Mrs. Sixsmith squeezed her hand.

“My poor child,” she said, “I fear you’ve had a shock.”

“It’s over now.”

“I’m so glad.”

“You’ve been very good.”

“Not at all. You interest me.”

“Why?”

“Why? Why?... I’m sure I can’t say why! But directly I saw you....”

“It’s simply wonderful.”

“You marched in here for all the world like some great coquette.”