XLVI
Ben was receiving her first visit from her stepmother.
"First of all let me thank you so much for being so kind to my sister," Belle said. "She's not a very decisive person. Perhaps you gathered that?"
Ben admitted it.
"Anyone at all emphatic can do what they like with her," said Belle. "And that's why I'm so glad she's in your hands.
"But that's not what I came about," said the comfortable lady as she sank luxuriously into a chair. "You must forgive me butting in like this, but I want help badly and only you can give it."
"The cook hasn't left?" Ben asked.
"Oh, no. She seems to be satisfied, if one dare use such a strong word about a cook, or indeed any servant, nowadays. No, it's not the cook, it's your father."