The tears were in Miss Holcroft's eyes as she spoke. Marigold looked white and shocked, whilst Miss Pamela appeared in deep thought. There was a brief silence, then Miss Holcroft continued, referring to her letter.
"Molly seems to have been very brave. She attended the funeral, and saw to all the arrangements herself. How sad to be alone as she is! I fear now all is over she will break down."
"Oh no!" Miss Pamela said quickly. "I tell you what you must do, Mary, you must send for her to come to us here."
"Oh, Pamela, do you mean that? Would you be willing to have her as our guest?"
"Certainly," Miss Pamela responded, in her cold, brief way. "You know I always mean what I say."
"Oh, what a darling you are, Aunt Pamela!" Marigold cried, rushing impetuously across the room to her aunt, and giving her an approving hug.
Miss Pamela was so surprised at this unlooked-for demonstration of affection on her niece's part that she actually blushed.
"I think it is a splendid idea!" the little girl continued excitedly. "We'll do all we possibly can to make her happy, won't we?"
"Steady, Marigold!" Miss Holcroft interposed. "You are settling matters too quickly. We do not know yet if she will come or not. I think, Pamela, I will write at once, and suggest her coming to us straight away."
"Yes," agreed Miss Pamela. "Tell her she will disappoint us all if she declines our invitation; and, Mary, I think you had better send the money for her journey, don't you? You can do it in such a way that she cannot mind accepting it."