Esther's face had all changed since he came in. The premature gravity and sadness was entirely dispersed; the eyes were full of beautiful light, the mouth taking a great many curves corresponding to as many alternations and shades of sympathy, and a slight colour of interest and pleasure had risen in the cheeks. If Pitt had vanity to gratify, it was gratified; but he had something better, he had a genuine kindness and liking for the little girl, which had suffered absolute pain, when he saw how his absence and silence had worked. Now the two were in full enjoyment of the old relations and the old intercourse, when the door opened, and Mrs. Barker's head appeared.
'Miss Esther, it's your time.'
'Time for what?' asked Pitt.
'It's my time for going to bed,' said Esther, rising. 'I'll come, Mrs.
Barker.'
'Queen Esther, does that woman say what you are to do and not do?' said
Pitt, in some indignation.
'Oh no; but papa. He likes me not to be up later than nine o'clock.'
'What has Barker to do with it? I think she wants putting in her place.'
'She always goes with me and attends to me. Yes, I must go,' said
Esther.
'But the colonel is not here to be disturbed.'
'He would be disturbed, if I didn't go at the right time. Good-night,
Pitt.'