Evelyn leant back hopelessly in the carriage and began to sob. After a time she said:
“I wish you would let me keep Jasper.”
Lady Frances was silent.
“Why won’t you let me keep Jasper?”
“I do not consider it good for you.”
“But mothery asked you to.”
“It gives me pain, Evelyn, under the circumstances to refuse your mother’s request; but I have consulted your uncle, and we both feel that the steps I have taken are the only ones to take.”
“Who will sleep in my room to-night?”
“Are you such a baby as to need anybody?”
“I never slept alone in my life. I am quite terrified. I suppose your big, ancient house is haunted?”