Virginia entered from the bedroom where she had been busy packing some things. Running up to her, Fanny said quickly:
"You know I didn't mean what I said about leaving him."
Virginia looked steadily at her without answering. There was a moment's pause during which each sister looked at the other, as if trying to read her most secret thoughts. Finally, the younger one said:
"You didn't really?"
"No—honest, I didn't. I don't think I could leave him, no matter what he did. I love him! And you love Robert, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Well, a woman couldn't deliberately leave the man she loves, could she?"
Virginia made no reply and, anxiously, Fanny demanded again.
"Could she?"
Virginia nodded. Slowly she said: