"A visit?" said Lucy Somes, doubtfully. "Well, scarcely that. I'm here—" she hesitated—"on business. But I must not keep you waiting for your tea."
"My tea can wait until Mrs. Brown can get it," said Leslie.
"Oh, but I am going to get it for you, unless—" she hesitated, but, encouraged by Leslie's faint smile, she continued—"unless you wouldn't mind coming down to my room and taking tea with me. I have just got mine; and I should be so pleased if you would come."
Leslie did not respond for a moment or two. Trouble makes solitude very dear to us. But she fought against the desire to decline.
"Thank you," she said simply; "I shall be very pleased."
Lucy jumped up.
"Come along, then," she said with evident pleasure.
Leslie followed her downstairs, and Lucy Somes ushered her into the tiny room which served for bedroom and sitting room.
"I hope you don't mind," said Lucy, with a sudden blush on her pleasant face. "But you see I am not rich enough to afford two rooms, and so——."
"Why should I mind?" said Leslie, in her gentle voice.