'I suppose,' said Esther, 'take care of papa.'
She said it in a quiet, matter-of-course tone, and Pitt started a little. It was very likely; but it had not just occurred to him before, how large a part that care might play in the girl's life for some time to come.
'Does he need so much care?' he asked.
'It isn't real care,' said Esther, in the same tone; 'but he likes to have me about, to do things for him.'
'Queen Esther, aren't you going to carry on your studies for me, all the same?'
'For you!' said she, lifting her heavy eyes to him. It hurt him to see how heavy they were; weighted with a great load of sorrow, too mighty for tears.
'For me, certainly. I expect everything to go on just as if I were here to look after it. I expect everything to go on so, that when I come again I may find just what I want to find. You must not disappoint me.'
Esther did not say. She made no answer at all, and after a minute put a question which was a diversion.
'Where are you going first, Pitt?'
'To Lisbon.'