"Of what were _you_ thinking ?" I hesitated, for in truth I had been thinking how much older she had grown.

A year is a long time to a child, but it did not account to me for a curious wanness in her colour.

Her hair was greyer, too, and there were dark rings under her eyes.

"You seem different somehow, Miss Plinlimmon." "Do I?
The Hospital has been wearing me out, of late.

I have thought sometimes of resigning and trying my fortune elsewhere: but the thought of the children restrains me.