"But why on earth trouble a stranger? I dislike the idea."
"There are some human beings who are never strangers. Suffering unites people. Hadassah Ireton has suffered."
Freddy knocked the ash from his cigarette. A lump had risen up in his throat.
"What are you going to ask her to do?" Meg did not know the pain her words had given him; he spoke huskily.
"She's going to advise me what to do." Meg raised herself from her reclining position. "She will help me, if Michael's ill, Freddy."
"I don't suppose he is—I think we'd have heard."
"I think that's why we haven't heard," Margaret said quickly.
Freddy remained silent. He thought otherwise. He had a man's knowledge of men. If Millicent Mervill was with him, he did not for one moment believe that even Mike would be proof against such temptation.
"If he is ill," Meg said, "the Iretons will find out. They are in such close touch with native life. Anyhow, they understood Mike and I want to see them."
Meg's last words were a little cry. Freddy could only feel pity for her, although her words stung him. She must actually go from him to strangers for the sympathy she needed.