“Imitate him.”
Mrs. Lovell scanned the stalls.
“Always imitate the behaviour of the winners when you lose,” she resumed. “To speak of other things: I have had no letter of late from Edward. He should be anxious to return. I went this morning to see that unhappy girl. She consents.”
“Poor creature,” murmured Algernon; and added “Everybody wants money.”
“She decides wisely; for it is the best she can do. She deserves pity, for she has been basely used.”
“Poor old Ned didn't mean,” Algernon began pleading on his cousin's behalf, when Mrs. Lovell's scornful eye checked the feeble attempt.
“I am a woman, and, in certain cases, I side with my sex.”
“Wasn't it for you?”
“That he betrayed her? If that were so, I should be sitting in ashes.”
Algernon's look plainly declared that he thought her a mystery.