Aileen hesitated because even now she was not positive whether she should do this, but finally they went down the stairs together, Aileen lingering behind a little as they neared the bottom.  Mamie burst in upon her mother with:  “Oh, mama, isn’t it lovely?  Aileen’s coming to stay with us for a while.  She doesn’t want any one to know, and she’s coming right away.”  Mrs. Calligan, who was holding a sugarbowl in her hand, turned to survey her with a surprised but smiling face.  She was immediately curious as to why Aileen should want to come—­why leave home.  On the other hand, her feeling for Aileen was so deep that she was greatly and joyously intrigued by the idea.  And why not?  Was not the celebrated Edward Butler’s daughter a woman grown, capable of regulating her own affairs, and welcome, of course, as the honored member of so important a family.  It was very flattering to the Calligans to think that she would want to come under any circumstances.

“I don’t see how your parents can let you go, Aileen; but you’re certainly welcome here as long as you want to stay, and that’s forever, if you want to.”  And Mrs. Calligan beamed on her welcomingly.  The idea of Aileen Butler asking to be permitted to come here!  And the hearty, comprehending manner in which she said this, and Mamie’s enthusiasm, caused Aileen to breathe a sigh of relief.  The matter of the expense of her presence to the Calligans came into her mind.

“I want to pay you, of course,” she said to Mrs. Calligan, “if I come.”

“The very idea, Aileen Butler!” exclaimed Mamie.  “You’ll do nothing of the sort.  You’ll come here and live with me as my guest.”

“No, I won’t!  If I can’t pay I won’t come,” replied Aileen.  “You’ll have to let me do that.”  She knew that the Calligans could not afford to keep her.

“Well, we’ll not talk about that now, anyhow,” replied Mrs. Calligan.  “You can come when you like and stay as long as you like.  Reach me some clean napkins, Mamie.”  Aileen remained for luncheon, and left soon afterward to keep her suggested appointment with Cowperwood, feeling satisfied that her main problem had been solved.  Now her way was clear.  She could come here if she wanted to.  It was simply a matter of collecting a few necessary things or coming without bringing anything.  Perhaps Frank would have something to suggest.

In the meantime Cowperwood made no effort to communicate with Aileen since the unfortunate discovery of their meeting place, but had awaited a letter from her, which was not long in coming.  And, as usual, it was a long, optimistic, affectionate, and defiant screed in which she related all that had occurred to her and her present plan of leaving home.  This last puzzled and troubled him not a little.