said their delightful friend. "Leave supplies to me—I 'll take care of supplies."
Mrs. Wix hesitated. "Well, it's exactly because I knew you 'd be so glad to do so that I put the question before you. There 's a way to look after us better than any other. That way is just to come with us."
It hung before Maisie, Mrs. Wix's way, like a glittering picture, and she clasped her hands in ecstasy. "Come with us—come with us!" she echoed.
Sir Claude looked from his stepdaughter back to her governess. "Do you mean leave this house and take up my abode with you?"
"It will be the right thing—if you feel as you 've told me you feel." Mrs. Wix, sustained and uplifted, was now as clear as a bell.
Sir Claude had the air of trying to recall what he had told her; then the light broke that was always breaking to make his face more pleasant. "It 's your suggestion that I shall take a house for you?"
"For the wretched homeless child. Any roof—over our heads—will do for us; but of course for you it will have to be something really nice."
