The poor drooping plant could with difficulty maintain itself.
For the moment however, Nelly, in her vast relief, was ready to talk and think of quite ordinary matters.
'Bridget is in a good temper with me to-day!' she said presently, looking with a smile at her companion--'because--since the telegram came--I told her I would accept Miss Farrell's invitation to go and spend a Sunday with them.' 'Well, it might distract you.

But you needn't expect to get much out of Cicely!' The old face lit up with its tolerant, half-sarcastic smile.
'I shall be dreadfully afraid of her!' said Nelly.
'No need to be.

William will keep her in order.

She is a foolish woman, Cicely, and her own worst enemy, but--somehow'-- The speaker paused.

She was about to say--'somehow I am fond of her'-- when she suddenly wondered whether the remark would be true, and stopped herself.
'I think she's very--very good-looking'-- said Nelly, heartily.