The idea came, just like others do.

Are you sorry ?" "The opposite.

Did the idea come whilst we were at Hastings ?" "Before that.

Do you remember my telling you that I had a letter calling me back to London ?" Waymark nodded.
"It was from the laundry, to say I could go to work as soon as I liked." "And why didn't you tell me that ?" Ida seemed about to reply, but altered her intention, and, after being silent for a moment, asked another question.
"Did you think you would ever hear from me ?" "I had given up hope." "And did you wonder what had become of me ?" "Often.

Why didn't you write before ?" "I wasn't ready." "What does that mean ?" Waymark asked, looking closely at her.
"Perhaps I shall be able to explain some day.