'Of course I cannot say any more, since you have taken to quoting the Bible, Catherine. My memory for texts was always a bad one.'
'Ted and Toddie shall not be able to say that when they are grown up—not unless they wilfully forget all I teach them, and they love their Scripture lessons too well to do that. Do you know, Toddie told me yesterday that God seems ever so much realer than other kings? Wasn't it sweet of her?'
Mrs. Arderne gave Catherine's brow a quick kiss.
'Naturally I think most of Toddie's speeches sweet. Go on training my babes in the knowledge of the Creator, Catherine, for I—I shouldn't like them to grow up to be worldly like their mother.'
'You only try to be worldly, your heart isn't one bit so.'
'Yes, it is; I love all the pleasures and vanities of life. Now go to bed, Catherine, child, or you will oversleep yourself in the morning, and not be able to write that lengthy letter to Brian North.'
The girl sprang up, and clasped her strong young arms round her friend, crying:
'Good-night, then, you dearest of employers. Tell me once again that you do really want me, and that you will give me notice directly I cease to be of use to you.'
'Have I not told you, just this minute, that I want you for my babies' sakes as well as for my own? If Ted and Nora had not their "dear Carr" to teach them about God, they might question mother, and find out how little her knowledge is on the subject. You have another mission here, Catherine, for the enlightenment of ignorance.'
'And "mother" knows where to seek knowledge, whereas babies do not. Thank you again and again, dear, for making me welcome.'