“Are you better, grandfather?” she managed to ask, in a very subdued voice.
“Oh, I’m getting on splendidly!” he answered, “with such a good nurse, and so much care and attention, I shall soon be better than ever I was before.”
There was no mistaking the expression in his face as he turned it towards her. Not only welcome and kindness, but love, shone from it brightly. In the midst of her confusion Anna wondered how it was that she had never felt so sure of her grandfather’s affection before. And now, perhaps, she was to lose it.
“You can’t think how wonderfully kind every one is,” he continued. “I really might almost think myself an important person in Dornton. They send messages and presents, and are ready to do anything to help me. Mr Hurst came in just now to tell me that he has arranged to fill my place as organist for a whole month, so that I may have a rest. They’re very nice, good people in Dornton. That kind Mrs Winn offered to come and read to me, and then Delia is like another grand-daughter, you know.”
Anna’s heart was full as he chatted on. Must she tell him? Might she not put it off a little?
“And so you went to a picnic yesterday?” he went on, as she sat silently by him. “Was it very pleasant? Let me see, did the sun shine? You must tell me all about it. I am to be an idle man now, you know, and shall want every one to amuse me with gossip.”
“Grandfather,” cried Anna, with a sudden burst of courage, “I want to tell you—I’ve done something very wrong.”
The Professor turned his gentle glance upon her.
“We all have to say that, my dear,” he answered, “very often. But I’m sure you’re sorry for it, whatever it is.”
“It’s something very bad,” murmured Anna, “Delia knows. She won’t forgive me, I know, but I thought perhaps you would.”