Part 27 (2/2)
CHAPTER XV
A LENT MOTHER
Mrs. Procter was in the dining-room arranging the shelves of her small sideboard when she heard sounds betokening the children's return.
They entered the dining-room, Suzanna leading a small stranger by the hand, Maizie and Peter behind.
”Mother,” began Suzanna at once, ”David, the gardener, took the dog and we brought this little girl home to see you.”
Mrs. Procter looked questioningly at Daphne, who stood close to Suzanna's protecting arm.
”Stay with Maizie a moment, Daphne,” said Suzanna, ”while I tell my mother something.” Daphne smiled and did as she was told, and Suzanna went close to Mrs. Procter. In a low tone she said: ”Daphne's mother went far away awhile ago, and I'm telling this to you in a low voice because Daphne cried when we asked her where her mother was. I brought her home so she could remember how beautiful a mother is.”
In an instant the tears sprang to Mrs. Procter's eyes. She went quickly to Daphne, and lifted the little girl.
”Sit down in a rocking chair with her,” said Suzanna, ”and hold her close up to you. And then when she's cuddled down, look at her like you do at our babies.”
Mrs. Procter obeyed. Daphne nestled close. ”Her father knows my father, Mrs. Procter,” said Suzanna.
Mrs. Procter looked up quickly at this new mode of address. Suzanna explained.
”Daphne,” she said, going close and looking down at the contented little face, ”I'm giving you a share in my mother while you're here today. I give over the part I own in her to you, and I shall call her Mrs.
Procter whenever you visit us.”
”But you can't give away even your part in your very own mother,”
protested Maizie.
”But I have done so, haven't I?”
”Does just saying so make a thing true?” Maizie asked.
”If you say so and live up to it,” Suzanna returned.
”Well, anyway,” said Maizie, ”mother's not cuddling Daphne because she wants to; only because she's sorry for her.”
”What do you mean?” asked Mrs. Procter. ”I like little Daphne, too, and I'm glad she's come to visit us.”
”But you know, mother,” said Maizie, ”you only find time to cuddle your own babies. And you stop just as soon as they can walk around.”
”Mrs. Procter cuddles all children in her heart,” said Suzanna loyally.
”She'd wear her arms out if she cuddled all of us all the time.”
Maizie didn't answer that. But when little Daphne finally left Mrs.
Procter's sheltering clasp and went away to play with the children, Maizie still hovered about her mother.
<script>