“She’s in a cheerful mood, anyhow,” said Mrs. Heywood, smiling.
Herbert answered her gloomily.
“Horribly cheerful.”
The mother and son looked toward the door as Clare came in. There was a noticeable change in her appearance since the evening At Home. There was more color in her cheeks and the wistfulness had gone out of her eyes. She was brisk, keen and bright.
“Well, mother,” she said, “been having a nap?”
“Oh, no, dear,” said the old lady, who never admitted that she made a habit of naps.
“Hulloh, Herbert,” said Clare. “Have you got that new post yet?”
“No,” said Herbert. “And I don’t expect I shall get it.”
“Oh, yes, you will, dear old boy. Don’t you worry! Have you been home long?”
“Seems like a lifetime.”