"But you told me—you told me you were giving yourself up to it. You said that was why you couldn't see us."
"It was why. Do sit down, Milly."
They sat down, still staring at each other. Agatha faced the window, so that the light ravaged her.
Milly went on. "That was why I left you alone. I thought you were going on. You said you wouldn't let him go; you promised me you'd keep on ..."
"I did keep on, till ..."
But Milly had only paused to hold down a sob. Her voice broke out again, clear, harsh, accusing.
"What were you doing all that time?"
"Of course," said Agatha, "you're bound to think I let you down."
"What am I to think?"
"Milly—I asked you not to think it was me."