She got out of bed again and dressed methodically. This time she wasn't going to put up with any condition that detracted from her dignity. So, having done her hair afresh and satisfied herself that all traces of her breakdown had disappeared, she set out with a high degree of confidence to Gabrielle's room. There was no light in it, but while she stood at the door she heard Gabrielle softly singing to herself inside. Singing! … Mrs. Payne hardened her heart and knocked at the door. The singing stopped. There was no other sound. Then she knocked again. She heard a soft rustle as Gabrielle stepped to the door. The door opened, and Gabrielle, in her nightdress and bare feet, stood before her. She stared at Mrs. Payne. Who could guess that she knew the reason of her visit? She only said: "Oh … it's you! I wondered…."
"May I come in?" said Mrs. Payne in a hard voice. As a matter of fact nothing could have stopped her going in.
"Of course," said Gabrielle. "Do…." She shivered slightly.
"You'd better put on a dressing-gown," said Mrs. Payne firmly. "I want to talk to you."
Gabrielle obeyed her, like a small child, slipped an embroidered kimono over her shoulders and stood facing Mrs. Payne. She looked her straight in the eyes, and said in a low voice: "Well, what is it?"
"We won't pretend," said Mrs. Payne. "You know quite well what it is."
"Yes … I suppose you mean Arthur."
"And you."
"You saw us go out to-night … heard us?"
"Yes."