The Duchess' thinking ended pityingly because just at this time it was that Robin opened the door and stood looking at her.
It seemed as though Dr. Redcliff must have talked to her for a long time. But she had on her small hat and coat and what the Duchess seemed chiefly to see was the wide darkness of her eyes set in a face suddenly pinched, small and snow white. She looked like a starved baby.
"Please," she said with her hands clasped against her chest, "please—may I go to Mersham Wood?"
"To—Mersham Wood," the Duchess felt aghast—and then suddenly a flood of thought rushed upon her.
"It is not very far," the little gasping voice uttered. "I must go, please! Oh! I must! Just—to Mersham Wood!"
Something almost uncontrollable rose in the Duchess' throat.
"Child," she said. "Come here!"
Robin went to her—oh, poor little soul!—in utter obedience. As she drew close to her she went down upon her knees holding up her hands like a little nun at prayer.
"Please let me go," she said again. "Only to Mersham Wood."