“Who is that pretty creature with the child on her lap?” asked Mrs Snow, with much interest. “You bowed to her, I think.”
“Yes. That is Mrs Ruthven. I suppose they are going away to-day. I should like to say good-bye to her, but there are so many people with her, and I am not sure that she knew me, though she bowed. Ah! she has seen Rosie. They are coming over here.”
She rose and went to meet them as they came near.
“You have never seen my baby,” said Mrs Ruthven, eagerly. “And I want to see Mrs Snow.”
Graeme took the little creature in her arms.
“No, we were unfortunate in finding you out when we called, more than once—and now you are going away.”
“Yes, we are going away for a little while. I am so glad we have met to-day. I only heard the other day that Mrs Snow had come, and I have not been quite strong, and they would not let me move about, I am so very glad to see you,” added she, as she took Janet’s hand. “I have heard your name so often, that I seem to know you well.”
Mrs Snow looked with great interest on the lovely, delicate face, that smiled so sweetly up into hers.
“I have heard about you, too,” said she, gravely. “And I am very glad that we chanced to meet to-day. And you are going home to Scotland?”
“Yes, for a little while. I have not been quite well, and the doctor advises the voyage, but we shall be home again before winter, I hope, or at the latest, in the spring.”