We are to be away a year.

Lady Halifax is buying tickets, I am collecting light literature, and Elizabeth is in pursuit of facts.

Oh, we are deep in preparation.

I thought you knew." "How could I possibly know ?" "Elfrida didn't tell you, then ?" "Did she know ?" "Oh yes, ten days ago." "Odd that she didn't mention it." Janet told herself that it was odd, but found with some surprise that it was not more than odd.

There had been a time when the discovery that she and her affairs were of so little consequence to her friend would have given her a wondering pang; but that time seemed to have passed.
She talked lightly on about her journey; her voice and her thoughts, had suddenly been freed.