"I think he would not. He has seemed to look forward so much to seeing you again. What if this were the right step for you to take, Lettice?—a means for getting back into your old place with him? You two have been apart so long. And really this afternoon you have almost no choice. We literally have not room for you here. Of course I could put you to sleep with Nan, and go somewhere else myself, only—"
"O no, indeed! I wouldn't let you do it."
"But—" in an undertone—"I don't quite like to be away from my mother to-night, after all this. And for you to go to your brother seems such a simple and natural plan. Don't you think so?"
"Yes; I'll go, Prue. I don't think he will be vexed."
"He ought to be delighted."
"Yes. I dare say—"
"You are unnerved by all you have gone through lately, poor child."
"I've grown so used to nobody wanting me—" with trembling lips.
"It will not be so here, Lettice." She put her arm round the girl, and held her affectionately.
Mrs. Valentine had moved away, and was looking out of the window.