But it was many days before Jean could see Sunnie, and meanwhile she had a great pleasure.
One afternoon, Dr. Fergusson met her out, and told her that his mother was coming up to town for a week or two.
"She will be at the Windsor Hotel, and will be so glad to see you. She told me to tell you so. I hope you will be able to go."
"Indeed I will," said Jean, with bright eyes. And she took the first opportunity of paying Mrs. Fergusson a visit.
She found her in a private sitting-room, looking as well and handsome as she had seen her before. She welcomed her very kindly.
"My goddaughter spoke so much of you that I was anxious to see you again. I have to thank you for making her come to me."
"I was so glad she went," said Jean. "She did enjoy it all so."
"I could see she did. She is a happy, unselfish girl with old-fashioned ideas of home and duty. I hope to see more of her. We quite missed her bright, cheery personality when she left us."
They talked a good deal of the McTaggarts, and then of Sunnie, and finally Mrs. Fergusson said—
"And how are you getting on? If I remember, when I saw you last, you were more interested in Miss Jean Desmond than any one else. Now she seems to have disappeared. Is she always in the background?"