“You are a good, faithful child, and my lecture was not meant for you, dear. I am glad you spoke for Jo Perkins. Of course we shall not dismiss him. It would be wrong to set him adrift for so slight an offense; we must make the punishment fit the wrong-doing. The offense this time is slight because it turned out all right, but it might have proved very serious. You know that Christopher tried to swim and was taken with a cramp in his arm?”
“Perk told me just now. He feels awfully about it.”
“That is news to me,” exclaimed Mrs. Hartwell-Jones. “No wonder you are feeling nervous and upset over the ‘might-have-beens.’”
“Yes,” replied grandmother with a little shudder. “I don’t know what to say about it because of course Christopher was not actually forbidden to swim. We did not think about such a question arising. But grandfather will be home to-night, and then everything will be all right.”
“What a comfort to have a strong arm to lean upon,” sighed Mrs. Hartwell-Jones wistfully. Then she turned to Letty. “Run off now and play, child. Jane is hopping her toes through her shoes with impatience.”
Letty ran off and the two ladies discussed every detail of Christopher’s mishap, and how seriously it might have turned out.
“Children can be the greatest sort of cares,” Mrs. Hartwell-Jones said at length, half laughing but wholly in earnest, “almost nuisances sometimes; but they are a blessing for all that!” She paused a moment and then added: “Have you noticed what a fine nature Letty has, Mrs. Baker? What a splendid chance for the development of a noble character?”
“I think that what you have agreed to do for her is a wonderful opportunity for the child.”
“But I should like the tie to be still closer, Mrs. Baker,” exclaimed Mrs. Hartwell-Jones impulsively. “I am wondering—I desire something very much, and yet I am not sure that it is wise. I have no one to go to for advice except my lawyer. I have consulted him, but he is so cold and businesslike. Might I talk it over with you, Mrs. Baker?”
“Do you mean,” asked grandmother, a look of eager interest kindling in her eyes, “do you mean that you are considering the question of adopting Letty?”