Which Mr. Randolph did.  He held a consultation with Juanita, as to what was wanting and what she would do; a consultation with which he was satisfied.  Juanita was left in full charge, with authority to do for Daisy precisely according to Dr. Sandford’s instructions, in all matters.  Mrs. Randolph meanwhile had a talk with her poor pale little daughter, upon more or less the same subjects; and then the father and mother prepared to go home to breakfast.

“Shall I send you June?” said Mrs. Randolph.

“No, mamma; I think not.”

“Be patient a little while, Daisy,” said her father kissing her; “and you will be able to have books and company too.  Now for a little while you must keep quiet.”

“Juanita will keep me quiet, papa.”

“I will come and see you again by and by.”

“Papa, I want to tell you one thing.  I want to speak to you and mamma before you go.”

Mr. Randolph saw that the child’s face flushed as if she were making some effort.  He bent down over her again.

“Is it something of interest, Daisy?”

“Yes, papa.  To me.”

“Don’t talk of it now then.  Lie still and do not talk at all.  By and by you will tell me what it is.”

CHAPTER XVII.

Mr. and Mrs. Randolph departed.

“Daisy will be ruined forever!” So said the lady as soon as she was in the carriage.

“I hope not.”

“You take it coolly, Mr. Randolph.  That woman is exactly the sort to infect Daisy; and you have arranged it so that she will have full chance.”

“What is the precise danger you apprehend?” said Mr. Randolph.  “I have not heard it put into words.”

“Daisy will be unmanageable.  She is nearly that now.”

“I never saw a more docile child in my life.”

“That is because you take her part, Mr. Randolph.  You will find it out in time, when it is too late; and it will be your own doing.”

“What?”

“Daisy will be a confirmed piece of superstition.  You will see.  And you will not find her docile then.  If she once takes hold of anything, she does it with great obstinacy.”

“But what is she taking hold of now?  After all, you do not tell me,” said Mr. Randolph carelessly.

“Of every sort of religious fanatical notion, you will find, Mr. Randolph!  She will set herself against everything I want her to do, after the fashion of those people, who think nothing is right but their own way.  It will be a work of extreme difficulty, I foresee, to do anything with her after these weeks in this black woman’s house.  I would have run any risk in removing her, rather than let it be so.”

“Well, we shall see,” said Mr. Randolph.  “I cannot quite take your view of the matter.  I would rather keep the child—­even for my own private comfort—­than lose her to prevent her from becoming religious.”