The fact is that there had been what reporters call a “scene” at Mrs. Pocklington’s. It so fell out that Isabel Bourne, accompanied by Maud Neston, called on Laura to receive congratulations. Laura did her duty, felicitated her friend on Tommy in possession and Tommy’s title in reversion, and loyally suppressed her personal opinion on the part these two factors had respectively played in producing the announced result. Her forbearance was ill-requited; for Maud, by way of clinching the matter and conclusively demonstrating the satisfactory position of affairs, must needs remark, “And what a lesson it will be for George!”
Laura said nothing.
“Oh, you mustn’t say that, dear,” objected Isabel. “It’s really not right.”
“I shall say it,” said Maud; “it’s so exactly what he deserves, and I know he feels it himself.”
“Did he tell you so?” asked Laura, pausing in the act of pouring out tea.
Maud laughed.
“Hardly, dear. Besides, we are not on speaking terms. But Gerald and Mr. Myles both said so.”
“Gerald and Mr. Myles!” said Laura.
“Please, don’t talk about it,” interposed Isabel. “What has happened made no difference.”