April closed the book and handed it back without writing anything.
"If that is true, I really do not see what it has to do with you—or me," she said coldly.
"Oh, I know it is true," said Mrs. Stanislaw, airily ignoring the rest of April's remark. "I had it from a lady who is travelling second-class because she has a bevy of children. She knows Mrs. Bellew quite well, and, curiously enough, is a friend also of Cora Janis, who wrote to her some time ago asking her to look out for Miss Poole on the voyage. Naturally, Cora thought her governess would also be travelling second." Mrs. Stanislaw smiled drily. "She little knows our April Fool."
The girl's fascinated eyes watched the line of her smile. It was like a thin curved knife, all the crueller for being artificially reddened.
"Why should you have such a down on her?"
The older woman's hard, handsome eyes took expression of surprise.
"A down on her? You are mistaken. I am only sorry that a girl should so cheapen herself and her sex generally."
April could have shaken her, but it seemed wiser to try propitiation instead. Her own career, as well as Diana's reputation, was at stake.
"After all, she has harmed no one but herself, Mrs. Stanislaw. As for Captain Bellew, I daresay he told her long ago about his being married. . . ."
"If you think so you think worse of her than I do," said Mrs. Stanislaw acidly, "and I could hardly suppose that!"