He replied sternly: "He is not such a boy but that he knew very well what he was about when he made advances to my promised wife!"
"It was very bad," she acknowledged. "But, though I do not like to say this to you, Charles, I believe it way not all his fault."
"No! That is evident!" he returned. He walked over to the window and stood staring out. After a slight pause, he said in a quieter voice: "Well, now for the rest, if you please."
"I do not like the office of talebearer."
He gave a short laugh. "You need not be squeamish. Judith. I suppose I have only to listen to what the gossips are saying to learn the whole of it."
"You would hear a garbled version, I assure you."
"Then you had better let me hear the true version."
"I only know what Harriet has told me. I am persuaded that had it not been for her conduct, which you know, was very bad, the affair would never have gone beyond that one unfortunate evening in the suburbs. But she cut Lady Barbara in the rudest way! That began it. I could see how angry Lady Barbara was indeed, I didn't blame her. I hoped her anger would cool. I think it might have - I think, in fact, it had cooled. Then came the Duchess of Richmond's party. I saw Lady Barbara look round the hall when she arrived, and I can vouch for her having made no sign to Perry. I don't think she gave him as much as a civil bow. There was a lull in the conversation; everyone was staring at Lady Barbara - you know how they do! - and Harriet made a remark there could be no misunderstanding. It was stupid and ill-bred: I know I felt ready to sink. She then told Perry that she wished to remove into the salon, saying that the hall was too hot for her. Lady Barbara could not but hear. It was said, moreover, in such a tone as to leave no room for anyone to mistake its meaning."
She paused. The Colonel had turned away from the window, and was attending to her with a look of interest. He was still frowning, but not so heavily, and at the back of his eyes she fancied she could perceive the suspicion of a smile. "Go on!" he said.
She laughed. "Worth said that in its way it was perfect. I suppose it was."