"And you really advise this?" She asked almost incredulously.
"Why not? You must have seen my interest in the girl. I can't think of a better way of showing it than to induce you to put her in the way of earning her livelihood by her talent."
Mrs. Champney made no direct reply. After a moment's silence she asked abruptly:
"Have you ever said anything to her about this?"
"Never a word."
"Don't then; I don't want her to get any more new-fangled notions into her head."
"Just as you say; but I wish you would think about it—it seems almost a matter of justice." He rose to go.
"Where are you going now?"
"Over to the shed office; I want to see the foreman about the last contract. I'll borrow the boat, if you don't mind, and row up—I have plenty of time." He looked at his watch. "Can I do anything for you before I go?" he asked gently, adjusting an awning curtain to shut the rays of the sun from her face.
"Yes; I wish you would telephone up to Mrs. Caukins and tell her to tell Aileen to be at home before six; I need her to-night."