"I wish I hadn't! I would give anything to have done what Bee did!" Magda spoke from the depth of her heart, and Patricia heard listlessly.
"Of course you were frightened. I dare say I should have done the same in your place. But if Bee had run too, they say I must have died. I should have been out in the hall in one second more, in the full draught—and then nothing could have saved me. I suppose I ought to have thrown myself down; but how can one remember anything at such a time? Bee was quick! Sometimes I wonder—whether—I wouldn't rather have died!" Patricia burst into tears.
"Don't cry, please," begged Magda, dismayed. "You don't really mean that, you know."
"Perhaps not, in one way. But in another way—if I'm never to be what I was—if nobody is ever to love me again—"
"People don't love one another because of their looks."
Patricia drew the little lace handkerchief petulantly from her eyes.
"Oh, don't they? I know better."
"Wouldn't it be wiser not to keep thinking about that sort of thing—just to wait till you are well again?"
"I dare say! I've nothing else to think about. If money would do it—would make me what I was—I would spend every penny I have!"
Magda thought she would try a change of topic. "Have you heard of Bee's engagement?"