"It wouldn't comfort me!"
"Don't worry, my dear," John said kindly; "the gods are surely tender with the good."
"But she won't grow old," Helen said earnestly. "I don't believe she could grow old. It would be terrible." And it was of Mildred Caniper and not of herself she thought.
CHAPTER XV
Mildred Caniper was wearing her deaf expression when they went into the house, and getting supper ready as a form of reproof. John was another of her failures. He had chosen work she despised for him, and now, though it was impossible to despise Lily Brent, it was impossible not to disapprove of such a marriage for a Caniper. But when she was helpless, Mrs. Caniper had learnt to preserve her pride in suavity, and as they sat down to supper she remarked that she would call on Lily Brent tomorrow.
"How funny!" Helen said at once.
Miriam darted a look meant to warn Helen that Notya was in no mood for controversy, and John frowned in readiness to take offence.
"Why funny?" he growled.
"I was just wondering if Notya would put on a hat and gloves to do it." She turned to Mildred Caniper. "Will you?"