“I can’t help it when I see the first ones swelling on the twigs. They are working so hard to break out into green,” she said. “One loves everything at this time—everything! Look at the children round the pond. That fat, little boy in a reefer and brown leather leggings is bursting with joy. Let us go and praise his boat, Fräulein.”
They went and Robin praised the boat until its owner was breathless with rapture. Fräulein Hirsch, standing near her, looked furtively at all the benches round the circle, giving no incautiously interested glance to any one of them in particular. Presently, however, she said:
“I think that is Lady Etynge sitting on the third bench from here. I said to you that I had heard she was in London. I wonder if her daughter is still in the Convent at Tours?”
When Robin turned, she saw a quiet woman in perfect mourning recognize Fräulein Hirsch with a a bow and smile which seemed to require nearer approach.
“We must go and speak to her.” Fräulein Hirsch said. “I know she wil wish me to present you. She is fond of young girls—because of Hélène.”
Robin went forward prettily. The woman was gentle looking and attracting. She had a sweet manner and was very kind to Fräulein Hirsch. She seemed to know her well and to like her. Her daughter, Hélène, was still in the Convent at Tours but was expected home very shortly. She would be glad to find that Fräulein Hirsch was in London.
“I have turned the entire top story of my big house into a pretty suite for her. She has a fancy for living high above the street,” smiled Lady Etynge, indulgently. Perhaps she was a “Mother” person, Robin thought.
Both her looks and talk were kind, and she was very nice in her sympathetic interest in the boats and the children’s efforts to sail them.
“I often bring my book here and forget to read, because I find I am watching them,” she said. “They are so eager and so triumphant when a boat gets across the Pond.”
She went away very soon and Robin watched her out of sight with interest.