And the poor little thing, worn out by the series of terrific scenes in which she had been engaged, and by the misery and anxiety she had endured, rested her head on Mr. Robinson’s shoulder and cried and cried.
This was a sight which could not fail to impress Sheila Robinson deeply.
“Lucian!” she said, beginning to cry herself, and speaking in an imploring tone. “Please forgive me! Oh, please forgive me—and come over here!”
Robinson looked at his wife over Miss La Chêne’s shoulder. In his heart he felt extremely sorry to see that regal creature[Pg 203] brought low, but he meant never to admit this.
“The episode,” said he, “is ended. You have your bracelet—three of ’em in fact; so we’ll say no more about it.”
Then he looked at Mandeville. The young man was frowning heavily. He was profoundly displeased, but he was no longer contemptuous. On the contrary, he was envious.
“Er—Miss La Chêne!” said he.
She raised her head from Robinson’s shoulder, smiled uncertainly, and walked off to a corner of the room, there to dry her eyes. Mandeville followed her.
“Look here!” said he to her, very low. “Robinson’s a fine fellow, and so on, but he’s married!”
“What of it?” said she coldly. “Do I do anything wrong?”