Grace knew too well the nameless being alluded to, however feebly disguised by the use of the plural. "Couldn't you get away to the station?" she asked hastily. "Well, dear, I would, but really, with so many others there--to tell you the truth, _that_ Miss Marsh is beginning to get on my nerves a bit. Besides, you see, if I went off early, Miss Vivian might think it rather strange." On this unanswerable reason, Grace took a cordial farewell of Miss Vivian's unalterably loyal remaining secretary. At the station Tony and Mrs. Potter hailed her eagerly. "We got down early, but the others are coming. There's an awful crowd, dear; better hurry." Grace, in obedience to their urgings, purchased her ticket, while Mrs. Potter looked after the luggage and Tony took possession for her of a corner seat facing the engine. "Here you are, and remember," said Mrs. Potter earnestly, "that you can get a cup of nice hot tea at the Junction. There'll be plenty of time; I found out on purpose." "Thank you very much," said Grace gratefully. She stood at the window, and presently Tony and Mrs. Potter were joined by several other members of the staff, all hurried, but eager to take an affectionate farewell of Gracie. "Marsh ought to be here--can't think why she isn't. She was tearing about like mad so as to get off in time," said Miss Plumtree. "That girl will come into heaven late," Miss Henderson prophesied, and looked gratified when her neighbour emitted a faint, shocked exclamation. "Give her my love if she's too late, and say I'm so very sorry," said Grace. "You'll be off in a minute now." "Mind you come back next month all right. We'll come down and meet you." "I should like that so much. I shall look out on this very platform for you all." "Oh, Gracie! shall we any of us ever see this awful platform without thinking of those troop-trains and the ghastly weight of the trays?" "Never!" said Grace with entire conviction. "There's the whistle--you're off now." "And here's Marsh--she'll just do it. Look at her!" Grace hung out of the window, and saw the ever tardy Miss Marsh hastening up the crowded platform, making free use of her elbows. "I started too late--that wretched Delmege pretended I was wanted--so sorry, Gracie dear. Mind you write." "Yes, yes. And please do all write to me when you have time, and tell me all your news. And we'll meet again next month, as soon as I get back." The train was moving now, and only the panting and energetic Miss Marsh hastened along beside it, her hand on the carriage window. "Good-bye, good-luck. I shall miss you dreadfully in our room. Don't be surprised if you hear that Delmege and I have had words together; that girl simply gets on my nerves." "Stand back there, please." "Good-bye, Gracie!" "Good-bye." Grace stood at the window and waved to the little group until the blue uniforms were lost to sight and only the flutter of Tony's handkerchief was still visible.