“Are you counting Airy in the family?” said Berty, significantly. “I thought she would end by establishing herself here.”
“How can one defeat such an ingenious child?” responded the Judge, frankly. “She began by calling, then dropping in at mealtimes. Really, she spent the most of her time here before she went to Miss Featherby’s, and I know that when holidays come we shall have her altogether.”
“In which case you will need a lady housekeeper,” said Berty, promptly, “or Airy will rule you all. Now I know just the person for you, Judge.”
“Who is it?” he inquired, with interest.
“My friend Nancy Armitage Steele.”
“You don’t mean little Nancy, the daughter of the late General Armitage?”
“The same, Judge; but she is a tall young married woman now, and, unfortunately, a widow.”
“What! That child married!”
“Child—she is twenty-five years old.”
“How time flies!” said the Judge, musingly. “It seems only the other day that the General and I were lads in school. But how is it that his daughter needs to support herself.”