There was no doubt that the old lady was as much astonished as she was distressed.
"But, I don't understand! I thought, of course, that you were going to stay on a bit, at least until we know about Roger!"
Esther felt awkward, uncertain what to say.
"It's quite all right, Miss Clifford. Your sister-in-law doesn't think there's any good keeping me on. She told me half an hour ago."
In spite of her efforts her eyes met the old lady's honest ones for a second. Then the old lady shook her head helplessly, looking both embarrassed and regretful.
"If only it were my house, my dear," she faltered uncomfortably. "Of course you know how I felt about it. I took it for granted … besides, we looked upon you more as a friend than as a mere nurse, you know that. Roger will be dreadfully upset when he hears."
"Never mind, I shall hope to see you very soon. I'm not leaving Cannes just yet. I shall ring up to-morrow to inquire how you all are."
"Yes, please do!"
Miss Clifford took her hand and gave it a squeeze, troubled frown wrinkling her forehead.
"I wish I knew what to do about Roger. I am sure he has kept going by sheer will power and obstinacy. I am so afraid I shall have all the same dreadful uncertainty over again, just as I did with poor Charles."