'Why, I don't think she seems very well. I didn't want her to go to
work this morning, but she couldn't make up her mind to stay at
home. The hot weather makes her restless.'

'It's dreadful tryin'!' sighed Mrs. Bower.

'But I really mustn't stay, and that's the truth.' She rose from her
chair. 'Where do you think I've been, Mary? Mrs. Isaacs sent round
this morning to ask if I could give her a bit of help. She's going
to Margate on Monday, and there we've been all the afternoon
trimming new hats for herself and the girls. She's given me a
shilling, and I'm sure it wasn't worth half that, all I did. You'll
come tomorrow, Mary?'

'I will if--you know what?'

'Now did you ever know such a girl!' Lydia exclaimed, looking round
at the others. 'You understand what she means, Mrs. Bower?'

'I dare say I do, my dear.'

'But I can't promise, Mary. I don't like to leave Thyrza always.'

'I don't see why she shouldn't come too,' said Mary. Lydia shook her
head.

'Well, you come at four o'clock, at all events, and we'll see all
about it. Good-bye, grandad.'

She hurried away, throwing back a bright look as she passed into the