At luncheon the little girls appeared, expecting to meet their father at it. Anstice told them that he was away for the day. They sat together, whispering and giggling. Then suddenly Josie addressed Anstice:
"Are you afraid of ghosts? There's one in your room. We think it's mother."
"I shouldn't be afraid of her, or of any other spirit," said Anstice very gently.
"You wait and see. Our mother will be furious to find you in her room. You'd better get out."
"My dear Josie," said Anstice, "no one could drive me out of my room. And as to your mother, I am sure she would only be too thankful to me for coming here to give you a more comfortable and, I hope, a happier home."
"We don't want you," said Georgie sullenly.
"Look here," said Anstice impulsively, "I tell you what we will do. We will have a 'pow-wow' to-morrow evening in the nursery. Do you know what a 'pow-wow' is?"
"Some old rubbishy thing!" muttered Josie scornfully.
"It's what the Red Indians have. They sit round a fire, all the heads and chiefs are invited, and then they talk and talk and talk. Every one can have a say."
"What do they talk about?" inquired Georgie, a gleam of interest in her deep blue eyes.