"I only deferred telling them until I had talked with you, Grace.

I can't begin to tell you how much having you here has comforted me.

I feel a trifle more cheerful already.

Perhaps, after all, we have been running out to meet calamity.
To-morrow may bring us word that Tom is safe and well." Rising from her chair, Mrs.Gray embraced Grace tenderly.
"I hope so." Forcing herself to smile encouragingly down at the wan little figure beside her, Grace bent and kissed the old lady's cheek.
For a moment the two clung together, their mutual devotion deepened by their common sorrow.

Gently disengaging herself from Mrs.Gray's arms, Grace donned her hat and coat and, with a last fond word of cheer, soberly sought the door and stepped out into the starlit night.
Alone with her sorrow, her late attempt at cheerfulness fell away from her like a cloak.