There was something in this question that made Muriel smile. She glanced quickly at Mrs. Wake, and saw that she was smiling as well.
"Because," the latter continued, "I want to love you very much, if you will let me, and I hope in time you will grow to love me too."
Muriel gave another shy look at the pretty smiling face that had more than a little anxiety in its expression, then dropped her eyes.
"We must be great friends. You will be able to tell me all about the Exeter people—"
"But we shall not see much of each other," Muriel interposed quickly. "Father is hardly ever at home!"
"Oh, but he will be now!"
"Will he?" doubtfully.
"Yes; you will see. We are going to Switzerland for a little while, and afterwards we are coming home to settle down!"
"Oh!"
"I hope we shall all be happy together. Will you try to like me, my dear?"