Page:What Maisie Knew (Chicago & New York, Herbert S. Stone & Co., 1897).djvu/96

82 you knew what it costs me to part with you!" she went on to Maisie.

Sir Claude watched her as she charmingly clung to the child. "I'm so glad you really care for her. That's so much to the good."

Mrs. Beale slowly got up, still with her hands on Maisie, but emitting a little soft exhalation. "Well, if you're glad, that may help us; for I assure you I shall never give up any rights in her I may consider that, by my own sacrifices, I've acquired. I shall hold very fast to my interest in her. What seems to have happened is that she has brought you and me together."

"She has brought you and me together," said Sir Claude.

The cheerfulness of his assent to this proposition was contagious, and Maisie broke out almost with enthusiasm: "I've brought you and her together!"

Her companions, of course, laughed anew, and Mrs. Beale gave her an affectionate shake. "You little monster—take care what you do! But that's what she does do," she continued to Sir Claude. "She did it to me and Beale."

"Well, then," he said to Maisie, "you must try the trick at our place." He held