"I'm getting on with it; I am really. But I'm not like you, and I do get a little excited sometimes. And this is exciting, I am sure. Mr. Gilbert was excited. I never saw him with such a colour."
"Yes; he is very glad indeed. I don't think it is for himself, though. He was thinking of all the poor fellows who might be wrecked upon our rocks; and that now they might be saved."
"And you don't think I am thinking of the sailors too?"
Mildred's grave eyes looked across with a meaning expression. "No," she said. "I don't, Jessie dear."
Jessie was silenced for several minutes, and her sewing-machine went fast. This was the next morning after Mr. Gilbert's call, with news of his unexpectedly large contribution towards the lifeboat fund, and perhaps Jessie's eagerness was not surprising. Mildred's feelings were deeper, and did not easily find vent in words.
"There!" Jessie said at length, bringing the machine to rest. "I've got round that whole skirt, and it's done. It hasn't taken me long either. I should like to go out, and see what people are saying."
"Does it matter what they say?"
"Oh, but I like to know. And perhaps some one may be able to guess who can have given the money."
Mildred was silent.
"Millie, why did you say that just now; you didn't suppose I cared about the sailors? I do care."