“My dear, we have taken a peep each into the other’s soul this morning. I am certain there will be no misunderstanding. You may say all you wish.”
But even wise Miss Brook was not wholly prepared for what was forthcoming, though secretly rejoiced at it.
“Well, you see, all of us, except myself, have some way of earning money; there does not seem to be anything especial I can do, unless— This arranging your rooms has put an idea into my head. Do you think some of the other rich families about here, the ‘summer folks’ and all, would give me an opportunity to help them get ready for their social gatherings, as I have done for you? I want, this is what you must certainly understand, I want to always fix your things if you will let me, because it is the only way I can show— No, that isn’t it! Because I love you! You have from the first seemed to like me, and I have been so glad of it. Bonny is so bright, and Roland so manly and good, and little Bob so—”
“The least said about little Bob the better!” cried the old lady, smiling so brightly that Isabelle was quite reassured. “We all love the little scamp who teases the patience out of us a dozen times a day.”
“But for these other people, if I—who do understand the value of beautiful things, even if I don’t own them—could take care of their bric-à-brac, put their apartments in order after the maids have done their sweepings, and as I imagine few servants are trained to do, at a small price per hour, I should be very glad to do it.”
Miss Brook put on her spectacles and looked fixedly at her young neighbor. “My dear, they said you were the proud one of the family.”
“So I am.”
“And yet you realize what you are asking?”
“Perfectly. It will be putting myself in a servant’s place.”
“I fancied you were even a little ashamed to have your brother drive the ‘Parcel Express.’”