"Speak!" I heard Mary whisper.
"Mother!" I said, "I haven't seen you for ever so long. Mayn't I have a kiss?"
But she went on ironing, hard and fast.
Mary came close, and put an arm round my waist.
"Mrs. Phrynne," says she cheerfully, and I did wonder at her for being so cheerful— "Mrs. Phrynne, Kitty has been ill, and she is going away to-morrow. Mayn't she have a kiss before she goes?"
Mother didn't answer one word.
"Come, Kitty, give your mother a kiss," says Mary, leading me.
I did as I was bid, and mother bore the kiss, but that was all, scarce stopping a moment in her work, and showing not a sign of pleasure. I couldn't bear it, hardly, and I was ready to drop. Mary gave me a chair, and I set off sobbing, and presently I saw mother had left her ironing and was standing to watch me in a queer sort of way, as if she couldn't make me out.
"Poor Kitty," Mary says.
Mother came near, looking hard still.