That there had been waste and extravagance to an almost criminal degree Caroline had quickly discovered for herself. Dennis had told her that the children possessed more feathers and frills, more lace frocks than any other two children in the United Kingdom, and this was no exaggeration. In all things that were practical and necessary, however, they were as shabby and as ragged as any little beggar in the street.
Every night Caroline devoted herself to overlooking the children's wardrobe.
She mended what could be mended, and arranged all as far as she could, but she could not spin stockings or weave warm under garments out of thin air.
For a day or two the girl hesitated as to whether she should approach Mrs. Lancing on this subject. She was really unwilling to do so, but finally decided it was better that she should go straight to the point in this and in all other matters connected with the children and her care of them.
And so one evening, as Camilla was dressing for an early dinner engagement, there came a knock at her door, and Dennis asked if she would see Miss Graniger.
Mrs. Lancing was sitting in front of her looking-glass, her short, wavy hair was loose on her shoulders.
At sight of Caroline she took alarm, and, turning round, waved her hair-brush protestingly.
"Don't tell me that you have come to give me notice," she said forcibly, "because I won't take it!"
Caroline laughed.
"I am still marvelling at my good fortune at being with you," she said. She looked admiringly at Camilla. How pretty! how very pretty this woman was! Each time that she saw Mrs. Lancing she seemed to see her in a more attractive way.