"Oh, but what improvement can you make, auntie?" was my reply. "I can and I will," she said, with emphasis. "I am quite well now, as well as ever. Now what I mean to do is this; I mean to go with you two good young people. I will never be in your way, never for a moment, but I will guard you from the malicious tongue of Mrs. Grundy. She's a nasty old body, and I don't want her to get at you. There's a quiet little hotel in Bloomsbury where Heather and I can have rooms, and where we can stay, and I make not the slightest doubt that I can help Heather very considerably in her dealings with Lady Helen Dalrymple." "Oh, you can, you can," I said; "it will be quite splendid!" So the plan was carried out. Jonas was informed that very evening that Miss Penelope and I were going to leave Hill View early on the morrow. "We shall probably be back in a few days," said Aunt Penelope. "In the meantime, Jonas, you must attend to the house cleaning; give it a thorough turn-out. Wash every scrap of paint, Jonas; be sure you wash the backs of the shutters, don't leave a single place with a scrap of dirt in it; remember, I'll find it out if it exists--be certain of that." "Yes, mum; thank you, mum," said Jonas. "I'll be sure to do what you wish, mum." "And Jonas, you understand the garden. You can get the grass into order and remove all the weeds. We may be having a smart time down here by and by, there's no saying, there's no saying at all, but at least remember that you haven't a minute to lose. You are a good boy, Jonas, and you'll work as hard when I am away as though I were at home." "Yes, mum; of course, mum," said Jonas. "Me and the parrot," he added. "Stop knocking at the door!" shouted the parrot. "There! if that bird isn't enough to split one's head," said Aunt Penelope. She went upstairs. Vernon had already gone back to the hotel. Buttons gave me a feeling glance. "Stay below for a minute, missy. Is it true? Is there nuptials in this 'ere thing?" "Yes, Jonas." "I thought as much. Didn't I twig it when I heard his steps and saw the starty sort of way you got into? I'm a smart boy, I am. Missy, you'll have me at the wedding, won't you?" "I promise you, Jonas, you shall certainly come," I answered rashly.