“She can’t help fussing about the servants. Old habits, you know,” he said, turning to his sister. “For years she did all the housework, and she can’t give it up.” “But you’ve finished with work now, haven’t you, dear?” Anne asked, as she sat down beside her brother on the sofa. “Thanks to you.” Hugh glanced at her gratefully. “That money was just what I wanted, Anne. It made me. I only needed capital to develop the farm, and it came just at the right moment. We owe everything to your generosity, dear. And now we’re going to talk business. You’ve put me off in every letter, but I must insist----” Anne laid her hand quickly on his lips. “I won’t hear a word about it!” she declared. “You’re not going to rob me of one of the greatest delights of my life, Hugh? The power I once had to help my only brother? You can’t be so unkind!” Her tone of pained entreaty made him laugh. He kissed her again. “You dear absurd woman! Why haven’t you married, Anne?” he exclaimed suddenly. “Some man’s been robbed of a wonderful wife. It’s not fair of you!” She smiled. “Tell me about the boys,” she urged. A maid entered to announce that lunch was served, and during the meal, the boys and their prospects were the chief topic of conversation. “Alice thinks them both geniuses, of course,” laughed her husband. “But they’re only ordinary youths. I shall be quite satisfied if they can just jog along.” “Rupert has great talent,” his mother assured Anne. “Don’t listen to Hugh. I’m sure he’ll make a splendid architect.” “I’m sure he will,” she agreed sympathetically. “You know we lost our little girl?” said Alice softly, when they returned to the drawing-room. Her voice suddenly drew Anne’s heart. “The boys are dears, of course,” she added. “But I should love to have had a daughter.” Anne was silent a moment. Then with a sudden inspiration, she thought of Sylvia. “Where’s your luggage?” inquired Hugh. “Bless my soul, I’d forgotten it! You’re going to stay with us, Anne, of course?” “Your room is all ready,” Alice assured her rather timidly. “I _was_ going back to-day, and coming to you later. But if I may send for my things from the hotel, I should like to stay a little while. There’s a child I know, a girl I must help out of a difficulty, and I find it will take a little time.” She told them Sylvia’s story, and noticed with satisfaction that Alice seemed interested. “Poor silly child!” she exclaimed. “She ought to be taken care of. She ought to live in some nice family.” Anne made a mental note, but at the moment said nothing. XXII Two or three days later, she was back at Fairholme Court. Burks had been sent on to join the other servants, and by the time Anne reached the house, everything was in its usual spotless order.