Mrs. Mansfield realized that the girl had not enjoyed her evening, but she was too wise to ask her why. Indeed she was not much given to the putting of intimate questions to Charmian. So she changed the subject quietly, and they were soon at home.
Twelve o'clock was striking as they entered the house. The evening, Mrs. Mansfield thought, had passed quickly. She was a bad sleeper, and seldom went to bed before one, but she never kept a maid sitting up for her.
"I'm going to read a book," she said to Charmian, with her hand on the door of the small library on the first floor, where she usually sat when she was alone.
Charmian, taller than she was, bent a little and kissed her.
"Wonderful mother!"
"What nonsense you talk; but only to me, I know!"
"Other people know it without my telling them. You jump into minds and hearts, and poor little I remain outside, squatting like a hungry child."
"And that is greater nonsense still. Come and sit up with me for a little."
"No, not to-night, you darling!"
Almost with violence Charmian kissed her again, released her, and went away up the stairs between white walls to bed.