Page:Claire Ambler (1928).djvu/175

 "No, I don't," Mrs. Ambler replied with emphasis. "She isn't that type at all. She's a good woman, generous I'm sure; and she thinks of nothing in the world but her brother's welfare. By the way, speaking of welfare, the season here is getting rather late. Don't you think it's about time we were on our way back to Paris, as we planned? We've already been here a month longer than we intended to be when we came."

"Oh, Paris!" the daughter said impatiently. "I don't care if I never see Paris again!"

"We can't stay here into the very hot weather. Nobody does."

"Yes, but" Claire murmured, and sat frowning. "Surely she can't think that keeping me from ever being alone with him would do his welfare any good. I've told her myself that I'd do anything in the world for him."

"You told her that, Claire?"

"Yes," Claire said, and her softened eyes grew bravely moist, even under her mother's direct gaze. "I told her I'd give my life to be of any use to him. Then why does she"

Mrs. Ambler, herself troubled, shook her head. "I don't know, Claire."