How tentative I sounded-but how delicate was the position with her, for Jeannette having all her perceptions present immediately divined much of what I had in mind-to wit that a certain seduction should take place. Adventure bubbled in her, as I hoped it would. “I shall write to Papa and say that you would like to meet the Minister?” she asked. I chewed on that, I do confess I did, and after due deliberation answered, “No, my dear. Better to ask your Papa to visit here, for he may otherwise think it but a quaint idea of yours. I will prepare a pleasant lunch, discourse with him, and then we shall see what may transpire.” “Oh! But I need not be here? At least, not at the lunch?” Jeannette exclaimed. I well understood her confusion over that and agreed. “It will come better from me if we are alone,” I said, which pleased her much for then she would not be directly involved. Well-so it was. Georges Dinet- Jeanette's father-appeared very pleased to present himself upon receipt of my letter and was no doubt more than merely curious to “see inside” again! Of course, I prepared all well and had a little table laid for us in my drawing room. So much cosier, I thought! On a whim, I had Dorothy to serve us, explaining to him in part her position but also adding with a touch of fine finesse, I thought, that she was but a novice. His eyes took in many sneaking glimpses of her, you may guess! I had her most prettily attired in a simple brown wool dress that quite clung to her petite curves and, perhaps, betrayed the fact that she was wearing little enough beneath. Very pleased to be flattered by his attentions, Dorothy returned his every glance, although with shyness. “A novice?” he could not help but echo while partaking of some chicken-very cordon bleu! “A matter of age, Monsieur,” I began, at which he invited me to call him by his Christian name, the which I did. Teasingly, I did not bother to finish my sentence, for it is always best to let them ask, for by this means one is not seen to solicit questions nor to betray anything that is not requested. “Ah, yes, of age,” said he and waited for me to speak, but I did not, being seemingly engaged in enjoying my Piesporter, which, being a German wine, indicated perhaps a lack of patriotism on my part, but it is so very nice! My silence spurred him on. “Some-er-subjects she does not take?” he asked. I appeared hesitant to reply, but finally did so. “There are occasionally certain disciplines I am bound to apply here, Georges.” (Well enough did he know this, of course, since his own daughter was incumbent, but tactfully pretended to forget.) “Dorothy has not yet been birched nor strapped,” I went on, “but she has sufficient liveliness about her that she may not need too much, nor more than does Jeannette now- nor half a dozen of my girls,” I added quickly. “She does not?” he asked, and left it quite open to me to guess who he was talking about!
I then apprised him of the visits of the two inspectors, and more plainly said how such might create certain difficulties. “In respect, that is, of many confidences I hold,” said I, and was much pleased with the phrase, which was at once as open and yet as subtle as his own question had been. “Ah no-exactly,” he replied and appeared to give the matter as much attention as he was giving to our little feast. A dire thought then appeared to strike him for he asked with as much casualness as he could muster whether the inspectors had asked the names of girls. “But one-Dorothy,” I assured him and then, to add a little spice to the moment, apprised him of how she had addressed me and of the Inspector's subsequent confusion. This caused him to laugh quite in relief! “Have no fear. I believe the Minister will be at once flattered and amused to be asked to make a visit in person-and, besides, I have a certain sway with him. He is much taken with my wife. We are all good friends, you see,” he told me. I could have clapped! Dorothy then returning-for she quite loved this particular chore-I made an excuse to absent myself for a short while and gave her a little wink. Minx that she is, or soon will become, I found them chatting happily on my return, and Georges' cheeks a very pleasant pink. I have no doubt that she had said a few things to him that had quite intrigued him. Jeannette had greeted him briefly on his arrival but had since disappeared, which was as well.
Telling Dorothy that she might go and join the others, I of deliberation changed my mood a little-knowing men! Seating myself on the sofa, I indulged in a Turkish cigarette and indicated, by such subtle movements as I knew he wished to see, that he might join me.
“All will be well?” I asked in the manner of a woman who is a trifle agitated. His hand laid itself upon my thigh. “I shall see that he is well received,” I added with such a trace of hopefulness in my voice as he expected, or wished, to hear. “I am sure that you will, my dear,” Georges replied, and I knew then that we were come closer to the matter of his own heart's increasing desire. “Shall you just yourself accompany him?” I asked cautiously, though guessing well his answer and so putting a certain intonation in his voice that he took it- as was intended-as an invitation. “It would be best, I am sure,” he answered and then, placing his arm about my shoulders and bringing my lips quite close to his, murmured, “Do not fret yourself.”
“I shall not-not so long as you are here,” I said and was then indulged by him in such a kiss as would have made my head swim had I not been plotting in my head all the while! Indeed, he began to rumple up my skirt, which, though little did he know it, was perfect for the changing mood, for I fretfully thrust it down again as a shy young girl might. Slipping my tongue a little into his mouth while grasping his too-eager hand, I said, “Not yet. The visit must be a private little affair, do you not think? The Minister may wish to meet at least one of my girls and- er-question her, as you may, too.” The perfect means of compromising both then came to me, but I said nothing of it then. “Private, yes,” he replied thickly and fumbled my garters through my skirt, but I stood up as one who fears to be disturbed, and said so. “Dorothy may yet rush in. On your return I shall arrange things differently,” I said and affected to be much disturbed by his caresses so that he knew better than to approach me closer once more. “Next Thursday, perhaps. I was in any event going to dine with him then,” he offered. I turned to him and smiled as might a woman who is saved from slipping in a river! “The evening, yes, it would be best. The girls will be discreet, I promise that, Georges. There shall be no stinting of pleasure, if such is called for. He may wish… but then I do not know his ways…” I let my voice break of a purpose as one who is uncertain, shy. I believe I acted my part quite perfectly, for he then joined me at the window and ventured an arm about my waist. “Have no fear in suggesting what you will. We are alone here for the moment, Julie.” On his saying this, I endeavoured to flush a little, but am not sure that I succeeded! “He may wish… he may wish,” I stumbled, “to see for instance my method of disciplining, that is to say… ” “Go on!” he urged. “With a strap, or with the birch. I do not belabour them hard, you understand-Jeannette will vouch for that-but only…”
“Yes?” His voice could not have been more eager. “Or perhaps we only sit and talk,” I ventured lamely, all the while-to his unknowing-drawing him on. “By no means, by no means,” he half choked! “Oh, very well. I thought perhaps the suggestion too bold, but sometimes I suppose one must come to the- er-point. Their bottoms are bared for exercise, you know. I could allow him just a little peep.” “He would require that, I am sure,” Georges responded, over-eagerly! “And you, dear Georges? I would not want to keep you out of it. Oh, we shall see!” I murmured as if much flustered and knowing not quite what to do. “Your… your suggestion is excellent, pray follow it,” he urged. I bit my lip, half smiled and said, “You think so? It is not too forward? Very well. But only two girls. I shall put the rest to bed.” “Excellent, excellent!” He all but clapped, and turned me to kiss him, but again I urged discretion. “Wait until Thursday-then, perhaps,” said I at which juncture Dorothy-who I am perfectly sure had been listening to all through the door-made another entrance and caused us to move apart. Her timing was exquisite, bless her, for it permitted me to slowly usher my visitor out and leave him all a-glow and dazed! Well, already my wrist is getting very tired with this recital, dear, but should I stop now then you would have no more truck with me, I am sure! So then to the evening and its events. My two chosen girls were instructed and the rest despatched to their dormitories with naughty books and bottles of wine! Indeed, I even locked their doors, not trusting them, but wishing no other involvements on this score.