“Really? It has not struck him that perhaps I may not keep her for another month. Now that it is once established that Martha is to be regarded as under his guardianship and authority, and that my jurisdiction ceases, he must take her at once. I will certainly not act for him in that matter. Since you are in his confidence, would you kindly tell him that?”
Lady Engleton looked surprised. “Certainly; I suppose he and his sister will look after the child.”
“I shall send Martha up with Hannah.”
“It will astonish him.”
“Does he really think I am going to act as his deputy?”
“He thought you would be glad to have Martha as long as possible.”
“As the child of Ellen Jervis, yes—not as his child.”
“I don’t see that it matters much, myself,” said Lady Engleton, “however, I will let him know.”
“By telegram, please, because Martha will be sent to-morrow.”
“What breathless haste!”