“There now! That’s one of the things auntie said I was to be sure to tell you.”
“Then your aunt knew you were coming to see me?”
“Oh, yes, I told her. Not grannie, you know.—You mustn’t let it out.”
“I shall be careful. How is Mr Stoddart, then?”
“Not well at all. He was taken ill before you, and has been in bed and by the fireside ever since. Auntie doesn’t know what to do with him, he is so out of spirits.”
“If to-morrow is fine, I shall go and see him.”
“Thank you. I believe that’s just what auntie wanted. He won’t like it at first, I daresay. But he’ll come to, and you’ll do him good. You do everybody good you come near.”
“I wish that were true, Judy. I fear it is not. What good did I ever do you, Judy?”
“Do me!” she exclaimed, apparently half angry at the question. “Don’t you know I have been an altered character ever since I knew you?”
And here the odd creature laughed, leaving me in absolute ignorance of how to interpret her. But presently her eyes grew clearer, and I could see the slow film of a tear gathering.