What she saw sped her on her way.
Adela was just descending the stairs, dressed to go out.

Alice let her go past without speaking, but followed her through the hall and into the garden.

Adela turned, saying gently-- 'Do you wish to speak to me ?' 'I'm sorry I said those things.

I didn't mean it.

I don't think it was your fault.' The other smiled; then in that voice which Stella had spoken of as full of forgiveness-- 'No, it is not my fault, Alice.