Nance's gaze, wise in its very youthfulness, met hers unflinchingly.
"I care for him like I care for you, Clo. And I've cared for you always."
Clodagh drew a long breath.
"Then I am satisfied. I shall not keep you from happiness." With a quiet movement she bent forward and kissed the soft hair above Nance's forehead.
After this seal of love, both were silent for a minute or two; then Nance spoke again, her lashes lowered, her fingers twisted tightly about her sister's.
"Clo, doesn't it seem wonderful that he should care for me—he, who is so bright and clever and rich? But I've been lucky in everything, haven't I? I haven't liked to say it before, but wasn't it awfully kind—awfully good of James——?"
Clodagh half withdrew her hand. In the surprising news that Nance had given her, she had forgotten the confession she had still to make.
"Clo, wasn't it awfully kind of him?"
Clodagh did not answer at once; and when she did so, her voice was strained.
"—To leave you that money? That thousand pounds?"