Hugh was not disconcerted, as it happened, but answered:
"Well, what if it is? We're all in the same boat it strikes me. One likes one sort of ease, and another sort; but there isn't much to choose between us."
"Thank you," laughed Alice, who was a little ashamed of her home truth; "but my idea of comfort isn't like yours, Hugh."
"What is yours, Alice?" asked John.
"A warm fire and an interesting book," said Alice promptly.
"Like yesterday," said Hugh, whose memory was often inconvenient.
"Like yesterday," assented Alice soberly, remembering something about that which Hugh knew nothing of.
"I hope you will all be ready in time for church," said John, "for I mean to start whether you are or not. Agnes will be sure to be ready."
Agnes acknowledged the compliment with a smile, but candour forced her to add, "I'm afraid I'm not always ready."
Then they rose from the table, and Agnes stood hesitating for a moment, while the colour mounted into her face.