"When I think of the suspense you have been in, what you have suffered from the circumstance of - And he behaved as though nothing were of the least consequence but this dreadful war!"
Barbara gave a laugh. "Is anything else of consequence? I like him for that!"
"You are made to be a soldier's wife! I was put out of all patience! Oh, Bab, that message! What can he have meant by it?"
Barbara looked at her with glinting eyes, and the lifting smile that meant danger. "I could take him away from that chit in a week. Less! A day!"
"I daresay you might: indeed, I've no doubt of it. But I wish you would not talk so."
"Do not alarm yourself. I shan't do it. If only he comes safe back he may have her - yes, and I'll smile and be glad!" Her face broke up; she cried out: "No. not that! but I won't make mischief - I promise I won't make mischief!"
Twenty minutes later Worth re-entered the room to find both ladies seated on the sofa, in companionable silence. He said in his calm way: "Take my advice, and go to bed. There is no danger tonight, but I may be obliged to convey you to the coast tomorrow. So get what rest you can now."
"Has Charles gone?" Judith asked.
"Yes - and your Sunday dinner with him."
"Oh dear! But it does not signify. I wish it would stop raining! I do not like to think of him riding all that way in this downpour!"