In a second everything was replaced, and she was back in the sitting-room, stooping over Grim, who took her endearments with passive indignation.
"Have I been long ?" panted Ida, as she came in.

"The kettle won't be a minute.

You'll take your things off ?" Harriet removed her hat only.

As Ida went about, preparing the tea, Harriet watched her with eyes in which there was a new light.

She spoke, too, in almost a cheerful way, and even showed a better appetite than usual when they sat down together.
"You are better to-day ?" Ida said to her.
"Perhaps so; but it doesn't last long." "Oh, you must be more hopeful.