Chapter ThreeThe train moved out of Paddington Station.
Odela sat back in her seat and thought that things had gone far better than she had dared to hope.
When Gatesy had come into her room looking, she thought, very much the same as when she was a child, she had run forward to kiss her.
“Gatesy!” she exclaimed, “I had no idea that you were still in the house. Everybody else is a stranger.”
“Her Ladyship kept me on as she finds me useful,” Gatesy replied, “but it’s so good to see you, my Lady, ’tis indeed.”
“And I need you desperately,” Odela repeated.
She drew Gatesy by the hand across the room to where there were two comfortable armchairs near the window.
“Now sit down,” Odela suggested, “and first of all, tell me how you are.”
“I’m gettin’ old,” Gatesy replied, “and I’d like to
