Miss Gregson took the proffered hand in her own.
"Tell me," said Sheila, "why it is I so often fail? This is the worst failure I have had. Why don't things go right?"
"I think, my dear, you did not count the cost before you invited these children, and did not make proper provision for them."
"Count the cost!"
"I mean you acted on the impulse of the moment and never thought what it would involve. The impulse was good, but it does not do to act on impulse alone. You wanted to do a real kindness, but I doubt as a matter of fact if it has proved anything of the sort. The children will go back the worse rather than the better, as far as I can see, for their visit. You see you consulted no one; and you are quite ignorant of the poor of London, and have no idea how much supervision these children really need if any good is to be done. I hope I am not discouraging you?"
"I feel fearfully discouraged, all the more as every word you say is true. I am afraid I am a creature of impulse. I wonder if I shall ever do anything that is worth doing. I know too that I have worn everyone out. I suppose you know Jane, nice Jane, has given warning."
"Yes, I know."
"And as for you, you are quite prostrate with it all, poor dear. I've been simply horrid not to take you into account. I don't seem to give pleasure to anyone."
"You can't say that, so long as I am with you," said Miss Gregson patting the girl's hand.
"I'm afraid," said Sheila, "that you don't think I really ought to send those children away."