"Has Dorothy bound herself to do as you tell her ?" "Well, I suppose she has, as far as teaching Elsie goes.

And I explained when she took the post that we travelled about a good deal," said Tinker carelessly.
"But I can't have this," said Septimus Rainer.
"Well, she can always give me a month's notice, and then the engagement ends," said Tinker.

He was prepared for the discussion, and resolved that his father and Dorothy should not be separated as long as he could prevent it.
"Do you mean she isn't free for a month from now?
But--but it's absurd!" said Septimus Rainer.
"That's what the papers call the rights of the employer," said Tinker with a singularly sad sweetness.
"Oh, you wouldn't insist on that right, not if you were asked nicely, would you ?" said Lord Crosland.
"Oh, yes, I should!" said Tinker cheerfully.

"You see, I'm responsible for Elsie, and she will never get such a good governess as Dorothy again.

So she must have as much of her as possible." "Thank you; it's nice to be appreciated," said Dorothy, smiling at him.
"Ah," said Septimus Rainer with the air of one who has found a solution of the problem, "but Dorothy can always forfeit a month's salary in lieu of notice." "Oh, I couldn't think of it, papa!" cried Dorothy.