She started slightly, but ended with a strained quietness of manner.
“Theer's nowt to say,” she added, rising, and preparing to go.
Anice rose also. She held out both her hands, and Joan took them.
“I will go downstairs with you,” said Anice; and they went out together.
When they reached the front door, they kissed each other, and Anice stood in the lighted hall and watched the girl's departure.
“Good-by!” she said; “and God bless you!”
Early in the morning, Derrick called his friend to his bedside.
“I have had a bad night,” he said to him.
“Yes,” Grace answered. “It is easy enough to see that.”
There was an unnatural sparkle in the hollow eyes, and the flush upon the cheek had not faded away.