‘You were smiling when I first caught sight of you,’ Letty said, after reflecting for a moment.  ‘Was it something in the book?’

Adela again smiled.

‘No, something in myself,’ she replied with an air of confidence.

‘Because you are happy, Adela?’

‘Yes, because I am happy.’

‘How glad I am to hear that, dear!’ Letty exclaimed, for the first time allowing herself to use the affectionate word.  ’You will let me be glad with you?’

Her hands stole a little forward, but Adela did not notice it; for she was gazing straight before her, with an agitated look.

’Yes, I am very happy, I have found something to do in life.  I was afraid at first that I shouldn’t be able to give my husband any help in his work; I seemed useless.  But I am learning, and I hope soon to be of real use, if only in little things.  You know that I have begun to give a tea to the children every Wednesday?  They’re not in need of food and comforts, I’m glad to say; nobody wants in New Wanley; but it’s nice to bring them together at the Manor, and teach them to behave gently to each other, and to sit properly at table, and things like that.  Will you come and see them to-day?’

‘I shall be very pleased.’

’To-day I’m going to begin something new.  After tea we shall have a reading.  Mr. Wyvern sent me a book this morning—­“Andersen’s Fairy Tales."’

’Oh, I’ve read them.  Yes, that’ll do nicely.  Read them “The Ugly Duckling,” Adela; it’s a beautiful story.  I thought perhaps you were going to read something—­something instructive, you know.’

Adela laughed.  It was Adela’s laugh still, but not what it used to be.

’No, I want to amuse them.  They get enough instruction in school.  I hope soon to give another evening to the older girls.  I wonder whether you would like to come and help me then?’

’If only you would let me!  There is nothing I should like more than to do something for you.’

‘But you mustn’t do it for me.  It must be for the girls’ sake.’

’Yes, for theirs as well, but ever so much more for yours, dear.  You can’t think how glad I am that you have asked me.’

Again the little hand was put forward, and this time Adela took it.  But she did not soften as she once would have done.  With eyes still far away, she talked for some minutes of the hopes with which her life was filled.  Frequently she made mention of her husband, and always as one to whom it was a privilege to devote herself.  Her voice had little failings and uncertainties now and then, but this appeared to come of excessive feeling.

They rose and walked from the wood together.

‘Alfred wants us to go to Malvern for a fortnight,’ Letty said, when they were near the gates of the Manor.  ’We were wondering whether you could come, Adela?’

‘No, I can’t leave Wanley,’ was the reply.  ’My husband’—­she never referred to Mutimer otherwise than by this name—­’spoke of the seaside the other day, but we decided not to go away at all.  There is so much to be done.’