Joscelyn rose and went to the window . Lifting back the curtain , she stood in the splendour of the moonlight , and sang the grand old hymn . At first Aunty Nan beat time to it feebly on the counterpane ; but when Joscelyn came to the verse , `` With mercy and with judgment , '' she folded her hands over her breast and smiled . When the hymn ended , Joscelyn came over to the bed . `` I am afraid I must say good-bye now , Aunty Nan , '' she said . Then she saw that Aunty Nan had fallen asleep . She would not waken her , but she took from her breast the cluster of crimson roses she wore and slipped them gently between the toil-worn fingers . `` Good-bye , dear , sweet mother-heart , '' she murmured . Down-stairs she met Mrs. William splendid in rustling black silk , her broad , rubicund face smiling , overflowing with apologies and welcomes , which Joscelyn cut short coldly . `` Thank you , Mrs. Morrison , but I can not possibly stay longer . No , thank you , I do n't care for any refreshments . Jordan is going to take me back to Kensington at once . I came out to see Aunty Nan . '' `` I 'm certain she 'd be delighted , '' said Mrs. William effusively . `` She 's been talking about you for weeks . '' `` Yes , it has made her very happy , '' said Joscelyn gravely . `` And it has made me happy , too . I love Aunty Nan , Mrs. Morrison , and I owe her much . In all my life I have never met a woman so purely , unselfishly good and noble and true . '' `` Fancy now , '' said Mrs. William , rather overcome at hearing this great singer pronounce such an encomium on quiet , timid old Aunty Nan .
Jordan drove Joscelyn back to XXXXX ; and up-stairs in her room Aunty Nan slept , with that rapt smile on her face and Joscelyn 's red roses in her hands .
Down-stairs Jordan Joscelyn Kensington Morrison Nan William counterpane encomium splendour