Jean left the room, and Mr. Sandford took his hat and went out. Nothing Jean said held much meaning for him, but her manner impressed him; and he went off to look into some business matters, never for a moment thinking it curious that his changed feeling towards his sister had made him try to persuade her old servant to stay in his house.
When he went home Mrs. Dorriman's face was more cheerful than he had yet seen it.
"I should like to know how we are to get any dinner," he said, afraid of her thanks.
"Oh! brother, there is Jean."
"Well! what of that?"
"She is a first-rate cook, and she has agreed to stay; and she is getting on with everything; and it is like a dream," said the poor woman, in a perfect flutter of gratitude, and relief, and happiness.
Her brother looked at her wonderingly.
"You are an odd little woman," he said, but not unkindly. "It does not take very much to upset you," but he was glad all the same.
He had always felt uncomfortable about Jean since he had found out how much his sister was wrapped up in her; and he now felt rather grateful to her for coming in to his plan so readily.
It was dark when Mr. Drayton arrived, and only Mrs. Dorriman was waiting to receive the two, who came in together.