But don't you think--for both our sakes--you'd better leave me all the dignity you can ?" Laughter was playing round the speaker's small pale lips, and Helena answered it with interest.
"Does that mean that you'll have to manage me?
Did Cousin Philip tell you you must?
But that--I may as well tell you at once--is a vain delusion.

Nobody ever managed me! Oh, yes, my superior officer in the Women's Corps--she was master.

But that was because I chose to make her so.

Now I'm on my own--and all I can offer--I'm afraid!--is an alliance--offensive and defensive." Mrs.Friend looked at the radiant vision opposite to her with its hands on its sides, and slowly shook her head.
"Offensive--against whom ?" "Cousin Philip--if necessary." Mrs.Friend again shook her head.
"Oh, you're in his pocket already!" cried Helena with a grimace.

"But never mind.