'Lovely of you to come,' she said hoarsely, smiling broadly and looking so unmistakably contented that Miss Entwhistle, as she bent over her and kissed her hot forehead, thought, 'It's a success. He's making her happy.'
'You darling little thing,' she said, smoothing back her hair. 'Fancy seeing you again like this!'
'Yes,' said Lucy, heavy-eyed and smiling. 'Lovely,' she whispered, 'to see you. Tea, Aunt Dot?'
It was evidently difficult for her to speak, and her forehead was extremely hot.
'No, I don't want tea.'
'You'll stay?'
'Yes,' said Miss Entwhistle, sitting down by the pillow and continuing to smooth back her hair. 'Of course I'll stay. How did you manage to catch such a cold, I wonder?'
She was left to wonder, undisturbed by any explanations of Lucy's. Indeed it was as much as Lucy could manage to bring out the most necessary words. She lay contentedly with her eyes shut, having her hair stroked back, and said as little as possible.
'Everard—' said Miss Entwhistle, stroking gently, 'is he coming back to-night?'
'No,' whispered Lucy contentedly.