I gave her a friendly pat on the back and she flashed me a grateful look and disappeared into a bedroom.
I went on downstairs.
"I'found Megan," I said.
"She's coming."
"Oh, now, that is a good thing," exclaimed Elsie Holland.
"It will take her out of herself.
She's rather a nervy girl, you know. Difficult.
It will be a great relief to feel I haven't got her on my mind as well as everything else.
It's very kind of you, Miss Burton. I hope she won't be a nuisance.
Oh, dear, there's the telephone.
I must go and answer it. Mr. Symmington isn't fit."
She hurried out of the room.
Joanna said, "Quite the ministering angel!"
"You said that rather nastily," I observed.
"She's a nice, kind girl, and obviously most capable."
"Most.
And she knows it."
"This is unworthy of you, Joanna," I said.
"Meaning why shouldn't the girl do her stuff?"
"Exactly."
"I never can stand seeing people pleased with themselves," said Joanna.
"It arouses all my worst instincts.
How did you find Megan?"
"Crouching in a darkened room looking rather like a stricken gazelle."
"Poor kid.
She was quite willing to come?"
"She leaped at it."
A series of thuds out in the hall announced the descent of Megan and her suitcase.
I went out and took it from her.
Joanna, behind me, said urgently,
"Come on.
I've already refused some nice hot tea twice."
We went out to the car.
It annoyed me that Joanna had to sling the suitcase in.
I could get along with one stick now, but I couldn't do any athletic feats.
"Get in," I said to Megan.
She got in, I followed her.
Joanna started the car and we drove off.
We got to Little Furze and went into the drawing room.
Megan dropped into a chair and burst into tears.
She cried with the hearty fervour of a child - bawled, I think, is the right word.
I left the room in search of a remedy.
Joanna stood by feeling rather helpless, I think.
Presently I heard Megan say in a thick choked voice,
"I'm sorry for doing this.
It seems idiotic."
Joanna said kindly, "Not at all.
Have another handkerchief."
I gather she supplied the necessary article.
I reentered the room and handed Megan a brimming glass.