"You've got to do what I wish, if you mean to stay in the house—that's certain!"
"I must do what father wished," repeated Pattie.
"It isn't a question now of what he wished, but of what Mr. Cragg and I choose. If you're going to be here, you've got to be open and above-board. I can't abide secrets and mysteries. Don't you see, girl? Why, what do we know about you and your people? Haven't you got any uncles or aunts?"
"No; none."
"Nor any friends? It's they that ought to see after you. That's what I think."
"They don't know where I am. Father did not wish that they should. I am going to work for myself. As soon as possible I shall find something to do."
Mrs. Cragg tossed her head.
"You look like it! Who'd take such a child as you? If you have friends, you ought to write to them—not expect to be cared for by strangers. I never heard of such a way of going on! Of course they'll want to know where you are. And if your father did anything wrong—"
"My father did nothing wrong."
"They wouldn't visit it on you, at any rate," finished Mrs. Cragg. "You'd best tell me and Mr. Cragg all about it, and then we can advise you how to manage."