"Is it wise, Lady George, to give importance to a little trifle?"
"I don't know what you call a trifle."
"I had known him before you did; and, though it had not suited me to become his wife, I had always liked him. Then the intimacy sprang up again; but what did it amount to? I believe you read some foolish letter?"
"I did read a letter, and I was perfectly sure that my husband had done nothing, I will not say to justify, but even to excuse the writing of it. I am quite aware, Mrs. Houghton, that it was all on one side."
"Did he say so?"
"You must excuse me if I decline altogether to tell you what he said."
"I am sure he did not say that. But what is the use of talking of it all. Is it necessary, Lady George, that you and I should quarrel about such a thing as that?"
"Quite necessary, Mrs. Houghton."
"Then you must be very fond of quarrelling."
"I never quarrelled with anybody else in my life."