This house is at your service as long as you please to use it.

And if we can aid you in any other way we will do so.' 'Madame!' I exclaimed; and there I stopped.

I could say no more.

The rose garden, with its air of neglect, the shadow of the quiet house that fell across it, the great yew hedge which backed it, and was the pattern of one under which I had played in childhood--all had points that pricked me.

But the women's kindness, their unquestioning confidence, the noble air of hospitality which moved them! Against these and their placid beauty in its peaceful frame I had no shield, no defence.