"I should be very glad of it," Mrs. West replied, respectfully.
"Why didn't you ask it, then?"
"I didn't dare."
"Didn't dare, eh? Am I an ogress? Should I have eaten you if you had asked my advice?" demanded the irascible old lady, shortly.
"Oh, no, Lady Lancaster; but I shouldn't have presumed to trouble you so far," Mrs. West replied, in her quiet way that was so strange a contrast to the other's irritability.
"Very well. I've presumed to lay a plan for you," replied the grim old lady.
"A plan for me!" Mrs. West echoed, vaguely.
"Yes. You shall not go away from Lancaster Park. You shall have the child here."
"Here!" cried the housekeeper, doubtful if she were in her proper senses.