He's just round the corner," said Biddy tenderly.

"Will ye wait a minute while I give ye your tay ?" There was a spirit-kettle singing merrily in the room.

She busied herself about it, her withered face intent over the task.
The white arms fell upon the blue travelling-rug that Biddy had spread with loving care outside the bed the night before to add to her mistress's comfort.

"When did he go, Biddy ?" the low voice asked, and there was a furtive quality in the question as if it were designed for none but Biddy's ears.

"Did he--did he leave no message ?" "Ah, to be sure!" said Biddy, turning her face for a moment.