"Helen prefers to stay here," said Courtney. "So, I think I'll try."
Richard stared and frowned.
She smiled at Basil. "Richard is getting broad minded," she went on slowly, selecting her words. "A short time ago the idea of a woman in that laboratory of his would have upset him quite. I remember, when we were first married, I made the most desperate efforts to get him to let me help. He was finally quite rude about it." She spoke with no suggestion of resentment; and, indeed, that time seemed so remote, so like a part of another life or another person's life that she felt no resentment.
"I'm sure—we'll—both—be glad to have you," stammered Basil. He was confused before the instinct-born thought that those few apparently simple words of hers, so quietly and so good-humoredly spoken, were in fact the story of the matrimonial ruin he had found when he came—and was profiting by.
"I'll come down to-morrow," Courtney went on. "Helen can look after things here."
Helen could not conceal her relief; when the men were gone she said: "I'm so glad you got me out of that. Dick would have discovered what a stupid I am in about one hour, and he'd have despised me. I'd hate that, as I think he's wonderful. How proud you must be of him. Of course, Basil is very sweet—and such a gentleman—and how well he does dress! But Dick— They're not in the same class."
"No," said Courtney.
Just then Vaughan came hurrying in. "I forgot something I wanted to say to you, my dear," he began. "Come in here——"
Helen took the hint and hastened away. Vaughan went on, "Why on earth didn't you help me?"
Courtney looked interrogative. She felt a curious impersonal anger against him for having blunderingly interfered in her affairs.