She had not understood then what it was, but now she knew that it was the awakening of her love for him.
There was a sudden knock at the door and one of the maids stood there.
“Excuse me, miss, but there be a woman downstairs who says the Mistress told ’er to call this evenin’.”
“Oh, but I know who it is!” Gretna exclaimed. “It’s the mother of the little boy who was begging from us this afternoon. Mistress Fitzherbert spoke to him and, when she found that he was one of six children, she told him to send his mother here this evening and she would have something to give them.”
“Shall I tell the Mistress the woman is ’ere?” the maid asked.
“Not on any account!” Gretna exclaimed. “She is asleep and must not be disturbed. I know where the things are. We have them ready and cook was asked t
