"I know you are, dear, though you never would call me Constance."
"Later I may call you Constance," said Eva, smiling at the simple way in which Mrs. Palmer talked. "So you may look upon it as settled. I shall come to be your companion whenever you like."
"Come at once, dear."
"No, I must wait here a few days to reconcile my old nurse to my departure."
"Mrs. Merry? Oh, Eva, I am afraid she will hate me for this. She doesn't like me as it is. I don't know why," added Mrs. Palmer dolefully; "I am always polite to the lower orders."
"Mrs. Merry is an odd woman," said Eva rising, "but her heart is in the right place."
"Odd people's hearts always are," said the widow. "Wait here and talk to Allen," said Eva going to the door. "I'll see about tea."
But the fact is Eva wanted to talk to Mrs. Merry, anxious to get over a disagreeable interview, as she knew there would be strenuous opposition. To her surprise, however, Mrs. Merry was in favour of the scheme, and announced her decision when Eva came to the kitchen.
"Don't tell me about it, Miss Eva," she said, "for I had my ear to the keyhole all the time."
"Oh, Nanny!"