Helena's eyes too were wet; and in both
there was the memory of that night at Beechmark which had made them
sisters rather than friends.
"And of course," said Helena--"you'll stay with me for ever."
But Lucy was far too happy to think of her own future. She had made
friends--real friends--in these three months, after years of loneliness.
It seemed to her that was all that mattered. And half guiltily her
memory cherished those astonishing words--"_Mr. Alcott_ and I miss you
very much."
A drizzling rain had begun when towards eight o'clock they heard the
sound of a motor coming up the Bettws road. Lucy retreated into the inn,
while Helena stood at the gate waiting.
Buntingford waved to her as they approached, then jumped out and followed
her into the twilight of the inn parlour.
"My dear Helena!" He put his arm round her shoulder and kissed her
heartily. "God bless you!--good luck to you! Geoffrey has given me the
best news I have heard for many a long day."
"You are pleased?" she said, softly, looking at him.
He sat down by her, holding her hands, and revealing to her his own
long-cherished dream of what had now come to pass.
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