As it happened, they were the last words that sober second thought would have told her to say.
"Never mind, Mrs.Greggory.

We'll have her all well and strong soon; never fear! Just wait till I send Peggy and Mary Jane to take her out for a drive one of these mild, sunny days.

You have no idea how much good it will do her!" Alice Greggory got suddenly to her feet.

Her face was very white now.
Her eyes had the steely coldness that Billy knew so well.

Her voice, when she spoke, was low and sternly controlled.
"Miss Neilson, you will think me rude, of course, especially after your great kindness to me the other day; but I can't help it.