"Well, do just as you like, of course. I think I shall get hold of some friend to join forces with me, if you're sure you won't come...."
"Quite sure, Barbara," said Alex tremulously. She felt less afraid of her sister at the other end of the telephone.
She went and saw Barbara off the following week, and Barbara said carelessly:
"Good-bye, Alex. You look a shade better, I think. On the whole you're wiser to stay where you are—I'm sure you need quiet, and when once the rush begins for Pam's wedding, you'll never get a minute's peace. Are you staying on when they get back?"
"I'm not sure," faltered Alex.
"You may be wise. Well, come down to my part of the world if you want economy—and to feel as though you were out of London. Good-bye, dear."
Alex was surprised, and rather consoled, to hear Barbara alluding so lightly to the possibility of her seeking fresh quarters for herself. Perhaps, after all, they all thought it would be the best thing for her to do. Perhaps there was no need to feel guilty and as though her intentions must be concealed.
But Alex, dreading blame or disapproval, or even assurances that the scheme was unpractical and foolish, continued to conceal it.
She wrote and told Violet that she had decided that it would be too expensive to go abroad with Barbara. Might she stay on in Clevedon Square for a little while?
But she had secretly made up her mind to go and look for rooms or a boarding-house in Hampstead, as Barbara had suggested. As usual, it was only by chance that Alex realized the practical difficulties blocking her way.