ナンはアンお母さんに、神様と取引をしたけれど、まだその約束を守れずにいることを打明けます。
"Mummy, I have to tell you . . . I can't wait any longer. Mummy, I've cheated God."
Anne thrilled again to the soft touch of a child's little clinging hand . . . a child seeking help, and comfort in its bitter little problem. She listened while Nan sobbed out the whole story and managed to keep a straight face. Anne always had contrived to keep a straight face when a straight face was indicated, no matter how crazily she might laugh it over with Gilbert afterwards. She knew Nan's worry was real and dreadful to her; and she also realized that this small daughter's theology needed attention.
cling vi. すがりつく
Ex. The little boy clung to his father's hand.
その小さな男の子は父親の手にしがみついていた。
sob out すすり泣きながら話す
Ex. She sobbed out an account of her sad life.
彼女は自分の悲しい身の上話をすすり泣きながら物語った。
keep a straight face まじめくさった顔でいる。
contrive vt. どうにかこうにか（うまく） 〜する
Ex. I contrived to arrive in time after all.
なんとかどうやら遅れずに到着できた。
indicate vt. 必要とする、望ましい
Ex. Prompt action is indicated in a crisis.
危急の際には機敏な行動が必要だ。
「スラスラ話せる英会話＜ビジネス編＞」
