"And how are you?" His tone became anxious and particular. She blushed deeply, for the outbreak of which she had been guilty and which he had witnessed, then smiled diffidently.
"Oh, I'm all right."
"You look as if you wanted some fresh air—if you'll excuse me saying so."
"I haven't been out to-day, of course," she said.
"Don't you think a walk—just a breath—would do you good!"
Without allowing herself to reflect, she answered—
"Well, I ought to have gone out long ago to get some food for to-morrow, as it's Sunday. Everything's been so neglected to-day. If the doctor happened to order a cutlet or anything for Mrs. Maldon, I don't know what I should do. Truly I ought to have thought of it earlier."
She seemed to be blaming herself for neglectfulness, and thus the enterprise of going out had the look of an act of duty. Her sensations bewildered her.
"Perhaps I could walk down with you and carry parcels. It's a good thing it's Saturday night, or the shops might have been closed."
She made no answer to this, but stood up, breathing quickly.