Roger dropped his bomb.
"Yesterday. I went to supper with Elsbeth. We had a long talk."
His tone conveyed much. The brightness died out of Alwynne's face. She looked surprised and excessively annoyed.
"She knew you were coming?"
"She did."
"Why on earth didn't she let me know? Why, she doesn't know you! She hasn't seen you since you were a kid! It's extraordinary of Elsbeth."
"I wouldn't let her."
"Wouldn't let her?" Alwynne looked at him blankly. "Roger—I think you're cracked."
"Terse and to the point! Don't you worry. Elsbeth and I understand each other. Besides, we've been corresponding."
"You and Elsbeth?"