After a moment she got up.
"Bedtime," she said.
"Yes, yes."
Charmian kissed her mother lightly first on one eyelid then on the other.
"Dearest, it is good to be back with you."
"But you loved Algiers, I think."
"Did I? I suppose I did."
"I must get a book," said Mrs. Mansfield, going toward a bookcase.
When she turned round with a volume of Browning in her hand Charmian had vanished.
Mrs. Mansfield did not regret the silence that had saved her from Charmian's sincerity. In reply to it what could she have said to help her child toward happiness?