"Grace will be able to tell us," said Miss Delmege, not without a tinge of acrimony in her voice. "It does seem so quaint, her going to and from Plessing in Miss Vivian's car, like this, every day. It somehow makes me howl with laughter." She gave a faint, embittered snigger, and Miss Henderson and Mrs. Potter exchanged glances. "I hear the car now," said Mrs. Bullivant. "She'll be cold. I'll get another cup, and give her some tea before she goes over to the office. I do hope she's got Miss Vivian's authority for me to find a new servant." They heard her outside in the hall, making inquiry, and Grace's voice answering in tones of congratulation. "Yes, it's quite all right. I asked Miss Vivian most particularly, and told her what a lot of work there was, and she said, Get some one as soon as you could. I came here before going to the office so as to tell you at once." "Well, that _was_ nice of you, dear, and now you shall have a nice cup of hot tea before you go out again. Just a minute." "I'll fetch it, Mrs. Bullivant. Don't you bother." "It's all right, dear, only a cup and saucer wanted; the rest is all ready." In a few minutes Grace came into the sitting-room carefully carrying the cup and saucer. When she saw Miss Delmege she said in a pleased way: "Oh, I'm so glad you're better. Miss Vivian asked after you. She was up herself this afternoon, and looking much better." "And how's her father?" "They are much happier about him since he recovered consciousness. He can talk almost quite well, and Dr. Prince is quite satisfied about him. And they've got a nurse at last. You know, they couldn't get one for love or money; none of the London places had any to spare." "I should have thought they could get one from one of the Questerham hospitals." "I think Lady Vivian meant to, if everything else failed, but Miss Vivian didn't think it a very good plan; she was afraid the hospitals couldn't spare any one, I suppose, and, anyhow, most of the people there are only V.A.D.'s." "And is there any hope of seeing her back at the office?" asked Mrs. Potter, rather faintly. "I don't know," replied Grace thoughtfully. "You see, poor Sir Piers may remain at this stage indefinitely, or may have another stroke any time. They don't really know...." "And Miss Vivian goes on with the work just the same!" ejaculated Miss Henderson. "She really is a marvel." "I'm sure she'd come to the office if it wasn't for poor Lady Vivian," said Miss Delmege. "But I know her mother depends on her altogether. I don't suppose she could leave her, not as things are now."