Nancy was simply choking with impatience.
“I mean to say, they are so proud they won’t or can’t ever give in to each other.”
“Stubborn,” suggested Nancy. “I’m that way sometimes.”
“And brother and sister,” sighed Miss Townsend. “I never could believe that Elmer, my own brother, could, be so—unreasonable.”
“Why, what’s the matter?” Nancy spoke up. “You seem so unhappy.”
“Unhappy is no name for it, I’m wretched.” The distress shown on Miss Townsend’s face was now unmistakable. Nancy forgot even the unwashed breakfast dishes.
“Can I help you?” she asked kindly.
“Yes, you can. What I want is to come in here sometimes—”
“Why, if you’re lonely for your old place,” interrupted Nancy.
“It isn’t that. In fact I just can’t explain,” said Miss Townsend, picking up her hand bag, nervously. “But I’m no silly woman. We’ve agreed to sell this place to your mother and I’m the last person in the world to make a nuisance of myself.”