into the beautiful harbour at Southampton, and dropped anchor there.
Ursula's few possessions were quickly gathered together; she stepped alone into the bustle of the great world, where welcomes were being bandied about on every side, and every passenger seemed to have some loving friend or relative to greet him.
Not quite every one. A tall figure pushed its way towards Ursula. A strong hand possessed itself of her bag.
"I'll put you into your train," said Mr. Kelly; and she gave a little sigh of relief.
He stood at the window holding her little fingers in his big hand. He looked straight into her eyes.
"I'm glad you've got some people to go to—even if they are only cousins. I hope they'll appreciate what they have got. I'm off to Ireland. I must see the Ould Counthry first of all. But I shall be back in England before very long. When I come back, may I come and see you?"
She looked him full in the eyes. Her colour rose.
"I have never tried to thank you all this time" she began.
His big voice cut her short.
"The train is just off. I want my answer. May I come and see you by-and-by?"
