"As if—?"
"I don't know. I shouldn't think she was well."
Fulvia had ceased to sew, and was gently pricking her finger with the needle.
"She has been a long time away."
"Heaps of time. I never knew her do such a thing before. And staying with one old maiden lady all the while. It must have been awfully slow. She says she's going to be awfully busy at home now—lots of parish work. I shall go and see her. I like Ethel."
"She is nice enough."
"Nigel used to be awfully fond of Ethel. He never speaks of her now."
"Are you going to help me with this work, Daisy?"
Daisy sauntered away, and Fulvia sat idly, with bent head, thinking. A sound made her glance up, and Nigel stood in front.
Fulvia sprang to meet him, with exclamation and glow of delight, her whole face changing. "But what has brought you home now? Is anything wrong?"