Anne looked at Mrs. Blacke intently and nodded. She blushed slightly when the woman mentioned boys, but she was more embarrassed about not liking them much yet than about liking them. "Thank you, Mrs. Blacke."

She held her breath as there was something begging to be said, but she didn't know quite how to ask for help. She bit her lip, frowned, made her cup turn round slowly on the table while she mustered up the courage.

"There is one thing... a question..." She looked up at Mrs. Blacke briefly. "Don't tell anyone I asked, please, but... Do you know how people get a divorce?"