“Did you think my father was obliged to live in Canada whether he liked it or not?” asked Launa; “that he was suffering an unwilling exile?”
“Not exactly that,” said Mrs. Carden. “Where are you staying?”
When she heard of the flat, and contemplated Launa’s boots and dress, she murmured to herself, “Money.”
“George, sometimes when you are busy I should be so glad to take care of Launa; I would take her to—” She paused. Where could she take Launa? “We might go to the Zoo.”
“Thank you very much,” said Launa politely. She did not press Mrs. Carden to name the day for this expedition; she was not favourably impressed by her relative.
“You will come and dine with us, Mrs. Carden,” said Launa.
“Call me Lavinia,” said Mrs. Carden.
“Come any evening next week; which one will suit you?” asked Mr. Archer.
“Next Thursday,” answered Lavinia.
Then they talked of Mr. Archer’s old home, and looked at photographs of the whole of the family.