Father does not care for the place." "Is it deserted ?" "Practically so.

Madame Cerise is there in charge." "Old Cerise?
I was going to ask you what had become of that clever female." "She was too clever, Charlie.

She knew too much of our affairs, and was always prying into things that did not concern her.

So father took an antipathy to the poor creature, and because she has served our family for so long sent her to care for the house at East Orange." "Pensioned her, eh?
Well, this is good news, Di; perhaps the best news in the world.

I believe it will help clear up the situation.