“A cable came to me half an hour ago.” Mr. Courtney spoke eagerly. “They landed last week, and——”
“Well?” inquired the doctor excitedly.
“Their affairs are settled, and well settled, apparently. The bad news was a scare. Particulars, of course, I don’t know yet, but the main point is that they will suffer no financial difficulty whatever.”
“Oh!” breathed Gretta; this seemed almost too good to be true. “Does it mean——”
“It means a great deal, Gretta,” said the visitor, turning to her kindly. “Freedom from anxiety for Mrs. Fleming, and—a great deal more besides. Also, it means——”
“Yes?” said the girl wonderingly, surprised at his tone.
“The cable is in code, of course,” Mr. Courtney spoke to the doctor, “but one thing Mrs. Fleming has made very clear, in spite of that. She wishes Gretta, without fail, to return next term to the Cliff School.”
“Oh, dad!” Gretta was on her knees beside her father’s chair. “Oh, dad!”
“Your aunt is one of the kindest of women, Gretta,” said her father huskily.
“But, dad, I won’t go. I mean, I couldn’t leave you for anything with Ann again. I’d rather fifty times over stay and look after you till you’re properly well. I’ll write to auntie——”