They had lit a fire in her room. Hester's heart warmed to her
sister-in-law at that little token of care and welcome. Minna should
have all her flowers, except one small bunch for Fraeulein. In another
moment she was ringing the bell, and Emma's smiling red face appeared
behind the glass door.
Hester ran past her into the drawing-room. Mrs. Gresley was sitting near
the fire with the old baby beside her. She returned Hester's kiss
somewhat nervously. She looked a little frightened.
The old baby, luxuriously seated in his own little arm-chair, rose, and
holding it firmly against his small person to prevent any disconnection
with it, solemnly crossed the hearth-rug, and placed the chair with
himself in it by Hester.
"You would like some tea," said Mrs. Gresley. "It is choir practice this
evening, and we don't have supper till nine."
But Hester had had tea before she started.
"And you are not cold?"
Hester was quite warm. The Bishop had ordered a foot-warmer in the
carriage for her.
"You are looking much better."
Hester felt much better, thanks.
"And what lovely flowers!"
Hester suggested, with diffidence, that they would look pretty in the
drawing-room.
"I think," said Mrs. Gresley, who had thought the same till that
instant, "that they would look best in the hall.
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