Lettie nodded. She was very sparing of her words that evening, grave, demure, silent, and submissive. They gave her a good tea which she heartily enjoyed, and Josie brought out numberless toys afterwards, making her presents generously of the best among them; but Lettie would only show pleasure by looks, not by words.
Mrs. Therlock could not bear to have her out of her sight, though as yet there was no return of affection, and when they put her to bed, she sobbed herself to sleep for "mother." Her own mother, sitting near, shed a good many tears in company, but she knew how time would work, and she was too happy and thankful for the great mercy of having her child restored, to dwell on minor troubles.
Josie was happy too, yet not without a cloud. Leveson saw and understood. When Lettie was gone to bed, and Mrs. Therlock had vanished to watch by her side, he took Josie on his knee, and said, "Well, little sister?"
Josie sighed.
"It has been a bright day for us, has it not?"
Josie hung her head, and said, "I'm glad she's found."
"Only that?"
"I am glad," said Josie, with a little sob. "And I don't want to be nasty and cross,—only mother does kiss her so very very much."
"Don't you think it is natural she should?"
"She hasn't remembered to give me one kiss all the evening," said Josie, another sob welling up from the depth of her heart.