"She has gone out into the town to get a few things, I believe, miss."
"Is she alone?" asked Ada, glancing round the nearly empty nursery.
"Oh, no! Alfy and Maggie are with her."
"I think I shall wander down the town too, presently, when I am warm, and see if I can find her. I wonder I did not meet her as I came."
"She might be in a shop," suggested Margaret.
"Yes, I daresay she was. And how is 'baby Alice,' Margaret?"
Their eyes turned towards the hearthrug where the little maid was seated. Her warm winter frock was covered by a snowy pinafore, and her flaxen hair was neatly parted, with an attempt at two or three soft little curls.
"She looks pretty well?" said Ada, half questioningly.
"Yes," said Margaret, also with a slight hesitation in her voice, "but she wants a great deal of care, Miss Ada; I doubt if she will ever be strong."
Ada took her up on her lap, and began to talk to her in baby language, Alice staring at her with grave eyes for some moments, and then holding out her arms, with quivering lips, to her nurse.