Miss Bruce's allegiance to Char dated from many years back, and needed no strengthening—was, indeed, beyond it; but henceforward, come what might, she would never forget that Miss Vivian had said that it made all the difference in the world to have her there.
"I will come whenever you like, and wherever you go, and I will look after you as much as you'll let me," she said tearfully.
There was a silence before Char remarked practically: "You'll have to arrange it with my mother, Brucey. I don't want her to think that you're deserting her for me."
It was difficult to see how Lady Vivian could possibly think anything else, but the uplifted Miss Bruce knew no qualms of spirit.
"I'll tell her myself, my dear, and I know she'll understand. She'll be only too glad that you should have somebody with you. Indeed, she does care, very, very much, if you'll let me say so; but all that's passed has—"
"I know, I know! It all makes it the more impossible for me to stay here with her and at the same time try to carry on the work."
"Then you won't consider the idea of making this place into a hostel?"
"I've already said that it's out of the question."
Quite evidently, the Director of the Midland Supply Depôt was herself again.
She rose, and was meekly followed by Miss Bruce into the hall, where sat Lady Vivian and Captain Trevellyan.