Babba had put forward the constant companionship of Ora and Ashley Mead at once as evidence that the report was not true and as the explanation of its being circulated; Irene was inclined to attribute to it only the first of these functions.
"She goes on very oddly, if it is," she murmured. "But then she is odd."
"It's true, depend upon it," said Bowdon.
His solid persistence both comforted and exasperated her. She desired to think the report true, but she did not wish him to accept it merely in the unquestioning loyalty to Ora Pinsent which his tone implied. A thing was not true simply because Ora chose to say it; men lose all their common-sense where a woman is concerned; so say women themselves; so said Irene Kilnorton.
"What impresses me," she went on, "is that Ashley Mead told me."
"I suppose he got his information from her."
"Of course; but he can judge." She paused and added, "It's a very good thing, if it is true."
"Is it?" asked Bowdon. The question was an almost naked dissent.
Irene looked at him severely.