Nothing that they could say would change her decision, and they were vaguely troubled by it, feeling that she had erected between herself and them some barrier of reserve which they could not break down.
Sophie voiced this in a worried way when Bettina had gone up to pack the little bag which Anthony was to convey with her precious self to Miss Matthews. "Perhaps I shouldn't have said so much, but when she came she seemed so unconscious of the dreadfulness and danger that I'm afraid I scolded a bit."
"She's such a child! Do you think she will ever grow up?"
"Of course. Diana feels that she has many womanly qualities——"
Anthony, standing by the window, fixed his eyes steadily on the blue distance as he asked:
"What do you hear—from Diana?"
"I've a letter." Sophie rummaged among the papers on her desk. "And there's a bit at the end that will please you—you know Diana and her enthusiasms——"
"Yes, I know——"
His head was still turned away as she opened the thick folded sheets.
"Shall I read it to you?"