, glaring round her with the wild gaze of the truly terror-stricken, ‘I'm not afraid of anything.’

‘I'm going to let you share my difficulties and dangers,’ said Gerald; ‘at least, I'm inclined to let you. I wouldn't do as much for my own brother, I can tell you. And if you queer my pitch I'll never speak to you again or let the others either.’

‘You're a beast, that's what you are! I don't need to be threatened to make me brave. I am.’

‘Mabel,’ said Gerald, in low, thrilling tones, for he saw that the time had come to sound another note, ‘I know you're brave. I believe in you. That's why I've arranged it like this. I'm certain you've got the heart of a lion under that black-and-white exterior. Can I trust you? To the death?’

Mabel felt that to say anything but ‘Yes’ was to throw away a priceless reputation for courage. So ‘Yes’ was what she said.

‘Then wait here. You're close to the lamp. And when you see me coming with them remember they're as harmless as serpents – I mean doves. Talk to them just like you would to anyone else. See?’

He turned to leave her, but stopped at her natural question:

‘What hotel did you say you were going to take them to?’

‘Oh, Jimminy!’ the harassed Gerald caught at his hair with both hands. ‘There! you see, Mabel, you're a help already;’ he had, even at that moment, some tact left.

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