“Exactly,” answered Mr. Pierce. “But we all know the cunning of those afflicted with mania. She was so adroit that she managed well to keep this little girl entirely out of our reach.”
“And now?” prompted Mrs. White.
“Now we must, of course, appoint a new guardian for Miette,” went on the lawyer, “and I have a request from Mr. Huber that some one be appointed who has had children to deal with. His wife was a person brought up singularly alone.”
“Could I choose?” asked Miette, innocently.
“You might suggest,” answered the lawyer.
“Then I would so like—Dorothy’s Aunt Winnie—”
“My dear child!” expostulated Mrs. White. “I have a veritable institution on my hands now—”
“Oh, do, Aunt Winnie!” begged Dorothy, throwing her arms about the lovely woman without regard for the presence of the stranger. “I am sure Miette will help take care of me, and I will help take care of Miette.”
“I have always had a sacred love for the orphan,” spoke up Major Dale. “In fact, I do honestly believe that when a helpless child comes to our home, in need of a strong arm to guide and lead the way through life, that such a one is heaven sent. And if there is no technical or legal objection, I would urge you, sister, to listen to the cry of the children here,” pointing to Dorothy and Miette.
“I have been requested to make just this appeal,” said Mr. Pierce. “I had written to Mr. Huber of the circumstances surrounding the rescue of his niece, and he begged me to ask Mrs. White to continue her interest. If ever Mrs. Huber grows strong enough, of course, she may want to take back the charge, but her husband is determined to take her on a long voyage as soon as she shall be strong enough to endure it. This, the doctors think, will be the best kind of treatment for her case.”