"But what will Madre think, not seeing you—us, I mean?"
Charmian looked grave.
"Yes, I know. But Madre has never come to see us here."
"Oh, Charmian, there could never be a cloud between Madre and us!"
"No, no, never! Still, why has she never come?"
"She really hates the sea. You know she has never in her life done more than cross the Channel."
"Do you think that is the reason why she has never come?"
"How can I know?"
"Claude, Madre is strange sometimes. Don't you think so?"
"Strange? She is absolutely herself. She does not take anyone else's color, if that is what you mean. I love that in her."