"Perhaps not," she agreed, "but you'll find it is of hers. She is only a kid, and soft in some ways, but she can be hard as nails when she chooses, beneath all that softness, and you'll find it out."
"Very well. I don't need you to tell me about it, anyway. Take care of her—and the twins—that's all I ask of you."
"I shall take care of them right enough," she answered laconically. "But not because you've paid me, but because I'm fond of them—see?"
She challenged him defiantly.
The Beggar Man smiled grimly.
"Oh, yes, I see," he said. "Well, good-night. I'll be round early to-morrow to make arrangements."
Peg shut the door after him, and went back to Faith. The girl was awake, and sitting up in bed with feverish eyes.
"Has he gone?" she asked in a whisper.
"Yes." Peg sat down beside the bed. "Here, have you two been and had a real row?" she demanded.