Mrs. Ramsay's childlike eyes widened with dismay.
"It would be no trouble—none whatever. So I hope you will not hesitate. Invalids need to be amused; and I would do my best. A little cheerful talk, you know—"
If she had known how Pressford loathed "talk."
"Thanks! It is most kind. Oh, what pretty flowers!"
"Then you will let me appear, some time this afternoon."
"I'm afraid not yet. They have to be kept so quiet."
"I assure you, my dear, I am most quiet. I know so well the need. The least stir—the smallest creak—in certain states become agonising. Simply agonising! I know too well from experience. But you may depend upon me. So if I might look in this afternoon—"
"I'm afraid we must not think of it at present. Thanks very much, all the same."
"Really! I am sorry. It would give you a short rest. Well,—if it must not be—By the bye, is dear Doris with you this morning?"
"I've not seen her to-day."