“No, I don't. What will they say?”
“That you're after Mr. Peck pretty openly.”
Annie turned scarlet. “And when they find I'm not?” she demanded with severity, that had no effect upon Lyra.
“Then they'll say you couldn't get him.”
“They may say what they please. What do you think of the plan?”
“I think it would be the greatest blessing for the poor little thing,” said Lyra, with a nearer approach to seriousness than she usually made. “And the greatest care for you,” she added, after a moment.
“I shall not care for the care. I shall be glad of it—thankful for it,” cried Annie fervidly.
“If you can get it,” Lyra suggested.
“I believe I can get it. I believe I can make Mr. Peck see that it's a duty. I shall ask him to regard it as a charity to me—as a mercy.”
“Well, that's a good way to work upon Mr. Peck's feelings,” said Lyra demurely. “Was that the plan that Dr. Morrell approved of so highly?”