"Then you'll be an old maid," said Sam crossly, "whoever's taken the child has taken her a-purpose, and they won't run no risks in returning her. You'll be an old maid if you throw away all your chances like this."
"Very well!" answered Pattie firmly, "then I'll be an old maid and a good-tempered one too. I won't be like some cross-grained bachelors I know, so there!"
CHAPTER XXI.
THE HIDING-PLACE.
Jane did not feel the least shade of regret or fear when she took Maud home.
There was no one there, of course, for Jim was at work still and Harry and the baby were at the Nursery. Jane gave Maud some bread and jam and a mug of milk and sat down to think over the situation.
Harry had made his appearance in the house and street without occasioning the least remark or surprise. They made no apologies for him, no explanations beyond the one that he was Jim's nephew.
This was her niece. That was all the difference. With no mystery and no explanations she felt perfectly secure. She would act exactly as she had done when Harry came. There was only one thing necessary for protection. The colour of the child's hair should be brown and her white dress and sun hat should be pink!
"What's your name, child?" she said abruptly.