 first let me say one thing. You remember that Mr. Elgar
once had doubts about my character. He was anxious on your account, lest you
should be friendly with a person who was not all he could desire from the moral
point of view. He did me justice at last, but it was very painful, as you will
understand, to be suspected by one who embodies such high morality.«
    There was no virulence in her tone; she spoke as though quietly defending
herself against some unkindness. But Cecily could not escape her eyes, which
searched and stabbed.
    »Why do you say this?«
    »Because I am weak, and therefore envious. Why should you reject my
sympathy? I could be a better friend to you than any you have. I myself have no
friend; I can't make myself liked. I feel dreadfully alone, without a soul who
cares for me. I am my husband's plaything, and of course he scorns me. I am sure
he laughs at me with his friends and mistresses. And you too scorn me, though I
have tried to make you my friend. Of course it is all at an end between us now.
I understand your nature; it isn't quite what I thought.«
    Cecily heard, but scarcely with understanding. The word for which she was
waiting did not come.
    »Why« she asked, »do you speak of offering me sympathy? What do you hint
at?«
    »Seriously, you don't know?«
    »I don't,« was the cold answer.
    »Why did you go abroad without your husband?«
    It came upon Cecily with a shock. Were people discussing her, and thus
interpreting her actions?
    »Surely that is my own business, Mrs. Travis. I was in poor health, and my
husband was too busy to accompany me.«
    »That is the simple truth, from your point of view?«
    »How have you done me the honour to understand me?«
    Mrs. Travis examined her; then put another question.
    »Have you seen your husband since you arrived?«
    »No, I have not.«
    »And you don't know that he is being talked about everywhere - not exactly
for his moral qualities?«
    Cecily was mute. Thereupon Mrs. Travis opened the little sealskin-bag that
lay on her lap, and took out a newspaper. She held it to Cecily, pointing to a
certain report. It was a long account of lively proceedings at a police-court
