"End it? How?"
"By behaving as Vivien's fiancé ought."
"Or by not being Vivien's fiancé any longer?"
"What, Harry love? What's that about not being Vivien's fiancé any longer?" Mrs. Belfield was roused by words admitting of so startling an interpretation.
"Well, we shall be married soon, shan't we, mother?"
"How stupid of me, Harry dear!" Sleep again descended. Harry swore softly; Isobel laughed low.
"This is ridiculous!" she remarked. "Couldn't you take just one turn with Vivien's companion? Your mother might hear straight just once."
"I'll be hanged if I chance it to-night," said Harry. "I'll take Wellgood on at billiards."
"Yes, go and do that; it's much better. It may bring back your colour, Harry."
Harry looked at her in exasperation—and in longing. "I wish there wasn't a woman in the world!" he growled.