Without replying the gaunt figure moved away, Sally following her.
Bettina Graham put her arm about the younger woman.
"You are not to go, Tante, we will not allow it. Aunt Patricia is too absurd and unkind! It would be difficult to forgive her, if one did not appreciate that she is suffering more than any one else. Besides, you promised to recite for us before you left."
Mrs. Burton made a swift gesture
"Please release me from my promise, I don't feel that I can just now. Aunt Patricia's attitude toward me makes me more unhappy than any one knows. Juliet, I prefer to go home alone and I wish to walk. Will you stay and talk to the girls about becoming a member of their Sunrise Camp Fire. If they are willing and you will conform to the Camp Fire requirements I should like it very much."
With Bettina's assistance putting on her hat and coat, Mrs. Burton lingered a moment longer.
"Will you really be disappointed if I do not recite for you? I don't wish to be selfish and shall keep Aunt Patricia away from you only a few moments more.
"The other day I came across this poem written by an old friend of mine. I shall only repeat a part of it, I don't suppose if Aunt Patricia is in her room that I shall annoy her. I'll speak quietly."
If Mrs. Burton's tone was low, her voice held the quality that no one who heard it ever forgot.
The little Camp Fire sitting-room was now in shadow with only the light of the dying fire and the flickering candles.