“Nobody would think so,” said Dora.
“If she could only take Johnnie and Judy away with her,” said Sophy, “before their father has spoiled them.”
“You can’t think she would refuse such an offer!” added Dora. “To be with a good, nice woman, and at peace among her friends. It really would be quite wicked in her to refuse.”
Nevertheless, Mary withstood all the entreaties of her sisters to go with her to hear Judith’s decision. Edmund heard them persuading her, and in his peremptory manner desired them to desist. So they hovered about the garden and home-field waiting for news.
But the news was not what they expected. Mrs Carbonel found Judith very tearful, but resolute.
“I could not do it, ma’am! I am sorry, sorry to the heart, to seem ungrateful for her kindness; but, indeed, I could not do it. I cannot leave my sister and the children.”
“You would be so much more comfortable—so much better looked after.”
“Yes, ma’am, I know that. Mrs Gregg is one of the best of women, and so kind. It is very good of her to be willing to take me in; but—”
“You need not be afraid of the journey. Mrs Barnard will come for you.”
“Oh yes, ma’am, I know; but there’s my sister, ma’am, and her children. I could not leave them.”