"How did she take it?"
"She was of course overjoyed at the prospect. You don't think she would object?"
"She might. Stepmothers are not popular with children."
"Oh, I didn't go into details. Have you told your old lady?"
"Yes. She is not very pleased."
"I can understand that. Don't you think you and I could walk into some quiet church here and have the marriage service to ourselves? I don't want to hurry you, but Mysie is expecting you at Abertarlie for Christmas."
A flush came into Rowena's cheeks. That prospect seemed so alluring; but she shook her head.
"I cannot leave Mrs. Burke so soon. I am spending Christmas with her at her country house. We must wait a little longer."
General Macdonald looked disappointed. He called a taxi, and they drove off to Eton Place. Mysie had been watching out for them at the drawing-room window, and came dancing out into the hall. Rowena kissed her very lovingly.
"Oh," the little girl exclaimed as she hugged her tight, "Dad says you're coming to stay with us. What does it mean? Are you going to be my governess? Cousin Bel seems so mysterious about it, and Dad wouldn't tell me properly."