‘To go on as before?’ exclaimed Gillian, with an interrogative sigh of wonder.

‘If that notice of dismissal can be revoked,’ said Kalliope.

But would you like it—–­must you?’

‘I should like to go back to my girls,’ said Kalliope; ’and things come into my head, now I am doing nothing, that I want to work out, if I might.  So, you see, it is not at all a pity that I must.’

And why is it must?’ said Gillian wistfully.  ’You have to get well first.’

Yes, I know that; but, you see, there are Maura and Petros.  They must not be thrown on Alexis, poor dear fellow!  And if he could only be set free, he might go on with what he once hoped for, though he thinks it is his duty to give all that entirely up now and work obediently on.  But I know the longing will revive, and if I only could improve myself, and be worth more, it might still be possible.’

‘Only you must not begin too soon and work yourself to death.’

‘Hardly after such a rest,’ said Kalliope.  ’It is not work I mind, but worry’—–­and then a sadder look crossed her for a moment, and she added, ‘I am so thankful.’

‘Thankful?’ echoed Gillian.

’Yes, indeed!  For Sir Jasper’s coming and saving us at that dreadful moment, and my being able to keep up as long as dear mamma wanted me, and then Mrs. Halfpenny being spared by dear Lady Merrifield to give me such wonderful care and kindness, and little Theodore being so happily placed, and this rest—–­such a strange quiet rest as I never knew before.  Oh! it is all so thankworthy’—–­and the great tears came to dim her eyes.  ’It seems sent to help me to take strength and courage for the future.  “He hath helped me hitherto."’

‘And you are better?’

‘Yes, much better.  Quite comfortable as long as I am quite still.’

‘And content to be still?’

‘Yes, I’m very lazy.’

It was a tired voice, and Gillian feared her half-hour was nearly over, but she could not help saying—–­

’Do you know, I think it will be all nicer now.  Mr. White is doing so much, and Mr. Stebbing hates it so, that Mrs. Stebbing says he is going to dissolve the partnership and go away.’

‘Then it would all be easier.  It seems too good to be true.’

‘And that man Mr. White.  He must do something for you!  He ought.’

’Oh no!  He has done a great deal already, and has not been well used.  Don’t talk of that.’

’I believe he is awfully rich.  You know he is building an Institute for the workmen, and a whole row of model cottages.’

’Yes, Alexis told me.  What a difference it will make!  I hope he will build a room where the girls can dine and rest and read, or have a piano; it would be so good for them.’

‘You had better talk to him about it.’

‘I never see him, and I should not dare.’

’I’ll tell my aunts.  He always does what Aunt Ada tells him.  Is that really all you wish?’