"Chérie," she said gravely, placing both her hands on the girl's frail shoulders, "whatever is in store for you, you will have to face it. And now," she added, kissing her on both cheeks, "if you love me a little, if I have really been of any help or comfort to you during these sad days, the moment has come for you to repay me."
"Oh, how—how can I ever repay you?" cried Chérie.
"By putting on your hat, taking your baby in your arms and accompanying me to the station."
"To the station! I! with—Oh, I could not, I could not!" She shrank back and a burning flush rose to her brow.
At that moment Louise entered the room dressed to go out.
"You will accompany me to the station," repeated Nurse Elliot firmly to Chérie. "You, and your sister-in-law, and the baby will all come to see me off and wish me luck."
"Don't—don't ask that," murmured Chérie.
"I do ask it," said Caroline Elliot. "And you cannot refuse. I have given you many days and many nights out of my life, and much love and tender anxiety. And this is the only thanks I shall ever ask." She stepped close to Chérie and placed her arms around her. "Can you not see, my dear, that sooner or later you will be forced to meet the ordeal you dread? You cannot imprison yourself and the child for ever between these four walls. Then take your courage and face the world today; now, while I am still with you."
Chérie stood pale and hesitant; then she turned to Louise. "Would you—would you go with me?"
There was so much humility and misery in her voice that Louise was touched.