Reinette's lips pressed together tightly, the only indication of her distress. In some thing, she was simply too well schooled. And there was nothing to be gained by hysterics on her part. No outcome that would be changed.

She left. And they, in turn, left her.

It was simply the way of things.

"There is nothing to apologize for."

Reinette was hightly aware of her own double speak.

You need not apologize to me. It is my behaivot I am shamed of.

It was not what was heard, of course.