Emma listened, expecting from phrase to phrase some word which would be to her a terrible enlightenment But Alice had ceased, and the word still unspoken.
‘You say he sent me a message?’
She did not ask directly the cause of Mrs. Mutimer’s anger. Instinct told her that to hear the message would explain all else.
‘Emma, I’m afraid to tell you. You’ll blame me, like mother did.’
‘I shan’t blame you, Alice. Will you please tell me the message?’
Emma’s lips seemed to speak without her volition. The rest o her face was fixed and cold.
‘He’s married, Emma.’
‘He asked you to tell me?’
Alice was surprised at the self-restraint proved by so quiet an interrogation.
‘Yes, he did. Emma, I’m so, so sorry! If only you’ll believe I’m sorry, Emma! He made me come and tell you. He said if I didn’t you’d have to find out by chance, because he couldn’t for shame tell you himself. And he couldn’t tell mother neither. I’ve had it all to do. If you knew what I’ve gone through with mother! It’s very hard that other people should suffer so much just on his account. I am really sorry for you, Emma.’