"Since we came to New York?"
"No, no; since you have been under this gentleman's care? Where have you been?"
"In a pleasant place near the river. I do not know the name of the street."
"Who took care of you there, Rotha?"
Rotha lifted her eyes. "Mr. Digby—Mr. Southwode."
"Mr. Southwode! Did he live there himself?"
"Yes, at that time; not always."
"Near the river, and in New York?" said Mrs. Busby, mystified.
"I did not say in New York. It was out of the city."
"I was out of town," said Mrs. Busby musingly. "I wish I had come home earlier, that I might have received you at once. But I am glad I have got you now, my dear. Now you will have the pleasure of going to school with Antoinette. You will like that, won't you?"