"Yes, and I wanted to know if I could be of any use to you. I should be happy to arrange my journey so that we could travel together."
"Where are you going?"
"I am going abroad to study—Paris first. The nurse told me it was there you meant to go," said Margrete, beginning to feel very awkward. Her wish had been to help Mary, but it seemed to her now that she was intruding.
"I appreciate your kindness," said Mary. "It is possible that I mentioned Paris. I don't remember. The truth is that I have come to no decision."
"Please forgive me, then. The whole has been a misunderstanding," said Miss Röy, rising.
Mary felt that she must not let her go, but her strength seemed to fail her. It was not until Margrete had reached the door that she managed to say: "I am coming to speak to you one day soon, Miss Röy." She said it in a low voice, without looking up. "I am not well enough to do it to-day," she added.
"I can see that. It is only what I expected; so I brought something with me for you—if you will only take it. It is the most invigorating tonic I know."
Mary felt all her sympathies go out to this woman. She thanked her heartily, adding: "Then, as soon as I am a little stronger, I may come?"
"You will be very welcome."
"Perhaps," said Mary, blushing, "you would not mind coming to me?"