“She’s my sister. Part of her burden must be mine. Nor have I any excuse to offer for her. Some people look through a window and see God’s sunshine, while others see only the spots on the window-pane. We are as we’re made, they say—but some of us have got a deal of re-making to do before we’re perfected.”
“Don’t worry.” Unconsciously Ann sought to comfort him in the same familiar, everyday language which he himself had used to her. “Don’t worry one bit. I’ve no feeling of ill-will towards Miss Caroline. It’s just her way—one can’t help one’s way of looking at things, you know”—quaintly. “And I’m quite, quite sure she never meant any harm.”
“So that’s the way you look at things?” He smiled down at her, his eyes very luminous and tender. “Thank you, Ann, for the way you look at things—the plucky, generous, splendid way.”
And when he had gone Ann was conscious of a warm glow round about her heart—that gladdening glow of comfort and thanksgiving which the spontaneous, ardent loyalty of real friends can bring even to the heaviest heart.
CHAPTER XXVI ENLIGHTENMENT
“I’ve turned up again like a bad penny, you see.”
Brett, ushered into the living-room at the Cottage by a very depressed-looking Maria, made the announcement with his usual debonair assurance.
“So I see,” replied Ann, shaking hands without enthusiasm. “How are you?”