I rose at last, and returned the letter to Annas.
“Thank you,” I said. “You will be glad some day to have had that letter.”
“I am glad now,” said Annas, quietly, as she restored it to its place. “And ere long we shall be glad together. The tears help the journey, not hinder it.”
“How calm you are, Annas!” I said, wondering at her.
“The time for Miss Keith to be otherwise has not come yet,” said Mr Raymond’s voice behind me. “I think, Miss Courtenay, you have not seen much sorrow.”
“I have not, Sir,” said I, turning to him. “I think I have seen—and felt—more in the last six months than ever before.”
“And I dare say you have grown more in that period,” he made answer, “than in all the years before. You know in what sort of stature I mean.”
He left us, and went up-stairs, and Ephraim came in soon after. I had no words with Flora alone, and only a moment with Annas. She came with us to the door.
“Does Flora understand?” I whispered, as I kissed Annas for good-bye.
“I think not, Cary. I hope not. It would be far better.”