Rupert felt too happy to slight even Mrs. Marlow, and he answered, courteously,
"Yes."
"I hope he brought a present for your mother."
"No, Mrs. Marlow, but he brought something better."
"And what can that be?" asked the widow, with intense curiosity.
"He engaged mother to take a place as housekeeper for a gentleman in the country."
"You don't say! And what'll be done with your sister? I'll board her cheap, and be like a mother to her."
Rupert could not help smiling at the idea of leaving his sister in such hands. He explained that Grace would go with her mother.
"Sure your mother's a lucky woman! I'd like to be a housekeeper myself. Wouldn't you speak to the gentleman for me?"