"Oh, I thought you were at Doris'," Henrietta interrupted.
"I did see her," Basine answered, "but only for a few seconds. I spent most of the afternoon in conference."
"Congratulations," Aubrey spoke. "Mac and I were going to...."
Schroder stood up.
"What do you say if we take a walk, Mrs. Gilchrist," he whispered loudly. "Your husband insists that I get out. And I won't unless you come along."
He laughed good-naturedly until Aubrey smiled, and nodded to his wife.
"If you wish, Fanny."
"It's awfully nice outside," Fanny agreed after a pause during which she looked carefully out of the window. Basine reached for his wife's hand and drew her toward his chair.
"You're looking very well," he smiled at her. A pleasant light came to her eyes. For a moment the youthfulness that people had once admired when they had called her "such an enthusiastic girl" returned to her manner.
"Oh now George!" she exclaimed. Basine felt a catch in his heart. A remorse, as if he had done something, came over him. He patted her hand tenderly. Henrietta repeated but in an almost colorless voice, "Oh, George."