'I wonder whether she knows any of our children now?
I dare say Miss Trent would like to rest a little.' A few words were spoken to the matron apart, and Mrs.Ormonde withdrew.
Half an hour later, Thyrza, after seeing the children and all that portion of the house which was theirs, was led by Mrs.Mapper to the drawing-room.

The lady of the house was there alone; she invited her guest to sit down, and began to talk.
'Are you obliged to be home to-night?
Couldn't you stay with us till to-morrow ?' Thyrza checked a movement.
'I promised Mr.Grail to be back before dark,' she said.
'Oh, but that will scarcely leave you any time at all.

Is there any other need for you to return to-day?
Suppose I telegraphed to say that I was keeping you--wouldn't Mr.Grail forgive me ?' 'I think I might stay, if I could be back to-morrow by tea-time.

I must go to work on Monday morning.' Mrs.Ormonde sighed involuntarily.

That work, that work: the consumer of all youth and joy! 'Unfortunately there's no train to-morrow that would help us.' Thyrza longed to stay; the other could read her face well enough.
'There's an early train on Monday morning,' she continued doubtfully.
'Do you live with parents ?' 'Oh, no, ma'am.