But all were happy over her great pleasure, including the cook, who hated to have even the nicest girls come into her kitchen.
Thus far Miss Panney's plan worked admirably, but one idea she had in regard to Miriam's departure never came into the mind of any one at Cobhurst.

That the Dranes should go away because Miriam, as mistress of the establishment, was gone, was not thought of for an instant.
With La Fleur and Mrs.Drane in the house, was there any reason why domestic and all other affairs should not go on as usual during Miriam's brief absence?
Everything did indeed go on pretty much as it had gone on before, although it might have been thought that Ralph was now living with the Dranes.

La Fleur expanded herself into all departments of the household, and insisted upon doing many little things that Cicely had been in the habit of doing for herself and her mother; and, with the assistance of Mike, who was always glad to help the good Mrs.Flower whenever she wanted him--which was always--and did it whenever he had a chance--which was often--the household wheels moved smoothly.
In one feature of the life at Cobhurst there was a change.

The absence of Miriam threw Cicely and Ralph much more together.

For instance, they breakfasted by themselves, for Mrs.Drane had always been late in coming down in the morning, and it was difficult for her to change her habits.
Moreover, it now happened frequently that Cicely and Ralph found that each must be the sole companion of the other; and in this regard more than in any other was Miriam missed.