"There you are," said Alwynne, with satisfaction. "That's why—you don't know her properly. Oh, Elsbeth, you must share all my good things, and Clare's the very best of them. Do let her come."
"She may be engaged; she probably is."
"Oh, no—Clare will be alone—I know, because——" she stopped herself.
Elsbeth questioned her with her eyes.
"Oh, nothing—only I happen to know," said Alwynne.
"Because?"
Alwynne shook her head mischievously.
"Oh, well, if you won't tell me——" began Elsbeth.
"Oh, I will, I will," cried Alwynne hastily.
"My dear, I don't want to know Miss Hartill's secrets, or yours either," said Elsbeth huffily. But to herself, "Why am I losing my temper over these silly trifles?"