"It is surely no laughing matter, when we are all so anxious."
"It is that very circumstance makes me laugh. We must not show craven hearts just because women cry and sob."
"But we are not doing anything of the kind."
"At heart some of you are."
"I am not for one," replied she, indignantly annoyed that he should suspect her.
"Then why ask me to stay?"
"Because you were the one who started the expedition; and if you say nay, all the rest will."
"And think me a fool for my pains. No, Frances, what needs—must. I shall not draw back now, it is not my way, as you know; I am sorry for you, if any one is going you particularly care about. I'd have my eye on him if I knew who he was, but I don't."
This to her? Frances could have wept with vexation. Was it possible he did not see it was for himself she was anxious? Perhaps she did look a little reproachfully as she replied, somewhat sorrowfully,