Roope.

Was that the cause of the—the final——?

Philip.

[Nodding.] Yes. The following week her engagement to de Chaumié was announced.

Roope.

[After a slight pause.] Well, in spite of all this, I'm convinced she was genuinely attached to you, Phil—as fond of you as you were of her.

Philip.

[Resting his head on his hands.] Oh, shut up!

Roope.

Anyhow, here's an opportunity of testing it, dear excellent friend. She's been a widow twelve months; you need have no delicacy on that score.