There was the ghost of a flicker in Joanna's voice.
"She'll be a comfort to you."
"Yes, indeed she will. The difference of age hasn't prevented our being friends."
"And—and you'll look after her?"
"I hope so. At all events, I shan't allow her to do any nursing of wounded, since we know the unfortunate effect that the sight of blood has upon her."
Joanna was laughing outright now.
"Oh, did she tell you?"
"Yes."
"I think that was the first time she and I ever had any real conversation."
"Was it? It was rather talented of you, in the circumstances."