"While the truth is, John is mean as
dirt! I had literally to drag each penny out of him."
"But what ever induced you to undertake it again, Zara?"
"Yes, what indeed!" echoed Zara bitterly. "However, once bitten, Mary,
twice shy. NEVER again!"
But remembering the bites Zara had already received, Mary was silent.
Even Zara's amateurish hand thus finally withdrawn, it became Mary's
task to find some worthy and capable person to act as mistress. Taking
her obligations seriously, she devoted her last days in Australia to
conning and penning advertisements, and interviewing applicants.
"Now no one too attractive, if you please, Mrs. Mahony!--if you don't
want him to fall a victim," teased Richard. "Remember our good John's
inflammability. He's a very Leyden jar again at present."
"No, indeed I don't," said Mary with emphasis. "But the children are the
first consideration. Oh, dear! it does seem a shame that Tilly shouldn't
have them to look after. And it would relieve John of so much
responsibility. As it is, he's even asked me to make it plain to Tilly
that he wishes Trotty to spend her holidays at school."
The forsaking of the poor little motherless flock cut Mary to the heart.
Trotty had dung to her, inconsolable. "Oh, Auntie, TAKE me with you! Oh,
what shall I do without you?"
"It's not possible, darling. Your papa would never agree. But I tell you
what, Trotty: you must be a good girl and make haste and learn all you
can.
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