On the threshold of Henrietta Lucian’s room, she stumbled and nearly fell.
“Rose, dear! Come in.”
Henrietta, hobbling stiffly to meet her, pushed her gently into a deep chair, beside the low table where the friendly, homely lamplight shone.
“Don’t say anything—I know. He’s gone. Will you stay here to-night?”
“Yes,” said Rose.
Presently she murmured, “I’m not ever going back to Squires.”
Miss Lucian accepted it quietly.
She left Rose alone whilst a room was prepared for her, and then took her upstairs, pulling herself up each step by the aid of the balusters.
“Oh, your poor knees! I forgot. Don’t climb the stairs,” Rose cried suddenly.
“That’s all right,” said Miss Lucian stoically.