Back whisked Hecla, bursting open the door, and rushing across the room.
"Oh, auntie, please! May I go and see Chris?"
"Not to-day."
"Please! I want to see him—ever so much!"
"No, not to-day."
"Only just for one minute, auntie!"
"No. That is enough, Hecla. Do as you are told. You are to have a walk in the country—not to the shops. Remember."
Hecla went away slowly, and Miss Storey folded her hands together, setting herself to think. With that restless little being in the room, she had found thinking out of the question.
No sooner had she settled herself than the door opened again, this time very gently. A lady appeared, just a little taller than herself and quite as slim, but younger-looking. Miss Storey's hair was fast turning grey, while Miss Anne's was all a soft light brown. She wore a shady hat, and she had pretty, kind, blue eyes.
"Anne! Sit down, my dear. I want to tell you something."