came to her lips. Bice had never in her life looked so
near that beauty which she considered as so serious a necessity. She was
flushed with the movement, her fine light figure, too light and slight
as yet for the full perfection of feminine form, was the very
impersonation of youth. She flew, she did not glide nor run--her elastic
foot spurned the floor. She was like a runner in a Greek game. Lucy
stood breathless between admiration and pleasure and alarm, as the
animated figure turned and came fast towards her in its airy career.
Little Tom perceived his mother as they came up. He was still more
daring than his bearer. He detached himself suddenly from Bice's
shoulder, and with a shout of pleasure threw himself upon Lucy. The
oracle had spoken. It almost brought her to her knees indeed, descending
upon her like a little thunderbolt, catching her round the throat and
tearing off with a hurried clutch the lace upon her dress; while the
flying steed, suddenly arrested, came to a dead stop in front of her,
panting, blushing, and disconcerted. "There was no fear," she cried,
with involuntary self-defence, "I held him fast." Bice forgot even in
the surprise how wildly she stood with her hair floating, and the scarf
in her hand still knotted round the baby's waist.

"There was no danger, my lady. I was watching every step; and it do
Master Tom a world of good," cried the nurse, coming to the rescue.

"Why should you think I am afraid?" said Lucy. "Don't you know I am most
grateful to you for being so kind to him? and it was pretty to see you.
You looked so bright and strong, and my boy so happy."

"Miss is just our salvation, my lady," said the nurse; "these wet days
when we can't get out, I don't know what I should do without her. Master
Tom, bless him, is always cross when he don't get no air; but once set
on Miss' shoulder he crows till it do your heart good to hear him," the
woman cried.

Bice stood with the colour still in her face, her head thrown back a
little, and her breath coming less quickly. She laughed at this
applause. "I like it," she said. "I like him; he is my only little
companion. He is pleased when he sees me."

This went to Lucy's heart. "And so are we all," she said; "but you will
not let me see you. I am often alone, too. If you will come and--and
give me your company----"

Bice gave her a wistful look; then shook her head.

"I know you do not wish for us here; and why should you?" she said.