herself to cake.

'And now,' said Caroline, settling herself for the most interesting
subject in the world, 'your clothes, Henrietta.'

'I haven't any,' Henrietta said at once; 'but I think they'll do until
I go away. I thought I should like to be a nurse, Aunt Caroline.'

'Nurse! Nonsense! What kind? Babies? Rubbish! You're going to stay
here if you like us well enough, and we've made a little plan'--she
nodded vigorously--'a little plan for you.'

'We ought to say at once,' Sophia interrupted with painful honesty,
'that it was Rose's idea.'

'Rose? Was it? I don't know. Anyhow, we're all agreed. You are to have
a sum of money, child; yes, for your father's sake, and perhaps for
your own too, a sum of money to bring you in a little income for your
clothes and pleasures, so that you shall be independent like the rest
of us. Yes, it's settled. I've written to our lawyer, James Batty. Did
your father ever mention James Batty? But, of course, he wouldn't. He
married a fat woman, too, but a good soul, with a high colour, poor
thing. Don't say a word, child. You must be independent. Nursing! Bah!
And if we don't take care we shall have you marrying for a home.'

'This is your home,' Sophia said gently.

'No sentiment, Sophia, please. You're making the child cry. The
Malletts don't marry, Henrietta. Look at us, as happy as the day is
long, with all the fun and none of the trouble. We've been terrible