An emotion such as had never shaken Miss Vivian out of her self-possession before, moved her suddenly now. "Do you really mean that, Brucey? Would you leave my mother, and the work which she would certainly find for you here, and come and look after me in Questerham? I do know that I'm difficult sometimes, and--and I can't promise you always to come in punctually to dinner, but it would make all the difference in the world to have you there." Miss Bruce's allegiance to Char dated from many years back, and needed no strengthening--was, indeed, beyond it; but henceforward, come what might, she would never forget that Miss Vivian had said that it made all the difference in the world to have her there. "I will come whenever you like, and wherever you go, and I will look after you as much as you'll let me," she said tearfully. There was a silence before Char remarked practically: "You'll have to arrange it with my mother, Brucey. I don't want her to think that you're deserting her for me." It was difficult to see how Lady Vivian could possibly think anything else, but the uplifted Miss Bruce knew no qualms of spirit. "I'll tell her myself, my dear, and I know she'll understand. She'll be only too glad that you should have somebody with you. Indeed, she does care, very, very much, if you'll let me say so; but all that's passed has--" "I know, I know! It all makes it the more impossible for me to stay here with her and at the same time try to carry on the work." "Then you won't consider the idea of making this place into a hostel?" "I've already said that it's out of the question." Quite evidently, the Director of the Midland Supply Depôt was herself again. She rose, and was meekly followed by Miss Bruce into the hall, where sat Lady Vivian and Captain Trevellyan. "Mother, I'm going to bed," said Char calmly. "With regard to your scheme of making this place into a hostel, by the way, I'm afraid it wouldn't answer. I'm most grateful to you, but as Director of the Midland Supply Depôt, I must refuse the offer." Joanna shrugged her shoulders. "Then, my dear, as Director of the Midland Supply Depôt, I'm afraid you must go on living uncomfortably in rooms, since I suppose you won't want to stay here when the place is full of convalescent soldiers." "Not in the circumstances," said Char gravely. Miss Bruce advanced valiantly. "I have told Miss Vivian that I'm quite sure that you--you will see your way to letting me go and be of what use I can to her in Questerham, Lady Vivian." "Leave Plessing?" Lady Vivian's voice held surprise only, but the unfortunate Miss Bruce was again obliged to struggle with divided feelings. She gazed miserably round, but Captain Trevellyan returned her look with one of unmistakable reproach, and Char was fixing her eyes persistently upon the fire. And then reassurance came to her from Joanna's voice, unusually gentle.