“God be praised!” she said. “He has gone out of my life. I am a clean woman again.” At that moment Mrs. Heywood entered. “Must you go out again, Clare?” said the old lady.
“Only for a little while, mother,” said Clare, a little breathless after her emotion.
“Is anything the matter, dear?” said Mrs. Heywood. “You look rather flustered.”
“Oh, nothing is the matter!” said Clare. “Only I am very happy.”
Mrs. Heywood smiled at her.
“It makes me happy to see you so well and bright,” she said.
“I don’t get on your nerves so much, eh, mother?”
She laughed quietly.
“Well, I must go and tidy my hair.”
She moved toward the bedroom, but stopped to pack up her letters.