"Study--study what?"
"Why, learn to read and write, and--"
"Ye mean I have to leave Flukey, and--and you?"
She had risen and had come close to him, her eyes filled with burning tears. Horace felt his throat tighten: for any emotion in this girl affected him strangely.
"Oh, no! You won't go away from home--at least, not at night; only for a few hours in the daytime. I'm awfully anxious that you should learn, Flea."
She came even closer as she said: "I'll do anything you want me to--'cause ye be the best ole duffer in New York State!" Then she whirled and fled from the room.
* * * * *
Ann Shellington rang the Vandecar doorbell, and a few minutes later was ushered upstairs. Mrs. Vandecar was in a negligée gown, and Katherine was brushing the invalid's hair.
"Pardon me, Ann dear," said Mrs. Vandecar, "for receiving you in this way; but I'm ill today."
"I'm so sorry! It's I who ought to ask pardon for coming. But I knew that no one could aid me except you in the particular thing I am interested in."
"I shall be glad to help you, if I can, Ann.... There, Katherine, just roll my hair up. Thank you, Girly."
Ann had seated herself, and now spoke of her errand: "You've heard of our little charges who came so strangely to us not long ago?"
Mrs. Vandecar nodded.
"Horace and I wish to do something for them. It seems as if they had been sent to us by Providence. The lad is very ill, and the girl ought to go to school. We were wondering if you could have her admitted for special lessons to Madame Duval's. The school associations would do such a lot for her." As Ann continued, she marked Mrs. Vandecar's hesitation. "I know very well, Dear, that I am asking you a serious thing; but Brother and I think that it would do her a world of good."
Mrs. Vandecar thoughtfully received the shawl Katherine brought her. Then she looked straight at Ann and said: "Everett doesn't approve of your work, does he, Ann?"
Miss Shellington colored, and fingered her engagement ring.
"No," she replied frankly; "but it's because he refuses to know them. They're little dears! I've explained to him our views, and have promised that they shall not interfere with any plans he and I may make. I've never seen Horace vitally interested before, or at least so much so. Now, do you think that you would be willing to do this for us? Mildred's going to the school, and you being a patroness will make Madame Duval listen to such a proposal from you."