"And you?" turning to Stephen.
He could only shake his head.
The sight of Stephen's struggle gave her fresh strength.
"Why did you not tell me, Nanna?"
"It was too difficult—I did not know." The words came with great effort.
Phebe stroked her hair with a comforting touch; they had exchanged places.
It was Stephen who fetched the cab, and when it drove up again and the limp figure with the incessant cough stepped out, he was standing on the pavement, looking a sad, solitary figure.
