The Earl laughed.
“It makes me feel very important that I should be fought over like two dogs with a bone.”
“I am sure that Nanny would win.”
“I would certainly not bet against it.”
Although he would have gone on talking to Purilla for a long time, Nanny arrived to send her off to bed.
Then, almost before the Earl was aware of what was happening. he had eaten a light supper and had settled down for the night,
“If you require anythin’ in the night, my Lord,” Nanny said, “you have only to ring the bell I have put beside your bed. Don’t be afraid to ring it loudly. I am just across the passage and I sleep ever so light.”
The Earl was sure that this was true, as she had been used to hearing a child cry, but he said,
“I hope you have a good night, Nanny, and I shall not disturb you.”
“
