"Shall I go, then?—What would you like me to do?"
"Go to your room, and wait till I send for you."
"I must not be long away from my invalids," said Mary, as cheerfully as she could.
"Oh, indeed! I thought you had come back to your work!"
"I did not understand from your letter you wished that, ma'am—though, indeed, I could not have come just yet in any case."
"Then you mean to go, and leave things just as they are?"
"I am afraid there is no help for it. If I could do anything-. But I will call again to-morrow, and every day till the ring is found, if you like."
"Thank you," said Hesper, dryly; "I don't think that would be of much use."
"I will call anyhow," returned Mary, "and inquire whether you would like to see me.—I will go to my room now, and while I wait will get some things I want."
"As you please," said Hesper.