him on the following Saturday. Little Hugh was to stay at Leyton for the
present; Rhoda was to bring him down when she came for her holiday in
August.

Mrs. M'Alister did not guess how hard Rhoda found it to be cheerful as she
helped with the packing. A great load was lifted off her heart by the
ready way in which the girl had acquiesced in the new arrangements. Much
as it grieved her to part with Rhoda, she could not help looking forward
with delight to going back to the dear old farmhouse in which her
childhood had been spent. And Rhoda understood exactly how she felt. There
was no bitterness in her heart; but, brave and cheery as she was, she
dreaded to think of the lonely days that lay before her.

She did not go down to Woodcote till Thursday afternoon. Miss Merivale had
asked her to come early and spend the day, but she had written to explain
how it was that she could not spare the time; her aunt wanted her help in
packing.

The old house looked more beautiful and peaceful than ever, steeped in the
golden afternoon sunlight. Rhoda thought with a thrill of wonder of Rose's
words about her home. How could she have spoken so!

Miss Merivale was in the library, with all the windows open to the garden.
Rhoda was tremulously surprised at her greeting. She kissed her, and even
when they sat down she did not leave her hand go, but held it tight,
looking anxiously at her.

"I want you to tell me more about your aunt," she said. "I did not quite
understand your letter. You are not going to Devonshire?"