'Was it Anne who made you drive with Lady Selsey, and not tell me about it? No, I can't believe you—I wish I could. This is all I've seen, so it's all you acknowledge. For a long time I've known that it was she who was between us. You have always cared for her. I suppose you always will. Well, I am not going to fight with her.'
She threw the note on the table.
'You can answer it! Say you'll go, but that I am going away. I shall probably go tomorrow.'
The door closed behind her. Cecil was left alone.
'By Jove!' he said to himself; and then more slowly, 'By—Jove!'
He lighted a cigarette and immediately threw it away. He rang the bell, and when the servant came, said he didn't want anything. He went into the dining-room, poured out some brandy-and-soda. He looked at it and left it untouched. Then, suddenly, he went upstairs. There was an expression on his face of mingled anxiety, slight amusement, and surprise. He went to her room. The door was locked.
'Hyacinth,' he said in a low voice, 'Hyacinth, darling, do open the door…. I want to speak to you. Do answer. You are quite mistaken, you know…. You know I don't care for anyone but you, dear. It's too absurd. Open the door!'
'Please go away, Cecil.'
'But, I say, I insist on your opening the door! I will come in; you're treating me shamefully, and I won't stand it. Do you hear?'
She came close to the door and said in a low, distinct voice—