“Did you wish to see me?” Helen asked, still standing.
“Yes. There were one or two things I wanted to talk over. Won’t you sit down?”
Helen took the seat. “Thank you,” she said. They had become very ceremonious.
“How are the children this morning?”
“I’ve just left them in the nursery. They are perfectly well.”
“Hasn’t Miss Munroe taken them out yet?”
Helen met his look. “Miss Munroe is leaving to-day,” she replied.
“What?” he cried, astonished.
“I told you several weeks ago that she was going to leave.”
“But I didn’t think you’d—” Briggs turned away and rested his head on his hand, with his elbow on the table. “Will you be kind enough to tell me why you have sent Miss Munroe away?” he asked, in a tone that showed he was trying to control himself. “She’s been with the children ever since they were born. You can’t get anyone to fill her place.”