Lucy started.
“You seem to have made up your mind about me,” went on the rasping voice. “Am I what you expected?”
“No.”
The monosyllable came quietly.
“What sort of an aunt were you lookin’ for?”
Lucy waited a moment and then replied with childlike directness:
“I thought you’d be more like Dad. And you don’t look in the least like an invalid.”
“You’re disappointed I ain’t sicker, eh?” commented Ellen grimly.
“No, indeed,” answered Lucy. “I’m glad to find you so strong. But it makes me feel 41 you do not need me as much as I thought you did. You are perfectly able to take care of yourself without my help.”
“Oh, I can take care of myself all right, young woman,” Ellen returned with an acid smile. “I don’t require a nurse—at least not yet.”