‘She talks of another month or two.’
‘But what have her guardians to say to that? Why, she has been away for nearly half a year. How can that be called living at the old house?’
‘It’s no business of mine.’
‘Nor of mine, you mean to say. Still, it does seem rather strange. I suppose she is quite to be trusted?’
‘Trusted? What harm can come to her? She’s keeping out of Sam Barmby’s way, that’s all. I believe he plagued her to marry him. A nice husband for Nancy!’
‘I wish we had taken to each other,’ said Mrs. Damerel musingly. ‘I think she was a little jealous of the attention I had paid to you. But perhaps we shall do better some day. And I’m quite content so long as you care a little for me, dear boy. You’ll never give me up, will you?’
It was asked with unusual show of feeling; she leaned forward, her eyes fixed tenderly upon the boy’s face.
‘You would never let a Fanny French come between us, Horace dear?’
‘I only wish you hadn’t brought her among your friends.’
‘Some day you will be glad of what I did. Whatever happens, I am your best friend—the best and truest friend you will ever have. You will know it some day.’