"And—and then she told me about her old mother, and afterwards, when she had been home to see her, I asked how she was, and said I should like to know her. That's how it was Barker came to ask me to go with her on Saturday. She is so fond of her mother!"
"I see. I had no idea you and Barker were on such good terms."
Miss Pamela rose, remarking as she did so—
"You had better get on with your letter, my dear. Will you give your mother a message from me?"
"Yes, Aunt Pamela," Marigold replied, in accents of profound astonishment.
For a few minutes Miss Pamela stood undecided, then she said—
"Tell your mother from me that we find her little daughter a good child. That is all."
"Oh, thank you, Aunt Pamela! Mother will like to hear that better than anything!"
Marigold threw her arms impulsively around Miss Pamela's neck and gave her a hearty kiss. Her aunt returned the caress with unusual warmth, and then left her to finish her interrupted letter.
Downstairs in the drawing-room Miss Holcroft was wondering what had become of her sister, but when Miss Pamela at length re-entered the room it was with a smile on her lips.