"But all—all of them!"
Edna, usually undemonstrative, flung apart her hands in an expressive gesture.
"How can you ask, even? The pity of it all, Julian! That was what wrung my heart.... Oh, Julian! be careful."
Sir Julian, most skilful of drivers, had sent the car swerving recklessly round the sharp corner of Culmhayes drive.
"I beg your pardon, Edna."
Both were silent till the house was reached. The topic that occupied them both, however, was revived that evening.
This time Edna approached it from a less exalted point of view.
"It's very curious how much these people absorb one's thoughts. And yet, of course, it's not curious at all. They're fellow-creatures, after all. Sometimes I think the old Alderman is quite right. The best thing would be for Miss Marchrose to go. I wish she would resign of her own accord."
"I think," said Sir Julian, "that there is every chance of your wish being realised."
"Why?"