"It is well thought of, my dear," said Lady Estelle. "Doris, do you know what I have done?"
"No, something kind and nice, like yourself; I know by the sound of your voice."
"I have ordered a very nice little trousseau for Mattie—dresses that will not be unsuited to her at home, yet will do for her to wear here. I shall be so lonely when you are gone that I thought of asking her to remain here. I shall miss you so much, Doris."
"And I shall miss you, dear Lady Linleigh. I never thought when you came home to my father's house, that I should learn to love you so dearly."
Lady Linleigh clasped her arms round the girl's neck.
"Tell me one thing," she said, caressingly; "do you think I have been as kind to you as your own mother would have been?"
"I do not think, dear Lady Linleigh; I am quite sure," she replied.
"It is an odd fancy of mine," said the countess, with a wistful smile, "but I have always been so fond of children. I have such a longing to hear a child call me mother. Doris—you will have left me in ten days. Will you kiss me, and say, 'Heaven bless you, my own mother?'"
"Of course I will. Heaven bless you, my own dear mother; you have been one to me. You have helped me in every little trouble and perplexity; you have been kind to me, without ceasing. Why, Lady Linleigh, your face is wet with tears!"
"Is it, darling? I feel your going away so much. But we must not remain talking here. If you wish to drive to the station, it is high time the ponies were brought round, and I myself wish to see that everything is as she will like it in Mattie's room."