"Have we really come two miles already? I never know distances in Westford."
"What was Francesca saying about Hermione?"
The question took her by surprise, for he usually shirked as far as possible all talk respecting Hermione and her doings. Julia glanced at him quickly, but failed to decipher his look.
"She was wondering what Hermione would do about East Bourne. Nobody seems to know."
"Hermione must come with us, of course. I depend upon you to arrange that."
Julia felt and looked dismayed. "But I have no power over her."
"You are the right person. Francesca has nothing to do with it."
"But I don't think either Francesca or I could turn Hermione, if she has made up her mind. She is so very determined."
"I always thought there was a spice of obstinacy—"
"Is that obstinacy? I thought it was firmness."