midday
` We must not leave her in the lurch , as if we cast her off , though I am afraid Constance has been very foolish in this matter . Oh , Gillian , I wish we could have made Dolores happier amongst us , and then this would not have happened . ' ` She would never let us , mamma , ' said Gillian . But Mysie , coming up close to her mother as they all went up the broad staircase to prepare for the midday meal , confessed in a grave little voice , ` Mamma , I think I have sometimes been cross to Dolly-more lately , because it has been so very tiresome . ' Lady Merrifield drew the little girl into her own room , stooped down , and kissed her , saying , ` My dear child , these things need a great deal of patience . You will have to be doubly kind and forbearing now , for she must be very unhappy , and perhaps not like to show it . You might say a little prayer for her , that God will help us to be kind to her , and soften her heart . '