Reggie was conscious that Gertrude was within hearing, conscious also that Mrs. Rivière did not know his relations to her. Eva's name had caused the blood to rush up into his face, and Mrs. Rivière had been delighted with the success of her speech. The Princess had caught a few of her last words, and, looking up at Gertrude, she saw that she had heard too. She wheeled suddenly about, and approached Mrs. Rivière.
"There are simply twenty thousand people whom I don't know here," she said; "you really must come and introduce me to them. Who is that there in a green hat with little purple, bubbly things on it? I want to know anyone who wears purple and green. They must be so very brave; I respect brave people enormously. Come and introduce me. Villari has asked a lot of people I never saw before. I shall talk to him about the woman with purple bobbles!"
She drew Mrs. Rivière away, and Reggie turned round and found himself with Gertrude.
"I heard what that woman said to you," said Gertrude, simply. "It is only fair to tell you that."
She waited, looking at him expectantly, but he remained silent.
"Reggie," she said, touching his arm.
He raised his eyes and looked at her.
"Come and walk round the garden, Gerty," he said, "I have something to say to you."
Gerty's loyalty struggled again and again conquered.
"What you have to say to me can be said here, surely," she said gently and trustfully. "I do not even want you to deny the truth or any of the truth of what that woman said. I am ashamed of having told you that I heard. Forgive me instantly, please, Reggie, and then we'll have a stroll."