"No, my lady. My lady shall have the house. Juanita will not be in the way." "You do not seem to understand, my good woman, that I want to be here myself and have my people here. I want the whole house." "My lady shall have it--she is welcome--nobody shall find Juanita trouble them," the black woman said with great sweetness. "What will you do with yourself?" "A little place be enough for me, my lady. My spirit lives in a large home." Mrs. Randolph turned impatiently away. The manner of the woman was so inexpressibly calm and sweet, the dignity of her beautiful presence was so immovable, that the lady felt it in vain to waste words upon her. Juanita was a hopeless case. "It is no use for me to be here then," she said. "Mr. Randolph, you may make your own arrangements." Which Mr. Randolph did. He held a consultation with Juanita, as to what was wanting and what she would do; a consultation with which he was satisfied. Juanita was left in full charge, with authority to do for Daisy precisely according to Dr. Sandford's instructions, in all matters. Mrs. Randolph meanwhile had a talk with her poor pale little daughter, upon more or less the same subjects; and then the father and mother prepared to go home to breakfast. "Shall I send you June?" said Mrs. Randolph. "No, mamma; I think not." "Be patient a little while, Daisy," said her father kissing her; "and you will be able to have books and company too. Now for a little while you must keep quiet." "Juanita will keep me quiet, papa." "I will come and see you again by and by." "Papa, I want to tell you one thing. I want to speak to you and mamma before you go." Mr. Randolph saw that the child's face flushed as if she were making some effort. He bent down over her again. "Is it something of interest, Daisy?" "Yes, papa. To me." "Don't talk of it now then. Lie still and do not talk at all. By and by you will tell me what it is." CHAPTER XVII. Mr. and Mrs. Randolph departed. "Daisy will be ruined forever!" So said the lady as soon as she was in the carriage. "I hope not." "You take it coolly, Mr. Randolph. That woman is exactly the sort to infect Daisy; and you have arranged it so that she will have full chance." "What is the precise danger you apprehend?" said Mr. Randolph. "I have not heard it put into words." "Daisy will be unmanageable. She is nearly that now." "I never saw a more docile child in my life." "That is because you take her part, Mr. Randolph. You will find it out in time, when it is too late; and it will be your own doing." "What?" "Daisy will be a confirmed piece of superstition. You will see. And you will not find her docile then. If she once takes hold of anything, she does it with great obstinacy." "But what is she taking hold of now? After all, you do not tell me," said Mr. Randolph carelessly.