"Nothing else! Why, there's that sweet white nun's veiling. I've wanted 'the fellow to it,' as Grandma used to say when she did not wish to covet her neighbour's goods, ever since you made it. Put that on and astonish the natives and be done with it!"
Denys lifted out the white blouse obediently. It certainly suited her, and her laugh at Gertrude had brought a colour into her cheeks. She suddenly guessed that Gertrude had waked herself up on purpose to amuse her and change her thoughts and she bent quickly over the pillow and gave Gertrude's soft cheek a grateful sisterly kiss.
"Now shall I do?" she asked, straightening herself up.
"Ar," said Gertrude emphatically. "Now!" mimicking Denys's own tone, "don't be late for breakfast, my dear."
And Denys ran downstairs smiling! Gertrude had got pretty, entertaining ways. It was no wonder people liked her.
Charlie was waiting for her in the hall.
"You look as bright as the morning," he said; "isn't it delicious to be out so early?"
They strolled up and down the empty parade, enjoying themselves immensely, though every now and then a sickening fear of what the approaching breakfast hour might bring, swept over Denys. But she determined to stick to Gertrude's advice and say nothing to anyone unless positively obliged.
They turned homeward at last, and as they caught sight of the church tower, Charlie said,
"What did you think of doing this morning?"