Part 19 (1/2)

”I love children and they usually like me. If you take me to look after Tony and little Fay, I'll do it thoroughly, I can promise you. I won't teach them, mind, not a thing--I'll make them happy and well-mannered; and, Jan, listen, do you suppose there's anybody, even the most superior of elderly nurses, who would take the trouble for Fay's children that I should? If you let me come you won't regret it, I promise you.”

Meg's eyes, those curious eyes with the large pupil and blue iris flecked with brown, were very bright, her voice was earnest, and when it ceased it left a sense of tension in the very air.

Jan put out her hand across the table, and Meg, releasing her sharp little chin, clasped it with hers.

”So that's settled,” Meg announced triumphantly.

”No.” Jan's voice was husky but firm. ”It's not settled. I don't think you're strong enough; but, even so, if I could pay you the salary you ought to have, I'd jump at you ... but, my dear, I can't at present. I haven't the least idea what it will all cost, but the fares and things have made such a hole in this year's money I'll need to be awfully careful.”

”That's exactly why I want to come; you've no idea of being careful and doing things in a small way. I've done it all my life. You'll be far more economical with me than without me.”

”Don't tempt me,” Jan besought her. ”I see all that, but why should I be comfortable at your expense? I want you more than I can say. Fay wanted it too--she said so.”

”Did Fay actually say so? Did she?”

”Yes, she did--not that you should be their nurse, we neither of us ever thought of that; but she did want you to be there to help me with the children. We used to talk about it.”

”Then I'm coming. I must. Don't you see how it is, Jan? Don't you realise that nearly all the happiness in my life--_all_ the happiness since the boys left--has come to me through Mr. Ross and Fay and you?

And now when there's a chance for me to do perhaps a little something in return ... If you don't let me, it's you who are mean and grudging. I shall be perfectly strong, if I haven't got to teach--mind, I won't do that, not so much as A.B.C.”

”I know it's wrong,” Jan sighed, ”just because it would be so heavenly to have you.”

Meg loosed the hand she held and stood up. She lifted her thin arms above her head, as though invoking some invisible power, stretched herself, and ran round the table to kiss Jan.

”And do you never think, you dear, slow-witted thing, that it will be rather lovely for _me_ to be with you? To be with somebody who is kind without being patronising, who treats one as a human being and not a machine, who sees the funny side of things and isn't condescending or improving if she doesn't happen to be cross?”

”I'm often cross,” Jan said.

”Well, and what if you are? Can't I be cross back? I'm not afraid of your crossness. You never hit below the belt. Now, promise me you'll give me a trial. Promise!”

Meg's arms were round her neck, Meg's absurd cropped head was rubbing against hers. Jan was very lonely and hungry for affection just then, timid and anxious about the future. Even in that moment of time it flashed upon her what a tower of strength this small, determined creature would be, and how infinitely hard it was to turn Meg from any course she had determined on.

”For a little while, then,” so Jan salved her conscience. ”Just till we all shake down ... and your hair begins to grow.”

Meg stood up very straight and shook her finger at Jan. ”Remember, I'm to be a real, proper nurse with authority, and a clinical thermometer ... and a uniform.”

”If you like, and it's a pretty uniform.”

Meg danced gleefully round the table.

”It will be lovely, it is lovely. I've got it all ready; green linen frocks, big _well_-fitting ap.r.o.ns, and such beautiful caps.”

”Not caps, Meg!” Jan expostulated. ”Please not caps.”

”Certainly caps. How otherwise am I to cover up my head? I can't wear hats all the time. And how could I ever inspire those children with respect with a head like this? When I get into my uniform you'll see what a very superior nurse I look.”

”You'll look much more like musical comedy than sober service.”

”You mistake the situation altogether,” Meg said loftily. ”I take my position very seriously.”