CHAPTER II THE MYSTERY
Mrs. Mitford did not return, and presently Christian slipped from her hiding-place and ran upstairs. Never having had companions, she had not that absolute desire to confide in someone which is the primary thought of most young girls. She went into her room, washed her face, brushed out her hair, and then entered the nursery.
Nurse was seated by the fire, busy over her endless mending and turning. Nurse, of course, knew; her eyes were red, as though she had been crying a great deal.
"Why, Miss Christie, darling," she said to the young girl, "wherever have you been? You look pinched and cold."
"I haven't had my tea; I expect I look hungry," said Christian, speaking slowly.
"What a shame!" cried nurse. "Did they forget to give it to you?"
"They didn't," said Christian. "I saw it in the rt just now as I passed the open door, but it looked cold and untempting; I'd rather have none than that sort of tea."
"I'll make you some in a minute," said nurse.