"I wish I knew what was right to do," said Grace, quietly, and she
remained wishing it after Rachel had said a great deal more; but the
upshot of it was, that one day when Grace and Fanny were walking
together on the esplanade, they met Mr. Touchett, and Grace said to
him, "We have been thinking it over, and we thought, perhaps, you
would not wish us not to give any orders to Mrs. Kelland. I know she
has behaved very ill; but I don't see how she is to get on, and she
has this child on her hands."

"I know," said Mr. Touchett, "but really it was flagrant."

"Oh," said Lady Temple, gently, "I dare say she didn't mean it, and
you could not be hard on a widow."

"Well," said Mr. Touchett, "Miss Brown was very much put out, and--
and--it is a great pity about the child, but I never thought myself
that such strong measures would do any good."

"Then you will not object to her being employed?"

"No, not at all. From a distance, it is not the same thing as close
at home; it won't be an example."

"Thank you," said Grace; and "I am so glad," said Lady Temple; and
Mr. Touchett went on his way, lightened of his fear of having let his
zealous coadjutors oppress the hard-working, and far more brightened
by the sweet smile of requital, but all the time doubtful whether he
had been weak. As to the victory, Rachel only laughed, and said,
"If it made Grace more comfortable, it was well, except for that
acknowledgment of Mr. Touchett's jurisdiction."