Page:What Maisie Knew (Chicago & New York, Herbert S. Stone & Co., 1897).djvu/119

Rh I 've no doubt you 'll find it will be all right when you go back to her."

"Am I going back to her?" Maisie brought out with a little gasp which was like a sudden clutch of the happy present.

It appeared to make Sir Claude grave a moment; it might have made him feel the weight of the pledge his action had given. "Oh, some day, I suppose! We've lots of time."

"I 've such a tremendous lot to make up," Maisie said with a sense of great boldness.

"Certainly; and you must make up every hour of it. Oh, I 'll see that you do!"

This was encouraging, and to show cheerfully that she was reassured she replied: "That 's what Mrs. Wix sees too."

"Oh, yes," said Sir Claude; "Mrs. Wix and I are shoulder to shoulder."

Maisie took in a little this strong image; after which she exclaimed: "Then I 've done it also to you and her—I 've brought you together."

"Blest if you have n't!" Sir Claude laughed; "and more, upon my word, than any of the lot. Oh, you 've done for us! Now, if you could—as I suggested, you know, that day—only manage me and your mother!"