If I said something sharp just now, please forgive me.

I am--indeed, I am grateful to you and your mother." She paused.

It was hard for her to say what she felt she must say, for she did not know how her husband would receive her--he had done without her for so long; and she might need this girl and her mother sorely.

The girl was a friend in the best sense, or she would not have sent for her.
She must remind herself of this continually lest she should take wrong views.
Kitty nodded, but for a moment she did not reply.

Her hand was on the baize-covered desk.