"If he lost a lot of money, a great lot, would he be a beggar?" pursued Annie.
"Well, really, Miss Annie, it isn't for me to say; but I think it would be a very big sum that would beggar Sir John. What are you after, Miss? I don't understand you at all."
"I'm thinking of the outlandish stepdaughter," replied Annie.
"Oh, Miss Annie Forest, don't name her to me. She turns my heart sick. Its in an asylum she should be. The messes she carries about with her, and the dress she wears, and the whole look of her! It isn't fit for Miss Hester and Miss Nan to have anything to do with her."
"You don't know her yet," replied Annie. "She has beautiful thoughts and grand resolves."
"Preserve me from 'em," said nurse. "There, now, miss, if you re going, you'd better go. I don't want to hear anything more about that girl, for lady she ain't."
"Good-bye, nurse," said Annie. "I am glad you are certain that Sir John Thornton is rich."
"I'd be glad if I was as certain that Miss Hester and Miss Nan were going to be happy," replied the old woman.
Annie blew a kiss to her and ran away.
The task Antonia had set her was quite to her heart. If, in addition to helping the Lorrimers, she could by this means get out of her own scrape, why, so much the better. It was one of Annie's gifts to be able to discriminate character with great nicety; and while Antonia spoke to her, she acknowledged a sudden respect and even admiration for the power which this queer girl possessed.