Lady Jane looked hurt and surprised, and, stooping for Tony, she gathered him up and turned toward the door.
“Oh, don’t go, please don’t!” pleaded Pepsie. “Tite, stop laughing, and put a chair for the little girl, and then go to your work.”
Tite obeyed reluctantly, with many a grin and backward look, and Lady Jane, after lingering a moment at the door, shy and undecided, put Tony down again, and climbed into the chair on the opposite side of the table.
“Now that darky’s gone,” said Pepsie, with a gaiety that was reassuring, “we can talk sense. Do you understand me, everything I say? You know I don’t speak English very well.”
“Oh, yes!” answered Lady Jane; “I know what you say, and I like you.”
“I’m glad of that,” said Pepsie brightly, “because I’ve been just crazy to have you come over here. Now tell me, is Madame Jozain your aunt or your grandma?”
“Why, she’s my Tante Pauline; that’s all,” replied the child indifferently.
“Do you love her dearly?” asked Pepsie, who was something of a little diplomat.
“No, I don’t love her,” said Lady Jane decidedly.
“Oh my! Why, isn’t she good to you?”