"In London," Hilda was about to answer, but she took thought. "Oh! Brighton." It was a lie.
She had a longing to say:
"No, not Brighton! What am I thinking of? I got it in London on my honeymoon!"
What a unique sensation that one word would have caused! But she could not find courage to utter it.
Alicia came importantly in.
"Mother's love, and you are to go into her room as soon as you're ready. Martha will bring up a tray for you, and you'll eat there by the fire. It's all arranged."
"And what about father's love?" Hilda demanded, with a sprightliness that astonished herself. And she thought: "Why are these people so fond of me? They don't even ask how it was I didn't write to tell them I was coming. They just accept me and welcome me without questions.... No! I can never tell them! It simply couldn't be told, here! If they find out, so much the worse!"
"You must ask him!" Alicia answered, blushing.
"All right, Alicia. We'll be ready in a minute or two," said Janet in a peculiar voice.
It was a gentle command to Alicia to leave her elders alone to their adult confidences. And unwilling Alicia had to obey.