"That is quite so, happily," said Mrs. Mabyn. "Otherwise, I would not hear of it for a moment."
"If the Bishop's wife can stand it, certainly I can," said Natalie.
"But she is obliged to do it," said Garth.
"So am I!" said Natalie quickly.
There was an awkward pause. Garth said nothing, but his question was felt.
"Naturally you wonder what forces me to undertake such a journey," said Natalie uncomfortably.
"Couldn't I help you more intelligently if I knew?" suggested Garth.
"But I cannot tell you," she said. "That is, not yet. Believe me, it is nothing I need be ashamed of——"
"Natalie!" exclaimed Mrs. Mabyn indignantly. "Is it not I who urge you to go?"
"Yes, I am doing what will be considered a most praiseworthy thing," said Natalie with what sounded strangely like—bitterness.