"Let me cut them," said Miss Loder; "I am a little taller than you."
"Thank you, my dear; I have promised some bits to one or two of the village children, and I am getting it this week instead of next, because I don't like to be overpressed."
"Have you seen Susy, Miss Bertha? She is here, and you said you would know her when she came."
Miss Bertha laughed, and nodded at the eager little face uplifted to hers.
"Yes; Susy and I met yesterday afternoon. She told me she had been to see you. We are great friends already, and she is coming to tea this afternoon."
"And isn't she nice, Miss Bertha?"
"I think she is very sensible for her age; would you be allowed to stay to tea to meet her?"
Miss Loder smiled.
"You are safe, Miss Mordaunt; I'm sure Tina will be delighted. I was sorry we could not welcome Miss Susy yesterday more warmly, but neither Mrs. Maclahan or I felt we could take her on Tina's word alone. Her looks were not favourable."
She cut the holly for Miss Bertha; then left Christina with her, and promised to send down Connie to fetch her home at six o'clock.