Hollowmell | Page 6

account for it as the rest, became rather
piqued at Minnie's serene imperturbability under her most potent
thrusts, and was fain to exercise her wit on some more vulnerable
object. Minnie kept closely to her work during lesson time, and even
during the pauses between classes was observed to sit quite still,
attentively contemplating the toe of her boot, and never once running

over to whisper to Mabel as she invariably did when she had something
on her mind.
Then, when lessons were over, and needlework began, she sat in her
usual place beside Mabel, but both appeared to be deeply interested in
their work, and did not exchange a word, although talking was quite
allowable during that time, and the privilege was usually taken
advantage of fully by Minnie.
This circumstance was construed by some to indicate that a quarrel had
taken place between the two friends, and was preying upon Minnie's
mind, which hypothesis, however, was quickly annihilated when the
two walked off together as usual, apparently on their usual terms, and
in their usual spirits.
Next day things stood in exactly the same position, and the girls were
beginning to get impatient for a solution of the mystery, but no solution
was forthcoming. Then came Saturday, on which day school was not
held, and the two friends were at liberty to discuss their project in full.
They had arranged that the discussion was to take place at Mabel's
home, as Minnie's brothers were all at home on Saturday, and would be
likely to interfere with their intention of keeping the matter private.
Mabel was an only child, her father being a business man with whom
the world had not dealt too kindly. Her mother was dead, which
circumstance had first drawn Minnie towards her, for she also was
motherless.
A sister of Mr. Chartres kept house for him, so that Mabel was at
liberty to spend as much time with her friend as she thought proper.
She would often have felt more comfortable if her aunt would have
allowed her to remain at home and render her some assistance with her
household duties, but her aunt was immoveable in her determination to
allow no interference with what she considered her special department,
declaring indeed that she could not perform her duties to her own
satisfaction, or her brother's comfort, if her mind was disturbed by
having anyone to direct or issue orders to. Thus it was that when

Minnie appeared, directly after breakfast, Mabel was at liberty to
devote herself entirely to her. They chatted on various topics of general
interest until Miss Chartres disappeared into the "lower regions" (as
Minnie was wont to designate the kitchen floor) on housekeeping
duties intent, and then they were free to bring forth the matter which
was uppermost in each of their thoughts.
"Well?" Interrogated Minnie, after a short silence.
"Well?" Repeated Mabel in the same tone.
Minnie laughed.
"Now, don't tease, Mabel!" she exclaimed, "you know I am in earnest,
so I won't have teasing--and please don't be so awfully cautious: one
would think you delighted to make a wet blanket of yourself for my
especial discomfort and confusion."
"Not this 'one,' though," asserted Mabel, slipping her arm round Minnie,
who tried to get up a terrible frown but failed ignominiously.
"Well, then, tell me the result of your cogitations--you are to be Prime
Minister, you know."
"Then you must be Queen!" laughed Mabel.
"O, no, I am going to be Chancellor of the Exchequer, thank you, quite
a high enough post for me."
"My Right Honourable Friend is easily satisfied, truly, but I don't think
if I had the power of appointment I should entrust such an office to
you," Mabel remarked.
"You are pleased to be complimentary," returned Minnie, with a
ludicrous attempt at genteel sarcasm--and then, suddenly dropping her
assumed stiffness, she continued. "But you don't know what a genius I
am going to turn out in the region of finances, and I can assure you,
you will be astonished when I bring forward my first Budget."

"I am certain I shall, one way or other; you are continually astonishing
one with your ingenuity in various ways."
"Well, to my usual task then--for I have framed several astonishing
resolutions, which only await your sanction to become law--you see
this is quite a different form of government from any presently existing,
so you must not be astonished at the manner of its conduct."
"So I perceive," observed Mabel demurely.
"In the first place, then, you must tell me whether your further
consideration has confirmed your decision of Wednesday night?"
"Well, I must confess, that the more I thought of the thing, the more
difficult it seemed, and yet I am convinced more than ever of the
necessity of our taking