"And you won't love me less?"
"Lena!" was all her Aunt said, but it was enough.
"No, no, Auntie, I didn't mean that; I know you won't. You will be like Papa and Mama, who only seem to love me more, if that is possible; only," she added with a smile, "Mama says the love was always there, but I wouldn't see it."
"Thank God, dear Lena, that you do see it at last."
"It was only sometimes I didn't, when I thought they liked Milly best, but she deserved it if they had. O Auntie, she has been so good, and so has little Lucy; they never said one unkind word when I came home, though I had behaved so badly."
A loud knock, and an impatient "Do let us in, Aunt Mary," from Lucy, interrupted them.
Lena ran and opened the door, and there stood Lucy, all eagerness and excitement, and beside her was Milly, holding a big parcel in her arms, her face beaming with delight.
"It's for you, Lena; see, it is addressed 'Miss Graham.' It's from Mrs. Clifford," she added softly.
"Then it must be meant for you," answered Lena, flushing scarlet and drawing back.
"Never mind, Lena; open it quickly, do, and see what is inside," burst out Lucy impatiently.