Mrs. Appleton looked from her husband to Nat. Then she reached out and placed her hand on Nat's. "I think she should stay."

"You have some nerve, makin' demands," breathed Tobias.

Mrs. Appleton lifted her chin a little. "She could look after me. She makes me feel better already."

"You have Jenny to look after you. Now head right to bed." Then Mr. Appleton glanced back in Nat's direction. "I don't employ dishonest people."