The midshipmen at once agreed to make the attempt, and were soon dressed in the clothes which their friend had brought them.  Walking about the room, she gave them lessons in carriage and manner, imitated herself the air with which the general’s daughters bowed to the officers as they saluted them as they passed, and even gave them instructions in the tone of voice in which they should order the driver to take the way to the public promenade.  At length she pronounced that they ought to pass muster at a casual inspection, and then, bidding them good-night, she retired to her own room, while the lads were soon asleep, the one on the couch, the other on the hearthrug.

At seven o’clock their friend, who had told them that her name was Agnes Sinclair, came into the room dressed, unlocked the door, and then led them into her bedroom, as she said that at half-past seven the servants would come to do up the sitting-room, light the fire, and prepare breakfast.

“I am my own mistress,” she said, “till nine o’clock, and as the servants do not go into my bedroom till I have gone to my pupils, you will be quite safe.  You must have some more biscuits for breakfast, for I am a very small eater, and it would not do were it noticed that a greater quantity of food than usual had disappeared.”

The boys were now again dressed in the clothes prepared for them, and this time put on gloves which Miss Sinclair had also brought, and into which it needed all the boys’ efforts to pass their hands.  Fortunately the bonnets of the time completely enveloped the head, concealing the back half, and coming well forward over the face, and when the veils were dropped Miss Sinclair said that unless she had known the truth, she should not have suspected the deception.

When the servant knocked at the door, and said that breakfast was ready, the governess left them, and presently returned, bringing them the biscuits.

“Now,” she said, “in a quarter of an hour the carriage will be at the door.  It always comes punctually at nine.  From the window of the opposite room I can see when it arrives.  Now, you quite understand?  You walk straight along this passage.  At the end is a wider one to the right, which will take you into the great hall.  Here there will be several servants, and perhaps some officers standing about.  All will bow as you pass through them.  You are to bow slightly as I have shown you.  If any of the officers come up to speak, as is possible, though not likely, for none of high enough rank to do so are likely to be there so early, answer only in a word or two in the voice you practised last night.  Two servants will show you into the carriage.  As you take your seats, you will say to the coachman, ‘To the promenade.’  After that you must do as you judge best.  There is one drawback, I forgot to tell you, an escort of two soldiers always rides fifty or sixty yards behind the carriage.”