Where was he? Oh, where was he? Her heart seemed to stretch out to him with a great cry of longing, but her little face was quiet enough when presently she looked up at Feathers.
He drove on silently.
"It's been such a lovely day," Marie said. "I have enjoyed it. Thank you so much for bringing me."
"That's like a little girl coming home from a party," Feathers said. "We can have another run out any time you like."
"It's been perfectly lovely! I was so tired when we started, but it's been a beautiful rest, and I'm not tired any more."
But, all the same, when next he spoke to her she did not answer, and, looking v quickly down at her, he saw that she was asleep.
Her head had drooped forward uncomfortably, and he could see the dark lashes down-pointed on her cheek.
He slowed down a little, and slipping an arm behind her, and drew her gently back until her head rested against his shoulder.
Mrs. Heriot had said that Marie looked years older, and in his heart Feathers knew she was right, but the kindly hand of sleep seemed to have wiped the lines and shadows from her face, and it was just a child who rested there against his shoulder.