“It might come to be justifiable and unavoidable at last,” the Secretary gently hinted, with a slight stress on the word.

“I hope it never will! It ain’t that I mean to give offence by being anyways proud,” said the old creature simply, “but that I want to be of a piece like, and helpful of myself right through to my death.”

“And to be sure,” added the Secretary, as a comfort for her, “Sloppy will be eagerly looking forward to his opportunity of being to you what you have been to him.”

“Trust him for that, sir!” said Betty, cheerfully. “Though he had need to be something quick about it, for I’m a getting to be an old one. But I’m a strong one too, and travel and weather never hurt me yet! Now, be so kind as speak for me to your lady and gentleman, and tell ’em what I ask of their good friendliness to let me do, and why I ask it.”