Then Hilda could hear her rattling fussily at the kitchen range.

After a few minutes Hilda followed her to the kitchen, which was now nearly in darkness.

The figure of Mrs.
Lessways, still doing nothing whatever with great vigour at the range, was dimly visible.

Hilda approached her, and awkwardly touched her shoulder.
"Mother!" she demanded sharply; and she was astonished by her awkwardness and her sharpness.
"Is that you ?" her mother asked, in a queer, foolish tone.
They kissed.

Such a candid peacemaking had never occurred between them before.