"Yes. I've had a cable from India. My wife is no better, and I'm going out to bring her home."
"I'm sorry she's no better," said Nan mechanically.
He murmured a formal word of thanks and then once more the dreadful silence hemmed them round. A hesitating knock sounded on the door and, after a moment's discreet delay, Sandy's freckled face peered round the doorway.
"I'm afraid you must leave now, Mallory, if you're to catch the up train," he said apologetically. "Kitty is here, waiting to drive you to the station."
Together they all three went out into the drive where Kitty was sitting behind the wheel of the car, Eliza perched skittishly on the rubbered step, talking with her. Aunt Eliza's opinion of "that red-headed body" had altered considerably during the course of the last year.
"And mind an' look in on your way back," she insisted.
Kitty nodded.
"I will. I want to talk to Nan."
"Ye'll no' be too hard on her?" besought Eliza.
Kitty laughed.