On this occasion Mrs. Oleander undertook to accompany her. They found
that refractory patient at her usual post--the window--gazing with
dreamy, empty eyes over the ceaseless sea.
Susan Sharpe was strictly on her guard; her austere face never unbent,
and Mollie took her cue once more.
"Here's your dinner miss," she said, briefly; "is there anything I can
do for you?"
"Nothing," replied Mollie, sullenly. "Only leave me alone. I never want
to see either of your ugly old faces."
She turned her back upon them as she spoke, and never turned round until
they had quitted the room.
"She's a little imp, if there ever was a little imp yet," said Mrs.
Oleander, spitefully. "Does she always treat you like that?"
"Worse, mostly," said the imperturbable Susan; "but, la! I don't mind;
I'm used to 'em."
"Do you think she'll ever get better?"
"I think it's very likely, ma'am," responded Mrs. Sharpe. "Your cross
ones are always the likeliest. But, of course, I can't say."
All that long afternoon Mollie was left quite alone. Mrs. Sharpe never
came near her.
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