Aline told her then of young De Lacy's accident and of his determination to stay at Castle Angry at all costs. "There must be something in the boy," she commented. "I must have him over to see me after I've been there. Tut, tut, I'm not afraid of De Lacy or his dogs. He'll keep them off me, I'll go bail." Just then Esther came in view, coming towards us down the long straight path. "Here is Esther now, Lady O'Brien," I said. The old lady drew out a pair of glasses attached to a long tortoise-shell stick, and levelled them at poor Esther. "H'm, h'm!" she said, apparently satisfied. "So that's my girl! I have no fault to find with her." Indeed she would have been exacting if she had, for Esther's confusion only added to her beauty. When she had reached us, the old lady enfolded her in a warm embrace. "I suppose you've never thought of your godmother, my dear, and small blame to you. I don't believe you've heard of me since I gave you your christening-mug. An old hunks of a godmother, surely--hey? "Never mind," she went on, without waiting for an answer; "I must do what I can in the time that's left me. Now I'll tell you what"--to Aline--"I'm going to come over and take this young man for drives whenever I can and it's fine; when I can't, I'll send Dobson, who's eating his head off, and Daisy, who's no better. There, don't thank me. It will be a blessing to give the lazy creatures something to do. And you must all come over to me as soon as I've shaken down a bit. Now, good-by, good-by, my dears!" She kissed us all affectionately, only extending to Pierce a tiny bejewelled hand, which he, understanding what was expected of him, kissed reverentially. The old lady looked pleased as she went off with Aline, and as for us, why, she had given us enough to talk about for a week. Aline told us afterwards how nice she had been about Pierce. "Has he had the very best doctors?" she had asked. "If it is any question of expense you will trust the oldest friend you have." "Oh, indeed, Lady O'Brien," said Aline, much touched, "I would trust you about anything. But we have had Dr. Lee-Cornyns. I believe he is as good as any man living." "And he suggested nothing? A sea-voyage now? Wouldn't that be the thing?" "The doctor thought not. He seemed to think the mischief was too far gone. He said we could do nothing but take care of him and make him as happy as possible for ... the time. Indeed, Lady O'Brien, expense would not stand in the way. We would sell everything we have if it could save Pierce." "There, there, my dear. Well, if I can do anything you may depend upon me. To think that that lad and I are taking the same way together, the way that leads away from you all. For me it is all right; I have lived. But for him--poor boy, poor boy!" "He is quite happy about it, Lady O'Brien."