Sabina readily guessed the complex thoughts which kept the listener silent after she had finished, and sat quietly without more speech until Jenny chose to answer her.  That no direct antagonism appeared was a source of comfort.  Unconsciously Sabina felt happier for the presence of the other, though as yet she had heard no consoling word.  Miss Ironsyde regarded her thoughtfully; then she rose and rang the bell.  Sabina’s heart sank for she supposed that she was to be immediately dismissed, and that meant defeat in a quarter very dangerous.  But her mind was set at rest, for Jenny saw the fear in her eyes.

“I’m ringing for tea,” she said.  “I will ask you to stop and drink a cup with me.  You’ve had a long walk.”

Then came tears; but Sabina felt such weakness did not become her and smothered them.

“Thank you, gratefully, Miss Ironsyde,” she said.

Tea was a silent matter, for Jenny had very little to say.  Her speech was just and kind, however.  It satisfied Sabina, whose only concern was justice now.  She had spoken first.

“I think—­I’m sure it’s only some hitch in Mr. Raymond’s mind.  He’s been so wonderful to me—­so tender and thoughtful—­and he’s such a gentleman in all he does and says, that I’m sure he never could dream of going back on his sacred word.  He wants to marry me.  He’ll never tell you different from that.  But he cannot realise, perhaps, the need—­and yet I won’t say that neither, for, of course, he must realise.”

“Say nothing more at all,” answered Jenny.  “You have said everything there was to say and I’m glad you have come to me and told me about it.  But I’m not going to say anything myself until I’ve seen my nephew.  You are satisfied that he will tell me the truth?”

“Yes, I am.  Don’t think I don’t trust him.  Only if there’s something hidden from me, he might explain to you what it is, and what I’ve done to anger him.”

Miss Ironsyde did not lack experience of men and could have thrown light on Sabina’s problem; but she had not the heart.  She began to suspect it was the girl’s own compliance and his easy victory that had made Raymond weary before the reckoning.  There is nothing more tasteless than paying after possession, unless the factors combine to make the payment a pleasure and possession an undying delight.  Miss Ironsyde indeed guessed at the truth more accurately than she knew; but her sympathies were entirely with Sabina and it was certain that if Raymond, when the time came, could offer no respectable and sufficient excuse for a change of mind, he would find little support from her.

Of her intentions, however, she said nothing, nor indeed while Sabina drank a cup of tea had Miss Ironsyde anything to say.  She was not unsympathetic, but she was guarded.

“I will see Raymond to-morrow without fail,” she said when Sabina departed.  “I share your belief, Miss Dinnett, that he is a truthful and straightforward man.  At least I have always found him so.  And I feel very sure that you are truthful and straightforward too.  This will come right.  I will give you one word of advice, if I may, and ask one question.  Does anybody know of your engagement except my nephew and myself?”