An Unexpected Letter
213
re-tying the bow on Bettie's hair, "we're all to be polite, whatever happens, for we mustn't let Mr. Downing think we're anything like the Milligans. If he won't let us have the cottage when he knows about the rent's being paid—but I'm almost sure he will let us keep it—why, we'll just have to give it up and not let him see that we care."
"I'll be good," promised Bettie.
"You needn't be afraid of me" said Mabel. "I wouldn't humble myself to speak to such a despisable man."