She sat down beside her cousin and looked at her with what she meant to be a perfectly happy smile. But somewhat to Maida’s surprise the pretty mouth was quivering a little, and there was a suspicious glistening in the deep brown eyes.
“My dear child!” Maida exclaimed, impulsively, her anxiety increasing. “Can you not—”
“No, dear,” Philippa replied to the uncompleted inquiry, “I cannot explain anything. But there is nothing to be anxious about—really nothing.”
“Only tell me,” Miss Lermont persisted, “this trouble, whatever it is, or—”
“It is quite over,” said Philippa.
“Or has been, then—have you had to keep it altogether to yourself? Have you been unable to confide in any one?”
“Oh, no,” Philippa replied. “They all—at least Evey and papa and mamma—knew about it, and mamma knows everything, yes, everything. And if she had known I was to be with you, here, I daresay she would have wished me to tell you; at least I think she would have done, but—but—I am not quite sure. After all, it isn’t anything very dreadful, only it opened my eyes to my own self-will and presumption, and I don’t feel as if I ever could trust myself again.”
“Poor dear,” said Maida, tenderly. “Remember it is not the ‘thinking we stand’ that keeps us from falls. I am quite happy now I know that your mother knows it all, and whether you ever tell me the whole or not is a matter of no consequence. Put it out of your head, dear, and let us enjoy this treat—for a treat it is to me.”
“And most certainly to me, too,” said her cousin, affectionately. “I had no idea Cannes was so charming, Maida.”
“It has been an exceptionally good winter, even for Cannes,” said Miss Lermont. “Lots of people we know have been here. Almost too many sometimes, as I am so stupidly easily knocked up and mother has bustle enough at home all the year round. Now, the visitors are dropping off a little, but we know a good many of the so-called residents. That is to say, the people who have permanent houses here which they inhabit for four or five months of the year. By-the-by, Philippa, did you not see the Bertrams when you were at Dorriford?”