"We had trouble there. He had, I mean. He did not tell me all. He had done nothing wrong. It was not that. It was something he could not help. And when we came away, he said I was not to talk about our last home. So I would rather not, please." "But if you live with us, child, we've a right to know. Why, dear me, what rubbish! How can I tell that you're a proper person to have in the house, if you won't say more, or a nice companion for Dot? I never heard such nonsense in my life! Of course you've got to tell whatever we want to know. Your father might have been—anything—" as Pattie's quiet eyes gave a slight flash. "There mustn't be any mysteries. I shall just speak to Mr. Cragg." "I am afraid I cannot tell more," Pattie said gently. "I must do what my father wished—even now." "You've got to do what I wish, if you mean to stay in the house—that's certain!" "I must do what father wished," repeated Pattie. "It isn't a question now of what he wished, but of what Mr. Cragg and I choose. If you're going to be here, you've got to be open and above-board. I can't abide secrets and mysteries. Don't you see, girl? Why, what do we know about you and your people? Haven't you got any uncles or aunts?" "No; none." "Nor any friends? It's they that ought to see after you. That's what I think." "They don't know where I am. Father did not wish that they should. I am going to work for myself. As soon as possible I shall find something to do." Mrs. Cragg tossed her head. "You look like it! Who'd take such a child as you? If you have friends, you ought to write to them—not expect to be cared for by strangers. I never heard of such a way of going on! Of course they'll want to know where you are. And if your father did anything wrong—" "My father did nothing wrong." "They wouldn't visit it on you, at any rate," finished Mrs. Cragg. "You'd best tell me and Mr. Cragg all about it, and then we can advise you how to manage." Pattie was silent. "Well! D'you hear?" asked Mrs. Cragg sharply. "Yes. I am very sorry; I can't do as you wish." "Can't do what?" said Cragg, coming in. "Who was it you went to see?" asked his wife. That turned Cragg's thoughts, and he put no more questions. But Pattie knew that Mrs. Cragg would not let the matter drop. CHAPTER VIII A Search Unauthorised FURTHER efforts on the part of Mrs. Cragg to find out Pattie's past history did not begin so soon as Pattie had feared.