The next day or two passed quickly in tending Meg, for Sheila would let no one look after her but herself. Then she informed Miss Gregson of her intention regarding the newcomer.
Miss Gregson and Sheila had just finished dinner and were lingering over dessert when the bomb fell.
"I have determined to keep Meg altogether," Sheila announced.
"Altogether, my dear! Have you told her so?"
Miss Gregson remembered how soon the girl's enthusiasm with regard to the children and her other hobbies had passed away; with what ardour they had been ridden for a time, and how complete the collapses had been! She trembled for the poor girl who lay upstairs in the blue room.
"Yes, I have told her so and you should have just seen her face."
"No doubt she is delighted," said Miss Gregson, a little pink flush rising on her cheeks. "You will have her trained I suppose under Elsie. She might possibly be made into a good lady's maid or housemaid."
"No such thing," said Sheila triumphantly. "My plan is much more interesting than that. I am going to train her myself and to turn her into a lady."
Miss Gregson dropped the nut crackers and stared.
Sheila laughed. She had been prepared for this and was enjoying herself to the full.