"You're the kindest person, Mrs. Elsmere—you're awfully, awfully, kind. But I'm going to have a jolly good time in Paris. I shall read all kinds of things—I shall go to the theatre—I shall enjoy myself famously."
"And you'll have Aunt Alice all to yourself."
Hester was silent. The lovely corners of her mouth stiffened.
"You must be very good to her, Hester," said Catharine, with entreaty in her voice. "She's not well—and very tired."
"Why doesn't she trust me?" said Hester, almost between her teeth.
"What do you mean?"
After a hesitating pause, the girl broke out with the story of the miniature.
"How can I love her when she won't trust me?" she cried again, with stormy breath.
Catharine's heart melted within her.
"But you must love her, Hester! Why, she has watched over you all your life. Can't you see—that she's had trouble—and she's not strong!"