"I am an old fool, to be sure, if ever there was one!" she said irritably, after a few minutes; "but I can't help it--there's something over me, though I'm glad for my dear boy. Now that that's over, I'll go and look after those girls, and see what's best to have for her dinner."
It was nearly four o'clock when Robert returned; and he came in a cab which looked like a small conservatory on wheels, for every available space in it was filled with flowers. He carried the pots and the bouquets carefully into the house; and having assured Alice that he was not hungry--for her anxiety on that point had not slumbered since his infancy--he asked her if the rooms upstairs were ready.
"I have just come down from looking after them myself, Master Robert; and nothing could be prettier nor nicer."
"Well, nurse, help me to take these flowers upstairs, and show me all your beautiful decorations."
Alice was right: nothing nicer or prettier than the room prepared for Katharine could be seen. A bright fire burned in the polished grate, and a soft white lambskin rug lay before the fender; the chintz curtains shaded the windows cosily, and the uncovered carpet looked fresh and gay; the simple furniture was tastefully disposed; and a low velvet chair, borrowed from the drawing-room, stood invitingly before the fire. Ellen had been fond of flowers, and some pretty Parian vases were among the ornaments of her forsaken chamber. Aided by Alice, Robert arranged the flowers he had brought--and which, though numerous, were not various, for even money will not avail to procure floral variety in December--and disposed the vases as his taste dictated. Then they set the flower-pots in the balcony, and looked round approvingly on their completed task. The two faithful friends stood a while in silence, and then Robert said,
"Is all ready downstairs as well?"
"All ready, my dear; and not long to wait now, God be praised! What are you going to do--not going to the station to meet them surely, are you?"
"O no, nurse--I'm going to wait for her here; and I want you to take care that I'm not disturbed. I have a great deal to think about, Alice, and I want to be alone now until she comes."
"Very well, Robert; no one shall come near you. What time is it now?"
"Half-past four. Have plenty of light downstairs, that the house may look cheerful when she comes; and, Alice, I will light the gas here now, so shut the shutters."