"I hinted nothing, because I'm not sure--how can I be when I tell you I don't know Lady Errington?"
"You appear to have studied her pretty closely at all events."
"A mere whim on my part, I assure you; besides, Guy has written to me about his wife, and I--well I've gathered a lot of nonsensical ideas from his letters."
"Then there is a possibility that she does not love him," persisted Otterburn, a trifle maliciously.
"How annoying you are, Macjean," said Eustace in a vexed tone. "Of course there are always possibilities. In this case, however, I can only refer you to Heine, 'There is always one who loves and one who is loved."
Otterburn saw that Eustace was rather annoyed at his persistency, so did not press the point, but contented himself with observing:
"Well, I think I know Lady Errington's character pretty well by this time. She is a charming woman with a bad history, a serious face, and a wifely regard for an adoring husband. Am I right?"
"Well, yes--to a certain extent."
"Still, all this does not explain the whole of your incomplete Madonna phrase. Tell me exactly what you mean."
Eustace thought for a moment, and then began to speak in his slow languid voice.