“Oh yes, of course, you may have the motor,” said Grace; “but don’t keep it, please, and send it back to us at once.”
“I will. Thank you a thousand times. You will be sure to come to-morrow; I shall want to show you the lovely Christmas presents I am getting. By the way, it’s the time for giving presents all round. Do you know what I want more than anything? I want a dozen pairs of the very best kid gloves—or suède, I think—some with four buttons and some with ten. It’s only a hint, but hints are useful. Ta-ta, girls, never forget how clever Kitty is.”
Kitty left the church, the motor-car was at her service, and she was soon bowled over the roads, and arrived at Preston Manor just as the great luncheon-gong was sounded. Mr. Wyndham and his wife were seated at table when Kitty poked in her charming little face. They had been talking about her and had the manner that people generally have when they are caught in the act. Kitty guessed at once that she had broken up a conversation of interest to herself.
“Aren’t you well, Kitty? I didn’t know you would be back until tea-time,” said Mrs. Wyndham. “I have sent luncheon for you all to take in the parish room adjoining the church.”
“It wasn’t that,” said Kitty; “I didn’t think about lunch at all. I—I thought I’d like to stay with you a little, if you don’t mind.”
“With me, my dear child?”
“Yes, perhaps I have made a great mistake; in that case I can—I can”—she coloured—“walk back; it is only two miles.”
“But what do you mean, Kitty?”
“Well, you know, you said yesterday that you often felt lonely, and somehow I thought of it last night when I was in my darling snug bed, and I thought that the girls would be absent all day long with their friends, you know, and that you would have no one——But perhaps I have made a mistake, perhaps you don’t want me; in that case—I am sorry—I can go back.”
“It was really very kind of you, Kitty, very kind. As a matter of fact, I don’t mind being alone; but, as you have come, my dear child, of course, I must give you a welcome. Have you had lunch yet?”