This explanation was tolerably plausible, and Jack was unable to gainsay it, though it was disagreeable to him to think of even a nominal connection between Ida and the woman before him.
“Can I see Ida?” asked Jack, at length.
To his great joy, Peg replied, “I don't think there can be any objection. I am going to the house now. Will you come now, or appoint some other time?”
“I will go now by all means,” said Jack, eagerly. “Nothing should stand in the way of seeing Ida.”
A grim smile passed over the nurse's face.
“Follow me, then,” she said. “I have no doubt Ida will be delighted to see you.”
“Dear Ida!” said Jack. “Is she well, Mrs. Hardwick?”
“Perfectly well,” answered Peg. “She has never been in better health than since she has been in Philadelphia.”
“I suppose,” said Jack, with a pang, “that she is so taken up with her new friends that she has nearly forgotten her old friends in New York.”
“If she did,” said Peg, sustaining her part with admirable self-possession, “she would not deserve to have friends at all. She is quite happy here, but she will be very glad to return to New York to those who have been so kind to her.”