"No, it wasn't. But then I was particularly lonely, and literally had no
one to tell. Whereas," she added with brisk good sense, "you have _me_."
For several minutes there was unbroken silence, and then Brigit said
slowly, "I believe you're right. And I'll tell you. It's about--myself,
of course; nothing else could upset me to this extent! You know I'm
engaged to Theo Joyselle. Well--I love his father."
Her voice was defiant, as if deprecating in advance any cut-and-dried
disapproval.
Pam did not answer for a moment. Then "Is his mother--I mean Theo's
mother--alive?" she then asked, drawing up her knees and clasping them
comfortably.
"Yes."
"That--is a pity."
"A pity! Aren't you shocked and frightened?"
"I'm sure I'm not shocked, and I don't think I am frightened. Brigit,
does Theo know?"
Then Brigit turned, her face white under the sunburnt skin. "No. I
am--afraid to tell him."
"Afraid?"
"Yes, afraid. If I broke the engagement, Joyselle would be furious, and
come and scold me."
"Surely you aren't afraid of being scolded?"
"By him, yes. If we had a row--the whole thing would come out."
"I don't see why."
The girl frowned. "You are you, and I am I.
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