Agatha said they had, but it was evident that she had attached no particular significance to the fact that Sally had worn a new fur cap.
"He hasn't been over to see you since."
The girl, who admitted it, looked troubled, and Mrs. Hastings laid a hand upon her shoulder.
"My dear," she said, "if he does come you must put him off."
"Why?" Agatha asked, in a low, strained voice.
"For one thing, because we want to keep you," and Mrs. Hastings looked at her with a very friendly smile. "Are you very anxious to make it up with Gregory?"
A little shiver ran through the girl. "Oh," she said, "I can't answer you that. I must do what is right."
Then, somewhat to her astonishment, her companion drew her a little nearer, stooped and kissed her.
"Most of us, I believe, have that wish, but the thing is often horribly complex," she said. "Anyway, you must put Gregory off again if it's only for another month or two. I fancy you will not find it remarkably difficult."
She turned away with that, but her manner had been so significant that Agatha, who did not sleep very well that night, decided that if it was possible she would act on her advice.