"I'm not," said Clare coolly. "At the same time——"
Alwynne braced herself. She knew the tone.
"—I don't like any one about me with a secret grief and a pale, courageous smile. I can't stand a martyr."
"I'm not!" Alwynne was wincing. Then, suddenly: "What has Elsbeth been saying? Honestly, I didn't know she'd noticed anything."
"What is the matter?" said Clare again, gently enough. "Tell me, silly child!"
Alwynne shrugged her shoulders.
"Nothing! Just life!"
Clare waited.
"I'm sorry if I've been horrid—" she paused—"to Elsbeth."
Clare opened her eyes.