Then an inspiration came to her. "If I went with them somewhere, after a time perhaps they would come back."
"That would do," he said, slowly.
"It would cost something," she said, always nervous when money matters were in question, and looking at him anxiously.
"You can have any money you want," he said, carelessly. "When would you go?"
"We should have to go at once—to-morrow. I am quite sure the girls will want to be off at daylight." She thought to herself that had she been so insulted she would not have waited till daylight. "I think it will be better to go as soon as possible, and Jean will take care of you."
"I am not afraid of myself, thank you; it is only going back to the days before you came."
She said no more, but wishing him good-night she went upstairs. To-morrow gave but little time for any preparation, and then she had to arrange where she could go with the girls. In this matter she could be guided perhaps by their wishes. She called Jean, who generally sat up for her, and told her in concise words what was to happen.
Jean was fairly taken aback, not unnaturally her first thought was about herself. "Is it me, ma'am, that is going to be left to look after Mr. Sandford? I shall never be able to get on with him."
"Yes you will, dear Jean, you please him already, he is always saying how well everything is done."
"Oh, I'm not afeard for him when he's in a good way," said Jean, stoutly, "but what will I do when he gets rampagious? I'll be feared of my life of him then."