In due time I wrote to Eustace to say that I would take Rose while he was away and do my best to preserve her sweetness. And then I paid a visit to the wing of the house where Hannah had reigned, to see what was needed.
To my surprise, I found Suzanne busy with a polishing-cloth.
I asked her what she was doing there, so far from her own domain.
It amused her, she said, to keep it bright and make it toute prête.
Toute prête for what? I asked.
For la petite, she said.
But why should she do that? I asked, concealing my astonishment. How could so young a child be coming to live here, with all us old folks?
Suzanne resumed her polishing. It was in her heart, she said, that the little Rose was to make her home here. It was what her mother would have wished.
I never saw more pleasure written on the human countenance than lighted up Suzanne’s when I told her that she was right.
Mrs. O’Gorman was naturally the first person whom I officially told.