"Leave me to get over it." She stifled the sobs that broke from her.

Still on her knees, she looked up, shuddering.

A ghastly smile distorted her lips.

"Ah, what fools we are!" she said.

"Where is that lavender water, my dear--your favourite remedy for a burning head ?" She found the bottle before Carmina could help her, and soaked her handkerchief in the lavender water, and tied it round her head.