'What an extraordinary thing that you should ask me that,' she replied slowly, 'because Mr.Mallinson asked it too.' She paused for a second or so and went on.

'I have never thought of him in that way, I am sure.

Oh no!' and she roused herself from her attitude of deliberation and crossed to the window, speaking briskly as she went.

'I had quite a different reason.' Mrs.Willoughby looked at her sharply but said nothing, and presently Clarice turned back into the room as though moved by a sudden impulse.
'Can I write a note here ?' she asked.
'Certainly,' replied Mrs.Willoughby, and she set some envelopes and paper on the table.

Clarice wrote a few lines and tore them up.