"Oh, Iris," Elisabeth almost ran to her when she entered the room and squeezed her within her arms. Her friend let her go for a moment to study her face and took her back in the embrace, holding her tightly for a moment longer. "I was so worried. No news, no letters, nobody knew what happened to you."
"What are you talking about, Ellie?" Iris answered, almost laughing at her concern but holding it in seeing her serious face. "Ellie, I'm here, nothing happened to me… just marriage." She smiled comfortingly at her friend, trying to calm her.
She led her to the table prepared with freshly brewed tea and appetisers, but even when Elisabeth sat down, she didn't let go of Iris' hand.
"Why have you never answered my letters?"
"Letters? I only received one last autumn. And of course, I send one back."
"How could that be? I must have sent you dozens…"
"Dozens?"
