'You're not going yet? You've only been here a few minutes.'

'Long enough,' Rose said cheerfully.

Tears came into Christabel's eyes. 'And Francis is out. If he doesn't
see you he'll be angry, he'll ask me why.'

'You can tell him.'

'But,' the tone changed, 'perhaps you'll see him on your way home.'

'Yes, and then I can tell him instead.'

The tears overflowed, she was helplessly angry, she sobbed.

'Be quiet,' Rose said sternly. 'I shall tell him nothing. You know
that. You are quite safe, whatever you choose to say to me. Perfectly
safe.'

'I know. I can't help it. I lie here and think. What would you do in
my place?'

'The same thing, I suppose,' Rose said.

'And you won't go?'

'Yes, I'm going. You can tell Francis I was obliged to get home
early.'