Lettice ran out to open the front door, and Bertha presented a rosy cheek to be kissed. The two had never met since Cecilia's death: and those smiling eyes awakened a rush of memories. Not altogether sad memories. Lettice could not but feel how Cecilia would have rejoiced in the present arrangement.
"Bertha! How good of you! I knew you were to be at home for just one day, and I meant to leave you all to yourselves so carefully."
"And I meant not to be defrauded of a peep! Let me look at you. Yes, just as they say. The same, only more."
"More what?"
"Any agreeable adjectives that you like to string together. So you really are settled down with your brother—busy, and well, and happy! No need to ask if you are that."
"Sometimes I wonder if any girl is quite so well off as I am. Of course there are some things—I don't mean that I have every single thing in life I could choose. Only I do delight in being with Felix always, and having a little home so near all your dear people."
"I'm sure they are equally delighted to have you near."
"Sit down, please; if you can spare just a few minutes. And you are fond of nursing as ever? Not tired of it?"
"Tired! Never! Yes, I know what you mean by the 'something' that you want. Prue told me, of course. She knew you would not mind."
"About the bank-note?"