'I shouldn't be going abroad till the spring. If I could find someone to teach you we might be together for the winter. But I can't stay here. I must be nearer town. We never meant to stay here after the autumn. We came down because of my health. I am well now. Perhaps I can get some cheap lodgings just out of town, where Margot would look after you. We will see.'
'That will be very nice,' said True, darning away with increased speed and importance. 'I'm growing awfully fast, dad, and I'll be able to look after the lodgings for you.'
'And you won't never send me back to grandmother's?' said Bobby anxiously.
No, indeed, I won't. I heard to-day, by-the-bye, that your grandmother was very ill.'
Bobby did not speak for a minute. Then he said slowly:
'I wonder if she'd like to see me afore she dies.'
'Oh, we won't think she is as bad as that,' said his father cheerfully.
He went up to London the next day, and stayed away three whole days. True and Bobby felt very forlorn. They quarrelled a good deal, and Margot at last lost patience with them.
'Ain't you ashamed of yourselves? And the grass not green yet on your mother's grave. What must she think if she's allowed to get a glimpse of you?'
'It's all Bobby; he's so mastering,' said True; 'and I'm the oldest; and he ought to do what I tell him.'