"It argues ill for you that you should be obliged to ask such a question," says Miss Gower, with a lowering eye.
"Does it? How dreadful!" says Mrs. Chichester. She looks immensely amused. "Do you know I heard the other day that he was married again! It can't be true—can it?"
She appeals once again to Colonel Neilson, as if enjoying his discomfiture, and being willing to add to it through pure mischief. However, she is disappointed this time. Colonel Neilson does not know what to do with her appeal to him, and remains discreetly silent. He can see she is not in earnest.
"At all events, if true," says Mrs. Chichester, looking now at Miss Gower, and speaking in a confidential tone, "I am sure John will let me know about it."
"John" is Major Chichester.
Marryatt is leaning now so far over her that he is whispering in her ear.
"Is this—is this true?" questions he, in low but vehement tones.
"It—it may be. Who can tell?" returns she, with beautiful hesitation.
She subsides once again behind the invaluable fan. To him she seems to be trembling. To Margaret, who is watching her angrily, she seems to be laughing.
"You have evidently great faith in your husband," says Miss Gower, with what she fondly believes to be the most artful sarcasm.