But she was equally struck with the alteration in Luke. She could find nothing with which to find fault in his behaviour to Rachel. He was as thoughtful for her as before he had been negligent. "What have you done to Luke to change him so?" she asked her sister one evening, as they were sitting in the garden after supper. "I have done nothing, but you were blind." "Then if you are not the cause of his alteration I must be," said Gwen. "I believe it was the talk I had with him when I told him the truth about himself. But I must confess I never expected it to have such an effect." Rachel laughed. "You had better not remind me of your delinquencies," she said. "I don't think I ever felt more angry with anyone in my life than I did with you that day. However I have forgiven you so we will say no more about it." "One thing I can't understand," said Gwen. "What could have induced you to have that tiresome old lady to live with you? It isn't as if she were fond of you for I'm sure she rather dislikes you; that is to say if her manner to you means anything. Why did you let her come?" "I don't think she dislikes me. She has a very kind heart, but she has been ill and finds it a little difficult to be always nice. You must not blame her." "But I do blame her. Why did you have her?" "I knew it would make Luke happier. You see she was all alone in rooms in Trowsby." "I can't see why Luke should be made happy at your expense." "But you must remember that before I arrived on the scene she had Luke to herself. She is devoted to him, and must have missed him dreadfully when we left Trowsby." "Well it seems to me that my next move will have to be to tackle her, as my words take such effect. But look there's Luke. Why is he tearing down the drive on his bicycle at such a rate?" "There's a fire in the village," he shouted, and was gone before there was time to ask questions. Both girls rose. "Yes, I smell the smoke," said Gwen. "It comes from the bottom of the hill. I shall run down and see it." Rachel stood looking in the direction of the fire and had just made up her mind to follow Gwen slowly, when Mrs. Greville appeared. "I saw Luke rushing off on his bicycle," she said. "What is the matter?" "It's a fire in the village and I'm afraid it must be near those tumble down cottages in which Mrs. Simpson and Mrs. Grot live. If the fire reaches them they will burn like tinder." "Well then I shall go and see if I can't help," said Mrs. Greville. "If anyone is hurt I may be of use. I shall put a few things in my bag in readiness. I've some old linen and some carron oil," and she hurried into the house followed by Rachel, who made her way into the nursery and stood for a few minutes looking down at her sleeping boy. It was a hot evening and he had kicked off the coverlet in his sleep. Rachel kissed the tiny feet gently, holding them in her hand tenderly. Then she covered him up again.