"Oh, we have more than that, for I am sure you love flowers, and so do I. Do you know, there are such a lot of sea-pinks growing on the cliffs—"
"You do not go on the cliffs alone?" Miss Leighton interposed.
"Oh, no! But I have been several times with Mr. Tiddy, and I hold fast to his hand. There is a sheep-track along the cliffs, you know, and it is quite safe if you keep to that. I could find my way alone, I am sure, but I never mean to try, because I have promised, I won't."
"That's well. Perhaps you and I might walk there together some day. Do you think you could put up with an old woman for a companion?"
"Yes, Miss Leighton," Peggy answered, smiling.
"And you shall show me the sea-pinks, and we will take Wolf to protect us both. But do not call me 'Miss Leighton,' child; call me 'Aunt Caroline,' for you are my great-niece and—and I should like to be kind to you."
[CHAPTER VIII]
CONCERNING ELLEN BARNES
MISS LEIGHTON'S maid—Ellen Barnes—was a plain, sad-faced, middle-aged woman who had been with her present employer for many years. She had known Mrs. Pringle before her marriage, and consequently, it was with considerable satisfaction and some astonishment that she saw the interest with which her mistress regarded the daughter of the niece, the very existence of whom she had ignored so long.
It cannot be said that Miss Leighton was on anything like confidential terms with her maid; but she trusted her, and she would have certainly been at a loss without the services of the quiet, rather spiritless woman who rarely spoke except in answer to a question.