But that was the only answer: I mustn't do it." They remained for a while with their arms round one another.

It struck Joan as curious, even at the time, that all feeling of superiority had gone out of her.

They might have been two puzzled children that had met one another on a path that neither knew.

But Joan was the stronger character.
"I want you to give me up that box," she said, "and to come away with me where I can be with you and take care of you until you are well." Mrs.Phillips made yet another effort.

"Have you thought about him ?" she asked.
Joan answered with a faint smile.