"Oh, I am so glad!" she said. "I was afraid she would be very disappointed to see no one. That is really kind."
Gertrude pouted openly.
"Look here, Denys!" she said, "mind you and Charlie look out for me!"
That little touch of God's hand had made all the difference to Denys.
"All right," she said cheerfully, "we will do our best."
She ran lightly upstairs and knocked softly at Mrs. Henchman's door.
She found Mrs. Henchman lying on her sofa beside a bright little fire, and after telling her their plans, she bent down and kissed her affectionately.
"Shall you be lonely with us all out?" she asked solicitously.
"I daresay I shall be all right, my dear," Mrs. Henchman replied, a little grudgingly. This weakness which had come upon her in the last few months was a sore trial—not an accepted trial—under which she chafed and fretted day by day.
Denys longed to be able to say, "I will gladly stay and keep you company," but then Charlie had arranged this evening's engagement and she knew Mrs. Henchman would not allow it to be altered.