"I didn't know you were doing all this!" said Delia, remorsefully, as they walked along the village street. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I think I did tell you—once or twice. But you had other things to think about."
"I hadn't!" said Delia, with angry energy. "I hadn't, you needn't make excuses for me!"
He smiled at her, a little gravely, but said nothing—till they reached a path leading to an isolated cottage—
"Here's a cripple at last!—Susy!—You here?"
For as the door opened to his knock, a lady rose from a low seat, and faced them.
Winnington grasped her by the hand.
"I thought you were already gone."
"No—they've put it off again for a week or two—no vacancy yet."
She shook hands formally with Delia. "I came to have another look at this boy. Isn't he splendid?"