She gave a short laugh. "My dear man, you forget that I am not an inexperienced miss just out the schoolroom! I am a widow, and if it comet to folly, why, I make a practice of behaving foolishly!"
"Just so, but that is no reason why you should not mend your ways."
She got up. "This is to no purpose. It is unthinkable that I should stay in your house. You are extremely kind, but -"
"Not at all," he interrupted. "I am merely protecting myself from the very just anger I am persuaded my brother would feel were he to find you putting up at a hotel when he returns to Brussels."
She said unsteadily: "Please - ! We will not speak of Charles. You don't wish me to make a fool of myself, imagine."
He did not answer; he was looking at Judith. She was obliged to recognise the propriety of his invitation. She did not like it, but good breeding compelled her to say, "My husband is right. I will have a room prepared at once, Lady Barbara. I hope you will not find it very disagreeable: we shall do our best to make your stay comfortable."
"Thank you. It is not I who would find such a visit disagreeable. You dislike me cordially: I do not blame you. I dislike myself."
Judith coloured, and replied in a cool voice: "I have not always done so. There have been times when I have liked you very well."
"You hated me for what I did to Charles."
"Yes."