Nevins looked up with quick gratitude, and Ryder grew radiant. He smiled on his wife in affectionate admiration.
"Of course I will," he answered, and as they left the box he added: "You are magnificent. There is not a woman in town with your neck and arms."
She smiled faintly, unmoved by his words. She had learned long since that he still admired though he no longer desired her—and desire was the loadstar of his life.
Father Algarcife, looking at the box across from him, saw Mariana start suddenly and rise with an impulsive welcome as Mrs. Ryder entered. He could see the light on her face, and the frank pleasure of her greeting. Then, as the two women stood together, he saw Ryder glance from one to the other with his pleasant smile and turn to speak to Miss Ramsey. He heard Nevins breathing behind him, and he was conscious of a strange feeling of irritation against him. Why should he, who was at enmity with no man, cherish that curious dislike for one who was his friend?
"Mrs. Ryder is a creature to be adored," said Nevins to Miss Darcy. "She is Isis incarnate."
Miss Darcy responded with her flashing smile. "And Mrs. Gore's divinity?"
Nevins gave an embarrassed laugh.
"Oh, I am not sure that she is a goddess at all," he answered. "She is merely a woman."
CHAPTER VIII
As Mariana entered her house after the opera was over she unwound the lace scarf from her head, letting it trail like a silvery serpent on the floor behind her. Then she unfastened her long cloak, and threw it on a chair in the drawing-room.