Fortunately it was given in a way which all but presupposed refusal.
'I am afraid I cannot,' she answered.

'My health is not good; I never see people.

Thank you very much.' 'Oh, of course I wouldn't put you out,' said Alice, inspecting her relative's face curiously.

And she added, rather more in her old voice, 'I'm sorry you lost your baby.

I believe you're fond of children?
I don't care anything about them myself; I hope I shan't have any.' Adela could not make any reply; she shook hands with Alice and took her leave, only breathing freely when once more in the street.