The Runaway Groom

Lulu stared warily at the woman. "You're the maid from before, aren't you?"

She did not let down her guard even though she recognized Erma— why would Erma return after she was gone?

Moreover, considering how impatiently Erma treated her baby, Lulu's expression became stern as well. "Didn't Mr. Slate tell you not to come anymore? What are you doing here?"

"Hello, miss," Erma said fawningly. "May I ask for your name? And you don't look that old... Others might think you're the mother with your pretty face—"

"Shut up!" Lulu suddenly snapped, cutting Erma short.

own reaction, despite knowing that Erma’s flattery was

she calmed down, realizing she had lost

me?" Lulu demanded, rearing her head. "I was an hired employee like you, and if you have a

understood from Erma'’s fawning

mother, she would not allow such a

angered when she realized that Lulu was refusing to side

employees. I'm sure you understand how difficult a life can be. My children aren't working yet and I still have elderly to take care of, so they are all counting on me! Are you trying to kill us all? Moreover, everything you saw wasn't the whole story—I tried to coax the baby to sleep before you came, but I just lacked experience and didn't notice she was sick! Can't you be understanding? What's the big deal anyway? You could just teach me! And with me around, I could take care of

Lulu avoided her—she despised people who

slowly and clearly as she looked in Erma'’s eyes. "Go to Mr. Slate. I'm just a child care

words, she started to leave—she was going to buy a stroller to take Luna on strolls when