I wondered if you'd let us bring Jewel as far as New York and drop her with you for the six weeks that we shall be gone.If we had a little more ahead we'd take the child with us.She is eight years old and wouldn't be any trouble,but cash is scarce,and although we could board her here with some friend,I'd like to have her become acquainted with her grandfather,and I thought as Madge and Eloise were with you,they would look after her if Mrs.Forbes is no longer there.This has all come about very suddenly,and we sail next Wednesday on the Scythia,so I'll be much obliged if you will wire me.I shall be glad to shake your hand again.
Your repentant son,HARRY.
Mrs.Forbes looked up from the letter to find her employer's eyes upon her.Her lips were set in a tight line.
"Well?"he asked.
"I'd like to ask first,sir,what you think of it?""It strikes me as very cool.Harry knows my habits."The housekeeper loosened the reins of her indignation.
"The idea of your having a child here to clatter up and down the stairs at the very time you want to take a nap!"she burst forth.
"You've had enough to bear already."
"A deal of company in the house as it is,eh?"he rejoined.It was the first reference he had ever made to his permanent guests.
"It's what I was thinking,sir."
"You're not for it,then,Mrs.Forbes?"
"So far as taking care of the child goes,I should do my duty.I don't think Mrs.Evringham or her daughter would wish to be bothered;but Iknow very little about children,except that your house is no place for them to be racing in.One young one brings others.You would be annoyed,sir.Some folks can always ask favors."The housekeeper's cheeks were flushed with the strength of her repugnance,and her bias relieved Mr.Evringham's indecision.