"That's a problem that needs carefully thinking out," answered Dr. Ramsay diplomatically.
He would say nothing further at the time, but later on, before she returned north, Mrs. Ramsay had a secret to tell to Mavis and Merle.
"How would you like to live always at Durracombe?" she asked them.
"Always? Oh, Mummie! I'd adore it, if only it weren't for you and Daddy."
"We've missed you loads, Muvvie darling!"
"But suppose we were here, too?"
"Here! All the time?"
Then Mother, very proudly, revealed her great piece of news.
"Father is going to help with the practice. Uncle David has too much work, and wants somebody to take part of it off his hands. He and Father will go into partnership as soon as we can sell the practice at Whinburn. We shall all live here at Bridge House. It's a splendid arrangement, because then I can take care of Aunt Nellie. She's such an invalid now that she needs constant nursing. Jessop wants to leave and keep house for a brother, who is a widower, and Aunt Nellie would be lost without Jessop, unless she had me to look after her instead. Don't you think it's a lovely plan?"
"Lovely! It's absolutely splendiferous!"