Carolyn's face had been gradually growing white. She now walked away, following the wall and staring out towards the ocean.
Prudence leaned forward on the wall, her arms extended over the thick green of the creeper that covered the stones. There was some new light in her eyes, but it was not easy to tell what that light meant.
When Carolyn returned she met her gaze with frankness, and said:
"Caro, what is it you want to say to me? You haven't said it yet."
"No, I haven't. I'm trying to ask you a question."
"Go on."
But the other girl still seemed to find extreme difficulty in saying what was in her mind. Finally she asked:
"Are you going to try to win Rodney back to you?"
There was something deeply piteous in Carolyn's lovely face as she spoke; a pain, a hope and doubt which made the tears rise to the eyes of her companion.
"You dear little thing!" cried Prudence. "How ridiculous you are! I couldn't do it if I tried."