"Come here!" Robin went to her--oh, poor little soul!--in utter obedience.

As she drew close to her she went down upon her knees holding up her hands like a little nun at prayer.
"_Please_ let me go," she said again.

"Only to Mersham Wood." "Stay here, my poor child and talk to me," the Duchess said.

"The time has come when you must talk to some one." "When I come back--I will try.

I--I want to ask--the Wood," said Robin.
She caught at a fold of the Duchess' dress and went on rapidly.
"It is not far.