"I am not so old, father," she said; "compared to you, I am quite young. I am only eight-and-twenty."
"My dear," said the squire, "you were never young. You are a good woman, Frances, an excellent, well-meaning woman; but you were never either child or girl. Now, this little thing--how long is it since she and her mother were here, my love?"
"It was just before Cousin Ellen went to India," responded Frances, again knitting her brows, and casting back her memory. "Yes, it was six years ago; I remember it, because we planted the new asparagus bed that year."
"Ay, ay; and a very productive bed it turned out," responded the squire. "Fluff was like a ball then, wasn't she?--all curly locks, and dimples, and round cheeks, and big blue eyes like saucers! The merriest little kitten--she plagued me, but I confess I liked her. How old would she be now, Frances?"
"About seventeen," replied Frances. "Almost a grown-up girl; dear, dear, how time does fly! Well, father, I am glad you are pleased. I will read the letter, if you will let me, by and by, and we must consult as to what room to give the child. I hope she won't find it very dull."
"Not she, my dear, not she. She was the giddiest mortal--always laughing, and singing, and skipping about in the sunshine. Dear heart! it will do me good to see anything so lively again."
"I am glad she is coming," repeated Frances, rising to her feet. "Although you must remember, father, that six years make a change. Ellen may not be quite so kittenish and frolicsome now."
"Ellen!" repeated the squire; "I'm not going to call the child anything so formal. Fluff she always was and will be with me--a kittenish creature with a kittenish name; I used to tell her so, and I expect I shall again."
"You forget that she has just lost her mother," said Frances. "They loved each other dearly, and you can not expect her not to be changed. There is also another thing, father; I am sorry to have to mention it, but it is necessary. Does Major Danvers propose to give us an allowance for keeping his daughter here? Otherwise it will be impossible for us to have her except on a brief visit."
The squire pulled himself with an effort out of his deep arm-chair. His face flushed, and his eyes looked angry.