Rowland looked his thanks.
'Could not Mr Rowland prepare her for my coming? And I could sleep in the sitting-room, and not even see her to-night, but be ready to wait upon her to-morrow morning,' said Gladys.
'Yes,' said Freda. 'If you will go back and try to prepare her for Gladys, Mr Prothero, she shall follow you in a short time.'
'I will bring her,' said Mr Jones, 'and she can but return, if you cannot prevail on your sister to see her.'
Rowland could only press the hands of his kind friends, and hurry back to Netta.
He found her sitting in an old easy-chair, with Minette on a stool at her feet, fast asleep. The child refused to go to bed till 'Uncle Rowland' came back. There was a bright fire in the grate, and a supper was spread on a table drawn close to it. Candles replaced the gas-lamp, and the room looked almost cheerful, in spite of its faded red curtains and dingy furniture.
Netta had a small book in her hand, which she gave Rowland to look at.
'Mother gave me that when I was ill years ago—how long ago? How old is Minette?'
'She must be nearly eight, I think,' said Rowland, turning over the small, well-read Testament that had once been his mother's.
'I like that book now, Rowland!' said Netta. 'I am so glad you have come back. It seemed so lonesome when you were gone. Ha! ha! Howel used to say I must say lonely and not lonesome. Are you sure he won't come and find you here?'