“Come along, we want to see the ship sail and then it will be time to change for dinner,” said Mrs. Partridge.
Justina left them hanging over the railings as crewmen prepared to release the ropes securing the ship to the quay. Already the engines were throbbing.
She was preparing to give up her search when Mrs. Arbuthnot suddenly appeared.
“Dear Justina, I have been looking everywhere for you. You and that poor little boy have saved my precious Muffin! I can never thank you enough.”
She brought out a lace handkerchief and dabbed carefully at her eyes.
She put the handkerchief away.
“And have you heard the wonderful news of Faith and Charity’s engagements?” she asked, her face alive with delight. “My precious little girls, so happy, such lovely young men, the Colonel will be so please
