“Keeley, whatever happened to your face?” Mairin demanded.

　　Keeley touched the sore place on her jaw. “Does it look bad?”

　　Mairin frowned. “There’s a bruise. I didn’t see it at first until you turned a certain way in the light. What happened?”

　　“Oh, ’tis nothing,” Keeley said brightly. “ ’Twas my clumsiness. ’Tis the truth I’m embarrassed. I wasn’t looking where I was going. Thank goodness no one was there to witness it.”

　　Mairin didn’t look convinced but didn’t pursue the topic.

　　“Now tell me, how are you feeling?”

　　“Tired but otherwise I feel well. ’Tis some soreness, but I’m eager to be up from my bed.” She looked pleadingly...