“Thank you very much but I cannot go this afternoon. I hope you will all have a nice time.”
Then she went to her room. Her mother was folding up some sewing. “There is so little to do,” and she smiled vaguely.
“Come out and walk with me.”
“No, I don’t feel equal to it, I will put a shawl about me and sit on the porch.”
“Shall I come and read to you?”
“No, dear, it is an effort to listen. I’ll just sit and think.”
“Mother, are you satisfied here?”
“Oh, my child, I could not have dreamed of anything so comfortable, and for your sake—you are happy?” with a touch of wistfulness.
“Oh, it is so delightful, and then to think that I shall fit myself for a nice position presently. Then mother dear we will have a few rooms and a real home again.”
“Oh, you are so good,” in a tremulous tone.