'Very well—and happy.'
'And happy,' repeated Jane with a tinge of disappointment in her voice. 'Come inside; the light here is too strong.'
'How the mint smells!' said Mrs. Jose.
'Yes.'
'And the young elder-shoots.'
'Yes.'
Jane led the way within, and the change to the shade of the room was grateful.
She signed to her visitor to be seated, but did not take a chair herself. She held a stocking three parts knitted in one hand, in the other a pin. She did not seat herself; she was restless and impatient.
'What is it?' she asked. 'I know there is something that you have to say which is not easy for you to speak. Had it been good news, it would have come forth already.'
'Really the letter I have received is to you or about you. But as you cannot read, it is addressed to me.'