It was fixed that they should go on that day week; and after some further conversation about the school at which Edward was to be placed, and some more jokes about Maggie’s notability, and an inquiry if she would come and live with him the next time he wanted a housemaid, Mr. Buxton took his leave.
His visit had been an event; and they made no great attempt at settling again that day to any of their usual employments. In the first place, Nancy came in to hear and discuss all the proposed plans. Ned, who was uncertain whether to like or dislike the prospect of school, was very much offended by the old servant’s remark, on first hearing of the project.
“It’s time for him. He’ll learn his place there, which, it strikes me, he and others too are apt to forget at home.”
Then followed discussions and arrangements respecting his clothes. And then they came to the plan of spending a day at Mr. Buxton’s, which Mrs. Browne was rather shy of mentioning, having a sort of an idea of inconstancy and guilt connected with the thought of mingling with the world again. However, Nancy approved: “It was quite right,” and “just as it should be,” and “good for the children.”
“Yes; it was on their account I did it, Nancy,” said Mrs. Browne.
“How many children has Mr. Buxton?” asked Edward.
“Only one. Frank, I think, they call him. But you must say Master Buxton; be sure.”
“Who is the little girl, then,” asked Maggie, “who sits with them in church?”
“Oh! that’s little Miss Harvey, his niece, and a great fortune.”
“They do say he never forgave her mother till the day of her death,” remarked Nancy.