'Oh, grandmother, what great eyes you've got!' And Daisy ran laughingly towards her.
The usual repartee was wanting.
'And the room is not tidied up,' Natalya said reproachfully, and began dusting a chair for the visitor. But the old lady waved it aside.
'I have come to thank you for all you have done for my grandchild.'
'Your grandchild?' Natalya fell back on the bed.
'Yes. I have had inquiries made—it is quite certain. Daisy was even called after me. I am glad of that, at least.' Her voice faltered.
Natalya sat as bolt upright as years of bending under sacks would allow.
'And you have come to take her from me!' she shrieked.
Already Daisy's new ruddiness seemed to her the sign of life that belonged elsewhere.
'No, no, do not be alarmed. I have suffered enough from my selfishness. It was my bad temper drove my daughter from me.' She bowed her silver head till her form seemed as bent as Natalya's. 'What can I do to repair—to atone? Will you not come and live with me in the country, and let me care for you? I am not rich, but I can offer you every comfort.'