“And are they living near us?”
“I believe so; but I do not know them—I mean, we do not visit.”
“And I can go to them if I like?”
“That is true; but then, you would hardly like to go away to strangers—to strangers from those who love you.”
“No,” said Nan in a smothered sort of voice; “I should hate it—hate it.”
Here she squeezed up closer to Mrs. Richmond, who put her arm round the child’s waist and drew her up tightly to her side.
“Who has been talking to my little Nancy? Who has been troubling you in this matter?”
“Please, I would rather not tell.”
“I cannot force you to speak, my darling; but I want you to put the Asprays out of your head.”
“Perhaps I will after you have answered me a few questions.”