"Give him no hint of what I've said. It would be so much better if the idea could come from himself."
"Impossible!" he cried.
"I don't know," she said thoughtfully. "He seems to be very frightened. How about some idea of—the lesser evil? He'd still be shocked—but his mind might be a little prepared."
"You're altogether too—well, shall I say diplomatic?—for me."
"Come, come," I interposed, "don't do the Church injustice!"
"Let's go out," said Jenny. "Wait a minute—I'll get a hat, and join you on the terrace. I expect Margaret and Amyas are still there." She walked out of the room with a light buoyant tread. Alison turned to me with a bewildered gesture of his arms, yet with a reluctant smile on his face.
"What am I to work on? I don't believe the woman has any conception of what sin means!"
"She has a considerable conception of the consequences of her actions."
"My dear fellow, as if that was at all the same thing! And what's her new game? What's she taking me on the terrace for?"
"To have a cup of tea, I suppose. It's nearly half-past five."