“Ah! my little stepdaughter. I keep her at a fine, smart school, don’t I? I do the knowing by her, don’t I?” 174
“Well, all I want you to do in future—and I believe her mother will consent, for I have seen Mrs. Martin this morning”––
“You went to Laburnum Villa this morning? Tasty place, that, eh?”
“Yes, a very comfortable sort of house. My aunt, Lady Lysle, and I went together.”
“Her ladyship and you?”
“We drove there.”
“I hope the neighbors saw,” said Martin. “They’ll come in shoals to see Little-sing after they’ve peeped at her ladyship’s carriage.”
Aneta could scarcely keep back a smile.
“Mr. Martin,” she said, “if I do what I intend for you—and it lies in my power—will you please not come to Aylmer House to-morrow?”
“Ho, hi! And why not? Ashamed of me, eh?”