Alwynne looked up at Clare with wrinkled brows.
"Poor child! But what can I do? I haven't had whooping-cough, and Elsbeth is always so afraid of infection; or else she could have come to us. I know Elsbeth wouldn't have minded."
"You are going to leave me to myself then? You've quite made up your mind?"
Alwynne's eyes lighted up.
"Oh, Clare, it's all right. You are coming! At least—I mean—Elsbeth sends her kindest regards, and she would be so pleased if you will come to dinner with us on Christmas Day," she finished politely.
Clare laughed.
"It's very kind of your aunt."
"Yes, isn't it?" said Alwynne, with ingenuous enthusiasm.
"I'm afraid I can't come, Alwynne."
Alwynne's face lengthened.