“I’m ever so much better, and the air would do me good,” he said. “You might send for the——”
Nurse Ives held up a warning finger.
“You are not to go out,” she said. “Mother, you are much too tired after your long journey to think of such a thing. I am going to leave you both now for a time, as I have got several things to buy. You look well after the child while I’m out, mother; you’ll be careful of him, won’t you?”
“Careful!” said Mrs. Ives, “when I’ve had six of my own, and buried five of ’em. You’re the only one left, Clara, and your freckles was always a worry. I not understand how to look after a child! I don’t know what you mean.”
“Of course, mother, you’re splendid with children. Well, I’ll be back in an hour or so.”
Nurse Ives put on a smart hat—the hat was made of black lace—she covered her sandy locks and freckled face with a spotted veil, and, nodding to her mother and the child, went out.
“She do look smart—quite the lady,” said the old woman, glancing at Piers as she spoke.
Piers nodded.
“She’s very handsome, and I love her,” he said.
“Well, now, child, it surprises me to hear you talk. I never would have said Clara was handsome, though she is my own darter, but there’s no accounting for tastes. How close this room is! Now I’d like to go for a walk uncommon. Suppose you and me was to go out unbeknown to Clara?”