“Trust me for that,” said Mrs. Jeckyl. “He will always find me rock or India-rubber.”
“When will you come?” asked Mrs. Dainty, as this preliminary interview was about closing.
“As early as you desire,” replied the educated English lady. “To-morrow, if it is agreeable.”
“I wish you would say this afternoon.”
“This afternoon!” Mrs. Jeckyl opened her small gray eyes wider than usual.
“I have a particular reason,” said Mrs. Dainty.
“If it is very particular.” There was a yielding air about Mrs. Jeckyl.
“It is,—very particular. I will explain. Uncle John knows nothing at all yet about my break with Miss Harper, and still thinks her in the house. Her services were obtained through him, and he seems to regard her as a kind of protégé. Now, in order to let him understand that I am entirely in earnest, and that her return is impossible, I wish him to learn two facts in the case at the same time,—that the old governess has left the house, and that a new one has entered. This will prevent a brief but unpleasant struggle for the mastery. You understand me?”
“Certainly.”
“And will remain?”