Minnie was not present during the recital; so, after
hearing it, Mrs. Willoughby went to her room.
Here she caught Minnie in her arms, and kissed her in a very effusive
manner.
"Oh, Minnie, my poor darling, what is all this about Vesuvius? Is it
true? It is terrible. And now I will never dare to leave you again.
How could I think that you would be in any danger with Lady Dalrymple
and Ethel? As to Ethel, I am astonished. She is always so grave and so
sad that she is the very last person I would have supposed capable of
leading you into danger."
"Now, Kitty dearest, that's not true," said Minnie; "she didn't lead
me at all. I led her. And how did I know there was any danger? I
remember now that dear, darling Ethel said there was, and I didn't
believe her. But it's always the way." And Minnie threw her little
head on one side, and gave a resigned sigh.
"And did you really get into the crater?" asked Mrs. Willoughby, with
a shudder.
"Oh, I suppose so. They all said so," said Minnie, folding her little
hands in front of her. "I only remember some smoke, and then jolting
about dreadfully on the shoulder of some great--big--awful--man."
"Oh dear!" sighed Mrs. Willoughby.
"What's the matter, Kitty dearest?"
"Another man!" groaned her sister.
"Well, and how _could_ I help it?" said Minnie. "I'm _sure_ I didn't
want him. I'm _sure_ I think he might have let me alone. I don't see
_why_ they all act so. I _wish_ they wouldn't be all the time coming
and saving my life.
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