The two struggled together as far as Alice's gate, and to Annie's great relief, a tall figure appeared, Alice herself. She opened the gate and came on Margaret's other side.
“What is the matter?” she asked.
“I am going to take the ten-thirty train,” said Margaret.
“Where are you going?”
“To New York.”
“Where in New York?”
“I am going.”
“You are not going,” said Alice Mendon; “you will return quietly to your own home like a sensible woman. You are running away, and you know it.”
“Yes, I am,” said Margaret in her desperate voice. “You would run away if you were in my place, Alice Mendon.”
“I could never be in your place,” said Alice, “but if I were, I should stay and face the situation.” She spoke with quite undisguised scorn and yet with pity.