I thought I would oblige Hannah to any extent with the prospect of such a meal in front of me, and accordingly I sat down while she prepared the chop and potatoes. Presently she brought them to me, and I ate them with the satisfaction which only a hungry schoolgirl can feel when she is seldom given a satisfying meal.
“Master said to me just before he left, ‘Tidy up the house a bit, Hannah.’ Never heard him make such a remark before in all my life since your poor mother were took.”
“You remember mother very well, don’t you, Hannah?”
“Bless her! yes, I have memories.”
Hannah looked very thoughtful.
“Do sit down,” I said. “You and I are alone in the house.”
“You are her mortal image,” said Hannah as she sank into her chair.
“I like mother?”
“Not in face, but in ways. You have a sort of coaxing way with you, and your temper is good—I will say that. But God only knows who you hark back with regard to face, for you are plain, Dumps, there’s no doubt of that.”
“So every one says—that is, every one except Mr Von Marlo.”