“I thought ye looked so worn when you came,” she said sympathetically.
“He had been working hard,” said Helena, also glancing at him.
He bent his head, and was whistling without making any sound.
“Ay,” sympathized the little woman. “And it’s a very short time for you. What a pity ye can’t stop for the fireworks at Cowes on Monday. They are grand, so they say.”
Helena raised her eyebrows in polite interest. “Have you never seen them?” she asked.
“No,” replied Mrs. Curtiss. “I’ve never been able to get; but I hope to go yet.”
“I hope you may,” said Siegmund.
The little woman beamed on him. Having won a word from him, she was quite satisfied.
“Well,” she said brightly, “the eggs must be done by now.”
She tripped out, to return directly.
“I’ve brought you,” she said, “some of the Island cream, and some white currants, if ye’ll have them. You must think well of the Island, and come back.”
“How could we help?” laughed Helena.
“We will,” smiled Siegmund.
When finally the door was closed on her Siegmund sat down in relief. Helena looked in amusement at him. She was perfectly self-possessed in presence of the delightful little lady.
“This is one of the few places that has ever felt like home to me,” she said. She lifted a tangled bunch of fine white currants.
“Ah!” exclaimed Siegmund, smiling at her.
