Please, please don't, dear, beautiful, golden Mamma! And oh! how we wish you could come back! Rubens and I." My voice died away with a wail which was dismally echoed by Rubens.
Then, suddenly, in the darkness came a sob that was purely human, and I was clasped in a woman's arms, and covered with tender kisses and soothing caresses.

For one wild moment, in my excitement, and the boundless faith of childhood, I thought my mother had heard me, and come back.
But it was only Nurse Bundle.

She had been putting away some clothes in my father's bedroom, and had been drawn to the dressing-room by hearing my voice.
I think this scene decided her to take some active steps.

I feel convinced that in some way it was through her influence that a letter of invitation was despatched the following day to Aunt Maria..