"How have you heard it?"
"They have had news at the Rectory and sent up to tell me, I am so glad! It seems ages and ages since I saw papa. Only think how I might have been spared the trouble of writing that long letter to mamma today, had I known?"
"I am glad too," he said, his tone changing to seriousness. "We shall get rid of you now."
One hasty glance at his face. What she saw there puzzled her. He really did look as though he meant it.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because it's the truth. I shall be glad when you are away from here, safe in the dean's charge again."
There was an earnestness in his tone which caused her large eyes to open.
"You have not been rude to me once this time until now," she pouted. "Sir Isaac would not say that."
"Rude?"
"It is rude to tell me you want to get rid of me. I never said a ruder thing to you than that, in my wildest days."