“I—I have done nothing at all,” she stammered. “You know I have been living with Mrs. Burbage for five years? She’s very kind. But she’s almost an invalid, so we’re—we’re very quiet. Tell me about yourself, Hugh. Things are always happening to you.”
“Well, this has happened to me,” he returned with a laugh, slipping his arm round his wife’s shoulder. “The best thing that ever happened in my life.”
Alice drew close to him with a little nestling movement, and Anne suddenly felt a sickening pain at her heart.
“Don’t be so silly, Hugh! Any one would think we were lovers,” she declared, turning to her sister-in-law. “And we’ve been married ages. Nearly four months.”
“Well, aren’t we lovers?” demanded Hugh, shaking her. “Answer me at once. Aren’t we?”
She got up laughing, and kissed the top of his head.
“Of course we are. But don’t be silly!” she commanded. She blushed, but her eyes were bright with happiness.
“Oh never mind Anne!” said Hugh. “She’s one of the family. She doesn’t count.”
The light, kindly meant words caused Anne another strange pang. She didn’t count. Of course she didn’t count. Why should she?
“How lovely the sea is!” she exclaimed hastily. “I can’t look at it enough. You know I’ve only seen it once before.”