When may I expect her ?" Ida Ward's lips moved, but she made no sound.

Then, to Grace's consternation, she covered her face with her black-gloved hands and began to cry quietly.

For an instant Grace sat in embarrassed silence.
She hardly knew what consolation to offer this poor, pale woman who looked as though she carried the burdens of the world upon her slender shoulders.

Before she could think of anything to say, Miss Ward suddenly raised her head, wiped her eyes and said quietly, "Forgive me for crying.

I--am a little tired.