Page:What Maisie Knew (Chicago & New York, Herbert S. Stone & Co., 1897).djvu/409

Rh There was a certain force in the very amenity of this, but our young lady reflected long enough to remember that it was not the answer Sir Claude himself had made. This recollection, nevertheless, failed to prevent her saying: "Do you mean, then, that he won't come till he has got it?"

Mrs. Beale gave a last touch; she was ready; she stood there in all her elegance. "I mean, my dear, that it 's because he has n't got it that I left him."

This opened out a view that stretched further than Maisie could reach. She turned away from it, but she spoke before they went out again. "Do you like Mrs. Wix now?"

"Why, my chick, I was just going to ask you if you think she has come at all to like poor me!"

Maisie thought, at this hint; but unsuccessfully. "I have n't the least idea. But I 'll find out."

"Do! " said Mrs. Beale, rustling out with her and as if it would be a particular favor.

The child tried, promptly, at bed-time, relieved now of the fear that their visitor would wish to separate her for the night from her attendant. "Have you held out?"