"
"I don't care. I wouldn't stay over here for three years with" she
caught Mrs. Chichester's eyes fastened on her and she checked
herself.
"I wouldn't stay away from me father for three years for all the
money in the wurrld," she concluded, with marked finality.
"Very well," agreed Jerry. Then he spoke to the others: "Now, may I
have a few moments alone with my ward?"
The family expressed surprise.
Hawkes suggested a feeling of strong displeasure.
"I shall wait to escort you down to the boat, Miss O'Connell."
Bowing to every, one, the man of law left the room.
Peg stared at Jerry incredulously.
"WARD? Is that ME?"
"Yes, Peg. I am your legal guardian--appointed by Mr. Kingsnorth!"
"You're the director of a bank, the executor of an estate, an' now
ye're me guardian. What do ye do with yer spare time?"
Jerry smiled and appealed to the others:
"Just a few seconds--alone."
Mrs. Chichester went to Peg and said coldly "Good-bye, Margaret. It
is unlikely we'll meet again. I hope you have a safe and pleasant
journey."
"I thank ye, Aunt Monica." Poor Peg longed for at least one little
sign of affection from her aunt. She leaned forward to kiss her. The
old lady either did not see the advance or did not reciprocate what
it implied.
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