you wished to see me, aunt?
indeed i did, miss, and more promptly than this.
but you know i often go wandering in the woods. i was not instructed not to do so.
at any rate, here you are. i have some rather stiff news for you, which should not come as too much of a surprise to you.
oh dear, claudia exclaimed.
the household has had to tighten its pursestrings in these distressing times, but they need to be tightened more. we can no longer tolerate useless mouths such as yourself. therefore, without further ado, i ask you to pack your bags and leave this house tonight.
is - is cousin jeffrey aware of this?
jeffrey has returned to his studies. in any case, this is my house, not his, and he has no say in the matter.
so! claudia saw it all in a flash. aunt edith had waited until jeffrey had left to strike the blow - but solely to avoid unpleasantness. jeffrey could do nothing in any case.
she, claudia, should have heeded the warning signs.
very well, she managed to say, how, how much shall i pack?
as much as you think you can carry. i am sure we have no use for any clothes or possessions you leave behind, except to give them to charity.
you know that a great storm is expected for tonight.
tomorrow is the first of the month, the month for which the budget has alreay been determined.
of course. i will pack as quickly as possible. might i - might i dine before i depart?
that would be very awkward. i will ask cook to make you a couple of sandwiches to take with you.
oh, thank you, aunt!
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