"You see we don't like to part with Althea," explained Dan, who understood his mother's feelings.
"Who said you were to part with the child?" asked Mrs. Vernon, bluntly.
"I thought you meant to take her from us."
"Oh, I see. Your mistake is a natural one, for I have not told you my plans. I mean to take a house up town, install Mrs. Mordaunt as my housekeeper and friend, and adopt this young man (indicating Dan), provided he has no objection."
"How kind you are, Mrs. Vernon," ejaculated Mrs. Mordaunt.
"No, I am selfish. I have plenty of money, and no one to care for, or to care for me. I have taken a fancy to you all, and I am quite sure that we can all live happily together. Althea is my niece, and you, Dan, may call me aunt, too, if you like. Is it a bargain?"
Dan offered her his hand in a frank, cordial way, which she liked.
"So it is settled, then," she said, in a pleased voice. "I ought to warn you," she added, "that I have the reputation of being ill-tempered. You may get tired of living with me."
"We'll take the risk," said Dan, smiling.
Mrs. Vernon, whose habit it was to act promptly, engaged a house on Madison avenue, furnished it without regard to expense, and in less than a fortnight, installed her friends in it. Then she had a talk with Dan about his plans.