And Alwynne's eyes grew big, and she forgot all about Louise, as Clare's "loveliest voice" read out the rhyme of The River.
Yet Clare had a last word as she sent her home to Elsbeth.
"Sorry?" said Clare whimsically, as Alwynne bade her good-bye.
"I always was a fool," said Alwynne, and hugged her defiantly.
But Clare, for once, made no protest. She patted her ruffled hair as she listened to the noises of the departure.
"Too fond of me?" she said softly. "Too fond of me? Alwynne—what about you?"
But if Alwynne heard, she made no answer.