"Perhaps so, ma'am; but that would not be half so much pleasure to mother or to me. I like thinking and planning how I shall fill the hamper with those things which I know will be most acceptable, and when mother receives it and takes out its contents, she knows I've borne her wants in mind. I've knitted her a nice warm shawl, and she'll be much prouder of it, because I've made it, than if I'd bought it ready made."
"I see, Barnes. I wonder what sort of Christmas my little grand-niece will spend."
Barnes started, and a somewhat guilty expression crossed her countenance as she answered hurriedly:
"A very happy one, I expect. Children mostly love Christmas time, and she has a very happy home."
"How do you know?" Miss Leighton asked suspiciously.
"I— I've been there, ma'am. I went to St. John's one Sunday afternoon to hear Mr. Maloney preach at a children's service, and I saw Miss Peggy there with her mother and brother. After the service, outside the church, I spoke to them, and Mrs. Pringle asked me to their house to have a cup of tea—and I went."
"Well?" said Miss Leighton, with repressed eagerness in her voice. "What is the place like?"
"The house, ma'am? It's one of a terrace, very small but comfortable and homely. Perhaps I ought to have told you that I'd been there, but I did not like to mention it."
"Has my niece altered much?" Miss Leighton asked after a brief pause.
"No, ma'am, very little. She inquired for you and looked so sorry when she heard how ill you'd been, and Miss Peggy said—" Barnes paused abruptly in some confusion.